Ditch the packet! My easy Taco Seasoning recipe is is free from unnecessary additives and thickeners. Each batch seasons 1lb of cooked meat or beans, or use the blend in soups, chilis, and casseroles.
“The only one we make in our house – it’s perfect!”
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
- 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).
- 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.
- No fillers. Even organic brands of taco seasonings are full of fillers and flow agents like rice powder and rice concentrate, cornstarch, and maltodextrin.
- Adjust the sodium. Sensitive to salt? Use less or eliminate it from this recipe altogether.
- 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
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItGluten 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
Recipe Tip
This taco seasoning recipe pairs well with beef, chicken, or turkey, cubed pressed tofu, or any bean — especially black beans and pinto beans!
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!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup beef or chicken broth, or water
Directions
- Add the seasonings to a small bowl then stir to combine.
- Add the taco seasoning mix and broth or water to 1lb cooked ground meat/beans/tofu then stir to combine and use as desired.
Notes
- This taco seasoning recipe makes the equivalent to 1 standard size taco seasoning packet that seasons 1lb cooked meat/beans/tofu.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Photos by Ashley McLaughlin
I love the idea low sodium seasoning. Do you have a bulk version of your recipe. My husband makes tacos a lot because he can just grab a seasoning packet. I thought maybe a jar of it where it’s already done and he can just measure out a serving. I love your recipes that reduce the processed stuff.
I don’t, but I love that idea for a future post! Will definitely keep in mind. :)
Hi Kristin! Just wanted to let you know your taco boats are spot on and You absolutely hit it with the shredded cole slaw! I grew up on the San Diego border so learned alot of traditional Mexican cooking from my friends mothers. Many dishes use cabbage…..fish tacos, among other dishes. The slaw mix just makes it more delish! You rock!
I’m so glad to hear it, Ellen – yes, love my slaw!
I’ve been low-carbing for almost three weeks now (down 8 pounds!), and this is a taco recipe I can get behind! Tacos and pizza are the foods I’ve been missing the most (attempted to make a cauliflower pizza crust last week… yikes), and this looks like a recipe that I could make a couple times a week and not get tired of (I’ve been eating a lot of rotisserie chicken and tilapia). Thank you for the new spin on an old fave!
I am loving these! I really do love endive, and this is a perfect way to use it. So gonna do this!
Three preschoolers devoured these with us last night. We made it with chicken and let them assemble their own taco boats. Huge thumbs up.
I think the best salsa I’ve ever had was Trader Joe’s, it’s super fresh and spicy. So yummy!
Great idea! I’m going to try that out! Also, on your masher that you were talking about. Have you ever tried out a Pampered Chef Mix n’ Chop. It’s fabulous & chops up ground beef, sausage, turkey, etc. If you go to my website http://www.pamperedchef.biz/agirth you can view a picture of it & more details. Im telling you, you will love it! :) Keep up the great recipes!!!
Just came from the store w/my endive! Making these tonight and I can’t wait! I am trying to low-carb thingy too. I love waffles in the morning and miss them so much :( but so far been doing ok. :)
It was 55 in MN – I can’t believe it was that much warmer in IA! crazy! 55 is still very nice this time of year though.
I love the treadmill workout. I pinned it to Pinterest and was going to put Courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats blog, but had to change it to Courtesty of the blog Iowa Girl Eats. I don’t know that it is possible to eat a blog!
Ahhahaha, I am hungry most of the time, though probably not enough to eat an entire blog. ;)
LOVE this idea. I may have to pick up some endive tonight!
This is soo awesome! I am on a low carb diet also and have been CRAVING tacos. I will definatly be trying these this weekend. Thank You!
Definitely going to try these! I’ll switch out the beef for turkey though.
Softshell tacos! If I had a choice, but actually I like all 3!
I’m a soft shell girl all the way when it comes to tacos. It’s funny, yesterday, as I walked by the endives at the grocery store I was thinking to myself I really want to get them (because I do like them) but would they go to waste? Your post was just one day late. What a great idea!