Skip the MSG & fillers and keep this easy and quick homemade taco seasoning in your pantry for taco night every week!
Product links in this post are affiliate links. It does not cost you anything and helps maintain the free information on this site, as well as answer the questions of “what brand do you use?” Please know I never personally recommend any product I wouldn’t use on my own family.
Season changes, and weeknight staples!
We are just tickled pink that summer is 2 short weeks away! It might not have felt much like summer over the last week, but we have had glimpses of some warmth. I am looking forward to wrapping up these last couple weeks of school, and hitting the beach and favorite hiking spots all summer long! I’ve been doing some updates on some of our favorite summer blog recipes, and since I usually plan a taco night in most summer weeks, I just had to give our household staple taco seasoning a little photo refresh!
A little adjustment made with busy families in mind!
The only adjustment that I made to my original recipe is that I have tripled the amount. That whole “learn as you go” thing in motherhood? It is totally a thing! And what I found throughout the years is that if I tripled my recipe, I didn’t have to make the seasoning as often. Especially as the girls have become teens, and I’m making more like 2 pounds of beef instead of 1 when they were little, having a larger portion of seasoning available meant I didn’t have to make it as often!
Why should I make my own taco seasoning?
If you take a peek at the back label on whatever taco seasoning packets you like to use, you may find that there are some hidden ingredients. When you are having taco night on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, things like MSG, and unknown fillers and flavors are just not a great idea. Some of them use questionable starches as well. Back when I first created this recipe in 2014, there were not any good healthier choices, so making my own was the only option. These days there are definitely some cleaner brands, but man you’ll pay for them! If that works in your budget, that’s great! I have found that since this recipe is so easy, I’ll take the grocery savings and make my own!
A quick note on taco seasoning sourcing for best quality AND budget saving!
Because I make the taco seasoning so often, I like to buy most of the seasonings in bulk to save money. There are big organic bags on Amazon, that you can store in your own spice jars. I actually use empty spice jars from some store bought seasonings! I like the glass spice jars from Sam’s Club the best!
So let’s make some taco seasoning!
I’d be willing to bet that you already have most of the seasonings and spices for the taco seasoning right in your pantry! all you’ll need to do is measure them into a jar, put the lid on, and shake to combine!
Tips for making your favorite taco meat with your homemade taco seasoning!
The beauty of making your own taco seasoning mix is getting to adjust the spice amounts to your taste. I’ve labeled the spices that have heat as “optional” so that you can adjust them to your family’s preference. You could also adjust any of the other seasonings to your taste. I tend to be a little heavier handed on the garlic powder than what is listed here, for instance! Then, when you are ready to make your taco meat, use 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning mix per pound of beef.
I like a “saucy” taco meat – how can I do that?
You can also make the texture of your taco meat to your liking. If you prefer a “saucier” taco meat, add 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch to the cooked meat and stir in to combine. Then add about 1/4 cup bone broth, meat stock, or water, and stir in. The starch will thicken the liquid, making the taco meat saucier. You could double this depending on how you like your taco meat texture.
DIY Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 3 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 3 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tbsp sea salt
- 3 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat. You can add more if you want more heat.
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder Optional for added smokey heat. You can add more if you want more heat.
Instructions
- Measure everything into an air tight container/spice jar, add a lid, and shake it up to mix.
- Use about 1 ½ to 2 TB of seasoning per 1lb of meat or 2-3 cups of beans.
Notes
- To make saucier taco meat, add 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch to the cooked meat and stir in to combine. Then add about 1/4 cup bone broth, meat stock, or water, and stir in. The starch will thicken the liquid, making the taco meat saucier. You could double this depending on how you like your taco meat texture.
This looks like a great recipe for a taco mix. I don’t ever use packaged taco seasoning mixes anymore because I’ve learned to add my own seasonings. I hadn’t ever thought to add paprika to the mix, excellent idea! I’ve fallen in love with using smoked paprika in foods; I’ll bet that it would be perfect in your taco mix. I’ll be heading downstairs in a few minutes to make up a batch of your great sounding mix. Thanks!
Question: I like to buy whole spices such as cumin seeds and grind them myself.Can you recommend an organic brand for whole spices? Thanks for your time.
Hi Terri! Great question! Yes! I love Frontier brand – we have some whole versions in our local health food store but it is super cost effective to get the Frontier brand on Amazon :: http://amzn.to/1yOBVv4 . I hope that helps!
Love this! We never used the packets growing up so I never thought to buy them either once I had my own family. mMM chipotle! MMM paprika!!
I love having this ready on hand for anytime we want
tacos, it’s perfect!