The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning with the perfect balance of flavors. So quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. You'll never want to buy prepackaged taco seasoning again!
Get ready Taco Tuesday! We are taco lovers in our house, and after tweaking this recipe over the years, here it is - the BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning! It has the perfect balance of flavors, and makes your tacos taste awesome! This Homemade Taco Seasoning can be used in any of your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes: tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or tostadas. Try it in my Beefy Bean and Cheese Quesadillas!
My secret to making the best Homemade Taco Seasoning even better? Grinding your own chilies. The flavor will be so fresh and so aromatic - it really does make a difference. You can play around with the flavors and make your own signature blend. Plus you can choose how spicy or mild you want your chilies to be. If you like it mild, by grinding your own chilies, you can make a full flavored chili powder without reducing the amount of chili powder you use. I find a decent selection of dried peppers in the ethnic aisle of my supermarket. Simply grind them up in a coffee or spice grinder.
While you're at it, grind up some whole cumin seeds as well. As soon as spices are ground they start losing flavor. How long do you suppose those ground spices have sat on the shelf at the supermarket and then in your cupboard? With whole spices and a spice grinder, you will always have freshly ground. Freshly ground is definitely the way to go for the best flavor.
PrintHomemade Taco Seasoning
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 28 teaspoons 1x
Description
The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning with the perfect balance of flavors. So quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. You'll never want to buy prepackaged taco seasoning again!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon corn starch (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and store in a sealed container.
Equipment
Notes
*Use 2 tablespoons per pound of ground meat for tacos.
*Commercially packaged taco seasoning contains a thickening agent to thicken the sauce. I have listed cornstarch as an optional ingredient.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: seasonings
- Method: hand mix
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 7
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 283.4 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Joanna
We LOVE this taco seasoning recipe and have to keep it on hand at all times (I had one before and it was quite right but this one is spot on). My kids compare the flavor of this to restaurants and repeatedly say how "ours" has lots more flavor than some restaurants. I've been using it for a while now and just wanted to let you know.
Kelly
So happy you like it, Joanna! Thanks so much!
Patricia
Very much enjoyed this. Had to substitute a couple ingredients but it still turned out amazing and gave it more of a kick. Thanks for sharing
Kelly
So happy you liked it, Patricia!
Rebecca Corlew
Great seasoning
Kelly
Thanks Rebecca!
Mary
Store bought is over $1 an envelope and I made this for pennies using spices I had on hand. Tastes better, too! Thanks!
Kelly
So happy you liked it! Thanks Mary!
Roger
Easy to make. I used it t season lentil taco “MEAT”. I may use spicier chili mix next time. I like it hot. Ewcipe is definitely a KEEPER.
Kelly
Thanks Roger!
GrannyP
I add smoked paprika.
Kelly
That would be fantastic!