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Learn how to make your own taco seasoning with real ingredients you probably have in your pantry! Homemade taco seasoning is so easy to make, is healthier than anything you’ll find in the store and makes any enchilada or taco casserole recipe taste so much better.
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When we last spoke, I talked to you about the best every taco casserole recipe my friend from the DR shared with me.
When discussing the casserole, she mentioned taco seasoning as part of the recipe. Both rather health conscience, she said she either made her own or she bought an organic taco seasoning, but preferred not to do that because of the cost.
Sadly, we’re often posed with a choice between our health, convenience, and budget.
If it’s quick, it’s probably not healthy. And if it’s healthy and convenient, it’s probably not in my budget.
You too?
Let’s not linger in that frustration. Most everything we want to eat can be made right here in our own kitchens for a fraction of the cost. Especially something as simple as taco seasoning.
If you’ve ever stared at the loooong list of ingredients on taco seasoning, you probably thought, “It shouldn’t be this way.” And then, “I wonder if anyone knows how to make your own taco seasoning?”
My answer to both of your thoughts is yes.
Packaged food should not be this way. So, let me teach you how to make your own taco seasoning in five minutes flat with no fancy ingredients.
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
My number one reason for learning how to make your own taco seasoning is that I’m allergic to paying for things I can do myself. When you buy packaged taco seasoning, you’re paying for convenience and little else.
Making your own taco seasoning at home is quick, affordable, and gives you complete control over the ingredients (I’m looking at you, MSG). Many store-bought taco seasoning packets contain extra sodium, preservatives, and fillers, but a homemade version can be made with simple pantry spices in just minutes.
When you learn how to make your own taco seasoning, you can easily adjust the spice level, reduce the salt, or add extra smoky flavor depending on your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Taco Seasoning
Other than the satisfaction of making your own pantry staple, you’ll love learning how to make your own taco seasoning because:
- It only takes a few minutes to mix together.
- Uses simple spices most kitchens already have.
- You can control the salt and heat level.
- It stores well and can be used in many recipes.
- It tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought packets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This homemade taco seasoning uses a combination of warm spices that create the classic taco flavor.
- Chili powder – The base of the seasoning blend that provides rich, mild heat.
- Cumin – Adds warm, earthy flavor typical in taco seasoning.
- Onion powder – Provides savory depth without needing fresh onion.
- Garlic powder – Adds classic garlic flavor to the blend.
- Smoked paprika – Gives the seasoning a slightly smoky flavor.
- Oregano – Adds a subtle herbal note that balances the spices.
- Salt – Enhances all of the flavors.
- Black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – For extra spice if desired (I don’t usually add cayenne because I’m feeding little ones).
- Arrowroot powder – Helps thicken the taco sauce when the seasoning is cooked with meat.
- Sugar – Balances the acidity and spice for a well-rounded flavor.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Step 1: Combine the spices. Add the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), arrowroot powder, and sugar to a small bowl.
Step 2: Mix the seasoning. Stir the spices together until the mixture is evenly combined and there are no clumps.
Step 3: Store the seasoning. Transfer the homemade taco seasoning to an airtight container or spice jar and store it in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Step 4: Season the meat. When cooking ground beef, turkey, or chicken, sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of the taco seasoning over the meat while it cooks.
Step 5: Add water and simmer. Pour in ½ cup of water, stir well, and allow the mixture to simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes fragrant.
Recipes That Use Taco Seasoning
Once you know how to make your own taco seasoning, try using it in:
- Taco salads
- Homemade salsa with canned tomatoes
- Taco casserole
- Ground beef tacos
- Taco bowls
- Mexican soups
FAQs about How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?
Most store-bought taco seasoning packets contain about 2–3 tablespoons of seasoning, which is roughly the same amount used to season one pound of ground meat.
Why add arrowroot powder to taco seasoning?
Arrowroot powder helps thicken the sauce when water is added to the meat and seasoning mixture, creating a rich, saucy taco filling. Most packaged taco seasonings contain cornstarch, which can be inflammatory to the gut and difficult to digest, so I use arrowroot powder as a gentler alternative.
How spicy is homemade taco seasoning?
This blend is mild to moderately spiced. The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to make the seasoning milder or spicier.
How to Batch Prep Homemade Taco Seasoning
If you want a larger batch of this taco seasoning recipe, try these measurments:
- 1 cup chilli powder
- 1/2 cup cumin
- 1/4 cup onion powder
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
- 1/4 cup smoked paprika
- 2 tbs oregano
- 2 tbs salt
- 1 tbs black pepper
- 1-2 tbs cayenne
- 2 tbs arrowroot powder
- 1 tbs sugar
- 1/2-1 tbs cayenne pepper
Mix everything together and store it in an airtight container.
This makes about 2 cups of taco seasoning and will last you a good while!
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chilli powder
- 2 tbs ground cumin
- 1 tbs onion powder
- 1 tbs garlic powder
- 1 tbs smoked paprika
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2-1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the spices. Add all of the taco seasoning ingredients to a small bowl and stir well until the spices are evenly mixed.
- Store the seasoning. Transfer the homemade taco seasoning to an airtight container or spice jar and store it in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
- Use the taco seasoning. When cooking ground beef, turkey, or chicken, add 2–3 tablespoons of the taco seasoning to the meat as it cooks.
- Add water and simmer. Pour in ½ cup of water, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes fragrant.
- Serve. Use the seasoned meat in tacos, burritos, taco bowls, casseroles, or any recipe that calls for taco seasoning.
You’ll Never Go Back to Store-Bought Taco Seasoning!
That’s it, friends! Now you know how to make your own taco seasoning that makes all of your homemade tacos, enchiladas, and Mexican casseroles taste infinitely better (and healthier!). Now that you’ve pioneered your own taco seasoning, you can move over to making a sourdough starter or ginger bug, right? Did I go too far? Happy baking, friend!
[…] Taco seasoning – Adds classic taco flavor to the beef and beans. For homemade seasoning, check out our How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning guide! […]