Best Taco Seasoning
Skip the packets of store-bought taco seasoning and make the seasoning blend with common spices you already have in your spice cabinet! Taco night just got a whole lot more flavorful with this deliciously easy recipe.
Beef Taco Seasoning Recipe
I love to make my own taco seasoning! Actually, I like to make my own spice blends for tons of different things. My all purpose seasoning is delicious and my homemade burger seasoning is to die for.
It's just super convenient to have go-to recipes for all kinds of homemade spice mixes. I never have to worry about remembering to buy the store bought stuff when I can raid my spice cupboard and make anything I need.
This authentic taco seasoning has been a game changer when it comes to making flavorful tacos. A packet of taco seasoning from the grocery store can be hit or miss in terms of flavor.
But with this homemade taco seasoning recipe, I know exactly what goes in it and I can adjust the flavor levels however I want. That means, no more taco mix that is too spicy, under-salted, over-salted, or just a weird flavor combo.
You can add so much flavor to your favorites Mexican recipes with this homemade seasoning blend. So let's get started!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
This truly is the best homemade taco seasoning. Once you make it, you'll understand why we love it:
- Making your own homemade spice blends is the best thing you can do if you have dietary restrictions. You have complete control over everything in the seasoning and can ensure it is safe for you and any dietary needs you may have!
- This is a wonderful make-ahead recipe since it lasts for a long time. Store in a spice jar or mason jar in a dry place and then you can use it whenever you need it.
- Homemade seasoning is actually a great gift. Just put it in a nice jar and tie some ribbon around it, then give it friends and family!
Ingredients
Spice up all of your favorite Mexican dishes with this easy recipe. here's a list of all of the ingredients needed:
- paprika
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- chipotle powder
- salt
- pepper
Substitutions and Variations
For a fun smoky flavor, used smoked paprika in place of the regular paprika.
You can use dried minced garlic and dried minced onion in place of the powders, or along with them for extra flavor!
Kick up the spice level of this homemade taco seasoning recipe with a bit of red pepper or cayenne pepper.
How to Make the Best Taco Seasoning
This DIY taco seasoning really is so easy to make. There's not really step by step instructions, but here's how to make it:
Add all of the spices to a small bowl or a spice jar, and then whisk together or shake until the ingredients are well combined.
How to Use Taco Seasoning
You can use this spice mix on all of your favorite types of meat. Here's how to make ground beef tacos:
Brown lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Then drain off the grease.
Add tomato paste and taco seasoning to the browned beef and mix it in well. If needed, add a bit of water to help incorporate the seasoning into the meat.
Serve with fresh tortillas.
How to Store Taco Seasoning
For best results, store a big batch of the taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. It will last for a few months if stored properly!
Uses for Homemade Taco Seasoning
This incredible seasoning blend is perfect to season ground beef tacos, ground turkey tacos, and even chicken tacos. It's also a great way to season easy taco soup or beef taco lettuce wraps!
You can also season up some meat to serve on Mexican tostadas, or a hearty taco salad.
Tips for Success
Once you season beef with this amazing spice blend, you'll never look back! Here are a few tips to make this taco seasoning a success:
- Make sure that the bowl or jar you are using to mix the spices together is completely clean and dry. If there is any moisture in the jar or bowl, it will cause the taco seasoning to clump and it won't store well.
- Don't store the completed seasoning near the stove top because steam from food that is cooking on the stove top could make the seasoning clump up.
- If you decide to add extra spices, make sure to taste test it before adding. Then you can ensure the mix doesn't get too spicy or salty.
FAQ
You can either omit this ingredient entirely, or swap it for something like ground coriander. Cumin does have a very distinct taste, so using something different or omitting it will change the flavor a bit. However, all of the other spices will still provide so much flavor!
When making something like ground beef tacos, using tomato sauce or a bit of tomato paste is a wonderful way to add more flavor to the meat and compliment the spice in the seasoning mix! You can absolutely use tomato sauce in place of water.
More Mexican Inspired Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Taco Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add all spices to a small bowl or mason jar.
- Stir or shake to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Use immediately or store for later.
