Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Secret Family Favorite)

I can get my kids to eat almost anything with ketchup or homemade ranch dressing on top…or season it with taco seasoning! I know plenty of moms who keep taco seasoning packets on hand to use in the thousands of kid-friendly ways Pinterest suggests.

I lived in Texas for much of my life and fell in love with the flavors of both Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cuisine. This taco seasoning mix is ​​a family favorite recipe that we have carefully perfected over many years.

Ground beef, chicken, eggs, or even scrambled vegetables… everything is better with this taco seasoning mix on top!

Why make homemade taco seasoning?

Why go to the trouble of making your own seasoning mix when you can buy a packet of taco seasoning at the store? Here are some reasons why I like to do it:

• Benefit #1: You get more for your money. If you’ve ever bought store-bought packs, this is a simple and cost-effective switch you can make right away. Store-bought taco seasoning is too expensive for the two tablespoons of real spices it contains. It also usually contains elements such as monosodium glutamate, anti-caking agents, preservatives and artificial colors or flavors. For those with food sensitivities or allergies, you can also avoid the added cornstarch and it is gluten-free. Buying spices in bulk saves money and avoids cheap fillers and harmful additives.
• Benefit #2: It is easy. This homemade version is super easy to make and requires almost no prep time! Total time to prepare a large batch is about 5 minutes. Store it in an airtight container (I love my glass jars for this) and store it away from heat and light to have on hand for months to come. No more running to the store because you ran out of taco seasoning!
• Benefit #3: You can control the spice level. Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to heat. Double the cumin for a smokier, more flavorful approach. However, the smooth combination of flavors is great with much more than just tacos. Add it to scrambled eggs, mayonnaise, stir-fries, soups, and even salad dressings! Since kids generally don’t love spicy foods, I make this mild taco seasoning and give the adults a grinder of red pepper flakes or a bottle of hot sauce at the table.

How to make your own taco seasoning recipe

If you make taco mix yourself, you’ll find it’s incredibly easy! You only need some basic spices:

• chili powder (here’s how to make your own)
• ground cumin
• garlic powder
• onion powder (here we explain how to make your own)
• Dried oregano
• paprika (or smoked paprika)
• Himalayan salt or sea salt (optional)
• black pepper

Measure in the proportions below, mix in a small bowl or glass jar and set aside for use. It is easy. This recipe should serve as a starting point, but feel free to adapt it to your family’s tastes and make your own “secret” recipe.

Taco Inspired Recipes to Try

I use the spices mentioned above in many other recipes, so it’s great to have the option of using them alone or combining them with various homemade seasonings. See the full list of my favorite spice blends below.

We use our homemade taco seasoning most in:

There are so many options (not all of them are good… I’ve seen some of the cooking experiments my kids come up with!). So try some of this seasoning for your next Taco Tuesday.

How to Replace Packet with Homemade Taco Seasoning

Use 2-3 tablespoons of this spice + ¼ cup of water per pound of ground beef. Add the spices and water while the meat is browning and cook over medium-high heat until the water evaporates and the meat is cooked through. You can use a pound of ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken.

Do you want to make other spices too?

Check out my full list of spices you can make at home with basic ingredients to refresh your spice cabinet. The flavor of fresh, homemade spice blends is amazing and you’ll save money, too!

What are your favorite ways to use taco seasoning? Leave a comment and let us know!