Learn how to make a homemade taco seasoning for ground beef or your favorite meat. Not only does this DIY mix taste better than store bought mixes, but it's also cheaper to make and has no preservatives or fillers.
Tacos are a quick and easy meal, so we have some sort of tacos or a similar dish about twice a month. Taco seasoning packets have crept up in price like everything else, so I'm glad that I make my own taco seasoning mix recipe.
This is a simple recipe that I usually quadruple or even times 6 to make a pint jar. Then use two tablespoons per pound of meat when you're ready for a quick dinner
For more cooking from scratch ideas, check out these posts:
- Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
- How to Make Onion Powder at Home
- How to Make Breadcrumbs From Bread
- How to Make Butter From Cream
- How to Make Sourdough Starter
- How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar
- DIY Vanilla Powder
- How to Make Vanilla Sugar
- How to Make Dried Lemon Peel
- How to Make Panko Breadcrumbs
- Apple Pie Spice Recipe
What Is Taco Seasoning Mix Made Of
Oftentimes, taco seasoning mixes contain a few staple ingredients such as salt, garlic and onion powder, paprika, and chili. There are other spices that are used as well, such as paprika, black pepper, oregano, and cumin.
When making your own taco seasoning, however, you can choose what gets put into the recipe, giving you lots of creative freedom.
I like to buy my spices from a bulk supplier. Now this doesn't mean that I buy pounds at a time; many bulk stores let you get a few ounces at a time
If I can't get them locally, I like Mountain Rose Herbs, Grassroots Herb Supply, or Mountain Maus Remedies.
I keep a large selection of herbs and spices in my pantry to make my own mixes. Here are my essential herbs and spices for pantry that I always keep on hand.
Are Taco And Mexican Seasoning The Same?
While both taco and Mexican seasoning are quite similar, and typically contain the same ingredients, they are not necessarily the same.
The difference comes down to the composition of ingredients, which is to say that Mexican seasoning is often spicier than taco seasoning.
The taco seasoning ingredients usually put more focus on the mild flavors, whereas the Mexican seasoning is spicier due to its higher concentration of spicy ingredients.
With that being said, these taco seasoning mix directions are super simple to add to, so if you want a spicier mix that is easy to do.
How Much Taco Seasoning Is In A Packet Of Taco Seasoning?
The exact amount of taco seasoning will depend on the company, but typically there is about one ounce or three tablespoons in a packet of taco seasoning.
However, since there are no fillers in my homemade taco seasoning mix recipe, you should use two tablespoons of your homemade seasoning for every packet called for by a recipe.
How Do You Use Taco Seasoning Mix?
Taco seasoning mix is super easy to use. After your meat is browned, simply add 1/2 cup water and sprinkle the seasoning mix onto the meat and mix it around.
If you want, you can use a bit of cornstarch to make the seasoning bond to the meat even better. This is optional, and I do not do this.
Do You Put Taco Seasoning In Before Or After Meat Is Cooked?
As previously mentioned, you will want to season the meat after it is cooked and, if applicable, drained. This is because the seasoning will not be cooked off at all, and will be able to bond to the meat, ready to be enjoyed.
Do You Need To Add Water To Taco Seasoning?
While it is not necessary, sometimes it can be a good idea to add a bit of water to the seasoning to make it easier to distribute over the meat.
This makes the process a bit easier and can help to get the most out of your homemade taco seasoning for ground beef. Additionally, you can put a bit of cornstarch into the pan and mix it into the meat to help the seasoning bond.
What Is The Ratio Of Taco Seasoning To Meat?
You will want to use about two tablespoons of seasoning in lieu of one packet that you would normally use. This equates to about half of an ounce of seasoning per pound of meat cooked.
Of course, this depends on how potent you want the flavor. For instinct, if you want your taco seasoning mix recipe mild then you might use less seasoning than if you wanted it with more kick.
How To Store Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
Once your seasoning mix is made, it is super easy to store. Simply put it into a sealed container such as a mason jar or sealable bag. I like to use pint jars and plastic Ball lids to keep the moisture out.
Then, store it in a cool and dry place, away from humidity for best results.
How Long Does Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe Mild Last
If properly stored, the mix should last about ten to twelve months. Properly storing the seasoning mix means storing it in a sealed container in a cool and dry place so as to not let humidity in.
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
Following is the rundown on all of the taco seasoning ingredients that you will need. Most of these ingredients you probably already have on hand, and if not they are super easy to acquire.
Taco Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
There's no need to use store-bought seasonings with this tasty homemade taco seasoning. Now, it is easy to make the perfect homemade taco seasoning for ground beef. Plus, you probably have the spices on hand. If you don’t, don’t worry as they are super easy to get.
Following is the taco seasoning mix directions to make a great taco seasoning that combines all of your favorite Mexican flavors. Plus with these taco seasoning mix directions you can customize the recipe as much you like and fine tune it to your tastes.
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Yields: About 4 Tablespoons
Step One
To begin, simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl or jar.
Step Two
Then, use the mix immediately or you can store it in the pantry. If properly stored, the mix should last around ten to twelve months.
To use, add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix per pound of meat. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer until it's the desired thickness.
Tips for Making Taco Seasoning Recipe
Here are some tips for making your homemade taco seasoning mix recipe:
- You can add some cornstarch to your meat right before seasoning it with this mix. This will help the seasoning bond to the meat really well. This can really help to bring out the flavor and make the most of your seasoning mix.
- You can reduce the amount of garlic and onion powder by half if those are not flavors you are super into or if you want to help make your taco seasoning recipe mild.
- If you want a bit of kick in your seasoning, add in one half of a teaspoon of crushed red peppers.
- To make the taco seasoning mix recipe mild, or for a bit of sweetness you can add in a teaspoon of sugar.
- You will want to use two or more tablespoons of homemade powder for every packet that brand recipes call for. I recommend starting with two and adding more if need be.
- After you have made and used the seasoning, feel free to play around with the amounts to suit the recipe to your taste.
- Chili powders are among the most influential ingredients that you can use in this recipe. Chili powders vary in flavor and heat immensely depending on their country of origin. As such, they can really change a recipe, so be sure to check and ensure that the powder you are using is right for you, especially if you want to make the taco seasoning recipe mild.
- If you make a few batches a time, you may consider reducing the salt and then adjusting as needed. I cut it in half and add a little more as I prepare the meal if desired.
I hope you enjoy this taco seasoning mix directions and recipe!
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