The beauty of this simple, homemade taco seasoning recipe is that it is highly adaptable. I will add about 1 tablespoon to ground beef for a delicious mild effect or 3 tablespoons to ground beef for a “hotter” more distinct flavor. We use this in our 7-Can Taco Soup and Taco Dip appetizer!
Taco Seasoning
Our preference for tacos is just about as conservative as it gets! Seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and shells. We love this combination so much that we eat it at least once a week. 🙂 Feel free to spice it up to your preference, add some sour cream, jalapenos, black olives, taco sauce, or some crunchy shells. That is why tacos are so popular at our house. Each meal can be a little bit different.
I like to use organic canned beans and mash them right in the pan for our refried beans. Everyone seems to like the extra texture! Homemade taco seasoning is a great way to know exactly what you are eating and to control the “temperature” of your hamburger.
One last thing, you can make a big batch even if you don’t make tacos that often. Ours lasts us a few months, the dried spices store well. Just make sure you give the mixture a good shake before you use it again. The heavier spices like to settle.
Why make your own seasoning blends?
We love to use the freshest ingredients when I make any of my pre-made seasonings, but there are a number of other reasons it is beneficial to make your own seasoning mixes at home.
Save Money – It’s a lot cheaper to make your own seasoning blends, all you are basically doing is mixing them together. More than likely, you already own everything you need.
Avoid Toxins – Most spice blends contain chemicals that you wouldn’t know about unless you specifically read the label. Their primary purpose is to keep the blends from getting lumpy but do not change the flavor.
Adjust to Personal Preference – Like it a little spicier? Use more red pepper or add some cayenne. Have a dietary restriction? You can avoid or swap in spices that work with your food plan.
Looking for Other Spice Blends?
Homemade Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
Homemade Instant Chocolat Pudding Mix
Where can I use this homemade taco seasoning recipe?
You can use this taco seasoning for other things as well. Consider using this taco seasoning recipe on chicken for chicken tacos, and in cream cheese for the worlds BEST Taco Dip. We also use it in 7 can chicken taco soup as well as slow cooker chicken taco soup and chicken tortilla casserole. There are so many different ways you can modify and use this for your own family. Be sure to comment and let me know how you use this homemade taco seasoning recipe in your home!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
From scratch homemade taco seasoning is a great way to know exactly what you are eating and to control the “temperature” of your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir with a fork or whisk until fully incorporated.
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Store in an airtight container. (3 tablespoons of this mix equals one packet of store bought seasoning.)
Did you make Homemade Taco Seasoning?
I want to hear about it! Take a picture and tag me on Instagram or on Facebook. I would love to see your finished product! Make sure to tag me @iamhomesteader or hashtag #iamhomesteader, or both!
Virginia says
March 4, 2017 at 10:16 pmCould you use this taco seasoning in place of the chilli seasoning in your grandmother’s chili recipe? Or is there a grand difference between chilli and taco seasoning? (I’m Australian)
APOORVA SINGH says
March 13, 2019 at 8:33 amI luv to see & sure first i want to make & tast….i think its yummy…hv a good day
Helen says
June 17, 2018 at 4:12 pmThis looks wonderful. I really like the looks of many of your recipes
Patrick Smith says
December 20, 2018 at 4:11 amThese are all the ingredients I use ( except cinnamon ) After I brown the Hamburger and drain it, I put a can of Pinto Beans and a medium sweet Onion in the food processor and get it like lumpy gravy, then I mix it in with the Hamburger. I add a half a Bell pepper chopped, one Tomato chopped, Garlic salt, Red Pepper Flakes, and chili powder. It only needs to simmer 5 to 10 minutes. I not only use this for Tacos, but it is great for Burritos also. It is so delicious that I sometimes just eat it like chili. Mixing Hamburger and Pinto Beans create a flavor that cant be beat. Just remember to salt and pepper it because Pinto Beans need the salt to bring out its flavor.
Linda says
December 20, 2018 at 11:12 amWondering why this couldn’t be made in a big batch and used when you needed it?
Linda Woestendiek says
March 11, 2019 at 11:21 pmHow long can this be kept if it’s in a sealed jar or container?