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Homemade Taco Seasoning

March 20, 2019 by Michelle | Leave a Comment

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bowl of taco seasoning with a spoon with a text overlay that says now cook this homemade taco seasoning
taco seasoning in a white bowl with a spoon with a text overlay that says homemade taco seasoning nowcookthis.com
taco seasoning in a bowl with a spoon with a text overlay that says homemade taco seasoning, common herbs and spices from your pantry, nowcookthis.com
jar of taco seasoning and a measuring spoon with a text overlay that says now cook this easy homemade taco seasoning

There’s no need to buy a packet when you can make your own awesome Homemade Taco Seasoning in minutes with spices you probably already have on hand. Use it for tacos or in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning!

jar of homemade taco seasoning with a measuring spoon next to it

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE TACOS, and this Homemade Taco Seasoning makes taco night just that much better! Not only is it super yummy, I know exactly what’s in it, and it’s less expensive than buying those pre-made packets. Sold!

I grew up on taco kits, and I used them for a really long time (they do make really good tacos!). Then, one day, I accidentally bought what I thought was a taco kit, but it was only the taco shells, and I didn’t realize it until…yep, I was already cooking the meat with hungry eaters milling about waiting for dinner.

So, after throwing a small tantrum and yelling at myself for making such a ridiculous, taco-night-ruining mistake (you don’t want to mess with taco night in my house), I knew I had to make this meat taste like taco meat and in a hurry.

I ran to the computer and searched for a homemade taco seasoning recipe. I mixed up a batch using the first recipe I found. It was all common spices that I already had, but I worried that the tacos just wouldn’t be the same…and I was right. They weren’t the same.

They were BETTER!!! And everyone said so! Happy Dance! Whew…crisis averted. I now buy the box of just the taco shells on purpose!

plate of spices used to make homemade taco seasoning

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING:

  • Chili powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Sugar

A lot of us already keep all of these spices in the pantry. If you don’t, you definitely should because they are common spices used in lots of recipes. All you have to do is measure and mix. Voilà! Homemade Taco Seasoning!

white bowl of homemade taco seasoning with a spoon in it

If you like things spicy, you can add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

This recipe will be the equivalent of one packet of taco seasoning – enough for one pound of meat (about 12 tacos). To make taco meat:

  • Brown one pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
  • Add your homemade taco seasoning mix and 1 tablespoon of flour to the meat and stir to combine. Cook, stirring, for one minute.
  • Add 2/3 cup of water and stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.

Warm your taco shells, get your toppings ready, and enjoy taco night!

pan of cooked taco mean with a large spoon in it and taco shells on the side

You could also make a bigger batch for use in all kinds of recipes! Just store it in an airtight container, and it will keep for months. Smart!!

Oh, and one last thing…If you want to up your taco game even more, try my recipe for Homemade Taco Sauce. It’s quick, easy, and sooo good!

I hope you try this recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning and love it as much as I do. Thanks for visiting today!

michelle signature

Homemade Taco Seasoning

There’s no need to buy a packet when you can make your own awesome Homemade Taco Seasoning in minutes with spices you probably already have on hand. Use it for tacos or in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning!
Print Recipe Rate/Comment Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 9 (1 teaspoon each – recipes makes about 3 tablespoons total)
Calories: 10
Author: Michelle / Now Cook This!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well combined. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

  • Recipe makes enough taco seasoning for one pound of meat (enough for 12 tacos). To make taco meat: 
    Brown one pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon of flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring, for one minute. Add 2/3 cup water and stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened. 
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!Mention @nowcookthis or tag #nowcookthisrecipes!

Recipe adapted from Genius Kitchen.

  • Homemade Taco Sauce
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Welcome to my kitchen where something good is always cooking! I want us all to cook and eat at home more, so I’m here to share my favorite simple and delicious recipes that are perfect for the everyday home cook. I hope you will be inspired to get in the kitchen and try these recipes, and I hope they become some of your favorites too! Read more…

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