Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

This healthy homemade taco seasoning mix is super easy to make and full of flavor. Skip all the fillers, MSG, and weird preservatives. This recipe uses the perfect combination of spices for that classic taco flavor – and you can make it as mild or spicy as you want!

Making Your Taco Seasoning Mix Mild or Extra Spicy

I left it up to you to decide how much cayenne pepper (or dried jalapenos) to add to this recipe, since everyone has a different preference when it comes to spicy foods. Here are some tips for getting the heat just right:

• Start with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a mild level of heat. Then taste test a little bit of the seasoning mix and adjust as needed.
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper will give you a medium level of heat and ¾ teaspoon will amp it up to extra spicy.
• For a very mild taco seasoning mix, replace the cayenne pepper with paprika.
• If you like your tacos extra, extra spicy, replace the cayenne with dried habanero pepper instead. Be careful – a little goes a long way!

FAQs for this Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe

Here are some common questions I get about this DIY taco seasoning mix:

Do you add taco seasoning before or after cooking ground beef?

Add your homemade taco seasoning mix after fully cooking your ground meat. If you add it before, you risk burning some of the spices as you brown the meat. You’ll also lose a lot of the flavoring when you drain the meat.

Do you drain ground beef before adding homemade taco seasoning?

Yes. For the best flavor, completely drain your ground beef, return it to the pan, and then add your seasoning. This prevents your taco meat from having a greasy texture and will also ensure you have the perfect water to taco seasoning ratio (2:1).

Do you need to add water to taco seasoning mix?

Yes, the water combines with the taco seasoning to form a sauce that evenly coats all of the ground meat. As you simmer the sauce, it will thicken to create that perfect taco meat texture.

How much water do you add to the taco seasoning?

Add about ½ cup of plain water per ¼ cup of homemade taco seasoning mix. This will season one pound of ground beef. You can easily double the water and seasoning mix to prepare two pounds of taco meat.

How long can you keep taco seasoning?

With proper storage, your taco seasoning mix can last for 2-3 years. Store in an airtight container (I like these wide mouth canning jars) in a dry, dark location for maximum shelf life.

Can I make a big batch of this taco seasoning mix?

Yes! I have instructions for making a giant batch below the main recipe.

More Ways to Use This Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Taco seasoning isn’t just for tacos! Here are a few fun ways you can use your taco seasoning in other dishes:

• Use on any ground or shredded beef, turkey, or chicken for that delicious taco flavoring. (It’s a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving!)
• Sprinkle on scrambled eggs or omelets to spice up breakfast.
• Add 1/4 cup to flavor a batch of crockpot refried beans.
• Mix with softened butter and spread on corn on the cob.
• Add to grilled chicken or steak for fajitas.
• Sprinkle on french fries or tater tots (if you like flavored fries, check out my homemade french fry seasoning).
• Spice up your baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Toss with roasted cauliflower or sauteed veggies.

How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning Mix

This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is simple to prepare and adds the perfect flavor to your ground beef. This recipe is the equivalent of one taco seasoning packet (or just the right amount to season one pound of ground beef).

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper or dried jalapenos to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients and store in a canning jar or other airtight container.
2. Add 1/4 cup of mix and 1/2 cup water for every pound of cooked ground beef or turkey.
3. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated and the mixture has thickened into a sauce.

How to Make a Giant Batch of Taco Seasoning Mix

This makes about 3 cups of taco seasoning mix and can be stored long-term in wide mouth canning jars.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chili powder (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup cumin
• 1/4 cup coriander
• scant 1/4 cup garlic salt
• 3 Tablespoons dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper or dried jalapenos to taste (start with 1 Tablespoon)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients and store in a canning jar or other airtight container.
2. Add 1/4 cup of mix and 1/2 cup water for every pound of cooked ground beef or turkey.
3. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated and the mixture has thickened into a sauce.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Yield: This makes enough seasoning mix for 1 pound of meat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This healthy homemade taco seasoning mix is super easy to make and full of flavor. Skip out on all the fillers, MSG, and weird preservatives. This recipe uses the perfect combination of spices for that classic taco flavor – and you can make it as mild or spicy as you want!

Print

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper or dried jalapenos, to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients and store in a canning jar or other airtight container.
2. Add 1/4 cup of mix and 1/2 cup water for every pound of cooked ground beef or turkey.
3. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated and the mixture has thickened into a sauce.

Notes

Because everything is better when it’s taco-flavored:

• Add 1/4 cup to flavor a batch of Crockpot Refried Beans
• Mix with softened butter and spread on corn on the cob
• Add to grilled chicken or steak for fajitas
• Sprinkle on french fries or tater tots (if you like flavored fries, check out my favorite french fry seasoning)
• Toss with roasted cauliflower
• Spice up your baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.