Taco Seasoning

5 from 1 vote

My favorite Taco Seasoning is super easy to make with pantry spices! After trying this blend, you’ll ditch the store-bought packets for this tasty mix instead.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: homemade taco seasoning, taco seasoning, taco seasoning recipe

Servings: tablespoons (equivalent of 1 taco seasoning packet)

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $3.12

Equipment

Large pan for making tacos

Ingredients

1 Taco Seasoning Packet:

1 tablespoon ground chili powder see note 1
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper

To Use for Tacos

1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder or beef bouillon powder, optional—see note 2
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey or ground chicken, plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup tomato sauce or chicken broth/stock

US - Metric

Instructions

Make Taco Seasoning: Measure out all the spices and stir them together in a small bowl or add directly to the dish you’re preparing. Season to taste with salt and pepper; I add 1/2 teaspoon of each.
Use immediately or store. See notes below for storage information.
Make Tacos: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan and heat to high. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it into small pieces as you go, until meat is no longer pink (but not fully cooked through). If there is a lot of extra grease (from higher-fat meat), drain off. Add in the taco seasoning blend (here’s a good place to add in 2 teaspoons minced garlic if you’d like!). If desired, add bouillon powder (see note 2). Stir in seasonings for 1–2 minutes or until meat is completely cooked through. Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce or chicken stock (not water) and stir until thickened, another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to slightly cool.

Notes

Note 1: Chili powder is not to be confused with chilli powder, which is very hot. I use American chili powder in this homemade taco seasoning.

Note 2: If you’re using ground turkey or ground beef, add beef bouillon powder. If using ground chicken, add chicken bouillon powder. If using bouillon powders, use tomato sauce instead of stock/broth or it will be too salty. If you are making vegetarian or vegan tacos, use vegetable bouillon and a vegetarian alternative.

Nutrition Note: Nutrition information is for the spice blend only.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet or pantry). I like to store this homemade blend in small plastic bags or make a big batch to store in a jar or spice containers (I love these!) As long as it is stored properly, homemade taco seasoning can last 6 months up to a year.

Make Ahead: When I make this recipe, I typically make 5 or 6 more “packets” of the seasoning. Since all the spices are out and I’m measuring anyways, it takes just a few extra minutes. Measure out the spices, put them in labeled individual snack-size bags, and store those packets with your spices.

Nutrition