Are you tired of using store-bought taco seasoning mixes that are filled with preservatives and unknown ingredients? Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make, tastes delicious, and allows you to control the level of spiciness and other flavors.
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Why This Recipe Works
- No Preservatives or Unknown Ingredients: You know exactly what is in it – no preservatives or unknown ingredients.
- Control the Heat and Flavors: You can control the level of heat and flavors to your liking.
- Fresher and More Flavorful: Homemade taco seasoning tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought mixes.
📋 Ingredients
- American Chili Powder: Gives the seasoning its signature heat, while adding a rich, smoky flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Contributes an earthy, nutty taste that's essential for the authentic taco spice blend.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a robust, savory flavor that complements and enhances the other spices.
- Onion Powder: Adds a sweet and slightly pungent note, creating depth in the seasoning.
- Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle, smoky sweetness that balances the spice and heat.
- Dried Oregano: Offers a touch of herbal freshness to the mix.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Injects a sharp, spicy kick that heightens the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste by making the flavors more pronounced.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- DIY Spice Blend: Mix chili powder (2 tbsp), cumin (1 tbsp), paprika (1 tbsp), garlic powder (1 tsp), onion powder (1 tsp), oregano (1 tsp), and cayenne pepper (½ tsp) for a balanced, flavorful blend.
- Spice Adjustments: Increase cayenne or add red pepper flakes for extra heat, or reduce it for a milder version. Smoked paprika can add a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Salt-Free Option: Keep it salt-free for more control over sodium levels in your recipes, or mix in sea salt to create a pre-seasoned blend.
- Alternative Uses: Use it for more than tacos—season roasted vegetables, grilled meats, soups, or mix into dips like guacamole or sour cream for extra flavor.
🔪How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning?
- Step 1: Measure out all your spices and place them into a small bowl.
- Step 2: Combine the homemade seasoning ingredients in the bowl and mix well.
- Step 3: Add your homemade taco seasoning to your ground beef or any taco meat.
- Step 4: If using later, add the entire batch into a mason jar or an airtight container.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marinating Meat: Use this DIY taco seasoning recipe to marinate chicken, beef, or pork. Add a little cornstarch to ensure the flavor adheres well to the meat.
- Adjusting for Taste: If you're not a fan of garlic or onion, reduce the onion and garlic powder by half.
- Spice Things Up: Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes are great substitutes for smoked paprika to elevate the heat level, ideal for those who prefer their tacos with a bit more spice.
- Measuring the Seasoning: One packet of seasoning may contain 3-4 tablespoons. Start with 2 teaspoons and adjust the amount until it meets your taste preferences.
💭 FAQs
Taco seasoning packets often cost more than homemade ingredients. Buy fresh spices in bulk to create your own mix, saving money. Ditch store-bought packets for your DIY mix. It’s a simple and great recipe to make.
The best way to add a touch of sweetness to your homemade taco seasoning is by adding a pinch of brown sugar.
Want to spice things up? Use red pepper flakes, black pepper, or cayenne to taste. Red Pepper Flakes add subtle heat, while cayenne brings a fiery kick. Adjust to your spice level preference. Try diced jalapeno or poblano peppers for extra heat.
It’s all about personal taste! Start small and adjust as needed. It’s easier to add seasoning than to remove it, so taste as you go.
Store the taco seasoning in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Properly stored, taco seasoning lasts 2-3 years. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain potency.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Recipes To Use Taco Seasoning Mix
- Tropical Vegan Tacos: A vibrant dish that combines the zest of taco seasoning with tofu and tropical fruits for a fresh, vegan delight.
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos: Juicy, shredded chicken infused with taco seasoning makes these tacos a quick, flavorful family favorite.
- Instant Pot Taco Soup: A hearty, comforting soup loaded with the bold flavors of taco seasoning, perfect for a dump-and-dash meal.
- Instant Pot Taco Pasta: An innovative twist combining taco-seasoned meats and pasta, cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot for a savory meal.
- Instant Pot Fish Tacos: Light and flaky fish seasoned with this homemade taco mix, creating a simple yet delicious option for fish taco lovers.
Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon American Chili Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ Teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Measure out all your spices and place them into a small bowl.
- Combine the homemade seasoning ingredients in the bowl and mix well.
- Add your homemade taco seasoning to your ground beef or any taco meat.
- If using later, add the entire batch into a mason jar or airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
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