Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Taco seasoning mix

Lew Robertson / Getty Images

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 40 servings

Make your own taco seasoning mix to control the ingredients for better nutrition. This easy recipe is great to keep on hand for instant tacos. Just add some of this mix to browned ground beef and use it as a filling for tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. It's also great to make it yourself because you can control what goes into it. Many packaged mixes are very high in sodium and may have preservatives or other ingredients in them besides the actual spices and herbs.

This mix stores very well for up to 6 months, in a tightly sealed container. Make sure you store all of your herbs, spices, and seasoning mixes in a cool dark place. Heat and light will reduce the pungency of these ingredients.

You can vary this mix any way you'd like. Add more onion, or more chili powder. If you like really spicy foods, add more crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. If you are on a low sodium diet, you can completely omit the salt and no one will be the wiser.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup instant minced onion
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons crushed dried red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon instant minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps to Make It

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and blend thoroughly with a wire whisk.

  2. Spoon the mixture into a tightly closed container and label as "Taco Seasoning Mix".

  3. Use in your favorite taco recipe and enjoy!

Tips

  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • Use within 6 months.
  • Makes 6 packages (about 2 tablespoons each) of seasoning mix.
  • Two tablespoons of this mixture equal one 1.25-ounce package of purchased taco seasoning mix.

How to Use Seasoning

This seasoning blend can be used for tacos, yes, but it can also be used in soups, stews, chili, casseroles, meatloaf, meatballs, and any recipe calling for taco seasoning mix.

  • Make tacos by browning 1 pound lean ground beef in large skillet over medium heat; drain grease. Add 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix. Reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes enough filling for 8 to 10 tacos.

  • Use taco seasoning to add a South of the Border flavor to snacks like roasted chickpeas, almonds, edamame, popcorn, French fries, Chex Mix, or plain old oyster crackers.

  • Ho-hum chip dips benefit from a sprinkle of taco seasoning.

  • Sprinkle some into spaghetti and meatballs to make spaghetti olé or into cheese fondue for a take on classic Mexican queso fundido.

  • Kick up yogurt, sour cream, creamy dressings, and standard mayonnaise (great with fish tacos) with a sprinkle or two of taco seasoning.

  • Use it as a meat rub for pork shoulder when making pulled pork or carnitas, or on a chuck roast or brisket.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
7 Calories
0g Fat
1g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 40
Amount per serving
Calories 7
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 187mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 0g
Calcium 7mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)