Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Skip packaged store-bought mixes and MAKE YOUR OWN! Homemade Taco Seasoning is done in minutes. The ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry!

Recently I made my famous Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken (this is THE BEST easy dinner) and got hung up on the fact that the taco seasoning packets I had in my pantry contained ingredients that my husband’s tummy does not like. So I begrudgingly made my own. I didn’t have high hopes for the end result, but I was super pleasantly surprised.

I will not be buying taco seasoning mix from the store EVER. AGAIN. It was a great addition to my Cilantro Lime Chicken and also went great with ground beef for taco night. This is a super simple, great recipe.

Once I started making my own seasoning, I couldn’t believe how often I was reaching into the cupboard for it.

WATCH THIS VIDEO TUTORIAL TO SEE HOW TO MAKE TACO SEASONING!

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

If you use this zingy seasoning regularly, the homemade version is worth making. It’s super affordable (you probably have all of the ingredients sitting in your spice cupboard!) and a little bit really does go a long, long way. Plus you have control over exactly what you are seasoning your meat with. No more store bought taco seasoning, people!

STEP 1 IS THE ONLY STEP! WOO!

In a small bowl, combine the following:

• Chili powder

• Cumin

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt

• Pepper

• Cayenne pepper

• Oregano

Mix well and that is IT!

RECIPE NOTES: HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

• Cayenne pepper is optional. Omit this ingredient for a mild seasoning.
• Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for a smokier flavor.
• If you know you will be using a lot of this, make a big batch! Double or even triple the recipe to have a ton on hand.
• If you find this mixture is too salty for your taste, feel free to cut the salt, garlic powder and onion powder in half.

HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

This seasoning can be stored in airtight container at room temperature in a cupboard or pantry. Be sure to add it to a mason jar or a small container that seals tightly. Store for up to 1 year! But I’ll bet a million dollars it won’t last that long.

HOW TO MAKE TACO MEAT

I absolutely love that taco meat is so easy to make AND it is so super delicious. It tastes great in about a thousand different recipes. To make a batch, cook 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey or beef in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink.

Drain the grease from the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water and cook until the liquid has reduced. This will take approximately 10 minutes.

USES FOR TACO MEAT

I love that there are so many different recipes to put taco meat into and so many ways to use it to make food tastier. Here are a few ideas for you!

• Make Taco Cups! This is one of my favorite finger foods to serve at parties. Enjoy a taco in just a few bites!

• Traditional tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas or enchiladas were made for taco meat.

• Add it to chili for an extra kick!

• TACO SALAD! Or throw some into your next batch of Taco Ranch Pasta Salad for a meatier party food.

• Add it to your next batch of Mac & Cheese!

• Throw it on top of a plate of nachos.

• Replace ground beef with taco meat in Shepherd’s Pie.

USES FOR HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

If you grow tired of taco meat, we need to have a chat. I’m kidding, but here are a few other ideas for ways to use taco seasoning if you don’t love taco meat like I do.

• Stir it into any creamy dip (yum).

• Really, you could add it to just about any meat-based meal to transform it into a tasty, spicy food. I’m thinking meatballs, burgers or even chicken.

• Use it as a rub on your next Rotisserie chicken or batch of ribs!

• Add it to salad dressing for an extra zing.

Well, I hope this inspires you to make some taco meat. Thank you so much for being here, friends. Stop back and let me know if your family loved this recipe AND tell me what you added it to! There are so many delicious options!