Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe

One of my favorite things to do is “hack” recipes for store bought products to make them healthier and cheaper at home.

There’s not a single recipe in this category I use more than my homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe.

Trust me when I tell that there is no need to buy a store-bought packet of taco seasoning ever again. Raid the spice cupboard for a few everyday ingredients and you’ll be digging into a platter of crunchy tacos, or a loaded taco bowl in no time!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

1. No packet needed. Forgot to pick up a taco seasoning packet at the store for taco night? Use this recipe which packs the same seasoning power as a standard-size taco seasoning packet (usually around ~1oz).
2. Less expensive. Some organic brands of taco seasoning packets sell for up to $3 or more. This recipe is much more economical and tastes the same.
3. No fillers. Even organic brands of taco seasonings are full of fillers and flow agents like rice powder and rice concentrate, cornstarch, and maltodextrin.
4. Adjust the sodium. Sensitive to salt? Use less or eliminate it from this recipe altogether.
5. Versatile. This recipe is perfect for taco night but you can use it to flavor any recipe that calls for a taco seasoning packet. Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe makes a heaping 2 Tablespoons of taco seasoning that can be used interchangeably with a ~1oz store-bought seasoning packet. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chili powder. Most chili powders are sold as a blend and include garlic and salt, just a heads up!
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Paprika. You can use smoked paprika, but use half the amount called for in this recipe (smoked paprika is very potent).
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Gluten Free Herbs and Spices

I’m frequently asked about the gluten free herbs and spices I use for my recipes.

• Fresh and dried herbs and spices are inherently gluten free but they can become contaminated if they’re processed on shared lines with gluten-containing products, combined with non gluten-free ingredients like dried soy sauce, or use wheat flour as as thickener.

That said, I recommend McCormick brand for gluten free herbs and spices like chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, etc. — they will always call out allergens on their product labels (as of 10/24).

How to Use Taco Seasoning

This recipe makes enough to season 1lb cooked meat, beans, or cubed pressed tofu. Or, use it in any recipe that calls for a packet of store-bought taco seasoning including skillets, soups, and chili.

Here are some ideas:

• Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper
• Mini Taco Meatloaf
• Beef Taco Bowls
• Taco Chili
• Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
• Smothered Sweet Potato Fries
• Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
• Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet

Use in Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper

How to Make this Recipe

Step 1: Cook the protein.

Start by browning or cooking 1lb of the protein of your choice. These photos show ground beef.

Diced or ground chicken or ground turkey are great options, as well as cubed pressed tofu, or black or pinto beans.

Step 2: Add the seasoning mix.

Drain the beef, in this case, if necessary then sprinkle on the seasoning mix and add 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock or broth, or water then stir to combine.

That’s it!

How to Store Homemade Taco Seasoning

Feel free to make the seasoning mix then store it in an airtight glass container for up to 6 months in advance. If you’re looking to make a large batch to have on hand, definitely check out my Large Batch Homemade Taco Seasoning.

Cheers to never having to buy a packet of taco seasoning again! Enjoy!

Photos by Ashley McLaughlin

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