Homemade Taco Seasoning

Store-bought taco seasoning is loaded with sodium, MSG and other additives that you probably don’t want to think about, let alone eat. So, leave those little spice packets at the store, and make this homemade taco seasoning mix instead. It’s cheaper, healthier and tastier, too. Here’s how.

Homemade Seasoning Mix Recipe: Big Batch

This recipe makes one cup of taco seasoning. That’s enough to season five pounds of meat. In my house that would work out to five taco dinners.

Prep Time:

2 mins

Ingredients:

6 Tablespoons chili powder (Here’s how to make your own)
3 Tablespoons cumin
1-1/2 Tablespoons paprika
1-1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder
1-1/2 Tablespoons oregano
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (Here’s how to make your own
1-1/2 teaspoons salt (optional)
1-1/2 teaspoons black pepper

What You Do:

Measure out your ingredients.

Mix all the spices together. Go slowly, so you don’t kick up any pepper dust. With all of that chili powder, paprika, crushed red pepper and black pepper that’s a lot of sneeze potential.

Transfer your finished taco seasoning mix to an air-tight container. The recipe has been sized to fit in a half-pint jar, but you’ll probably need to tap the jar on the counter a few times to make room for the last little bit of seasoning.

To Use:

Measure out 3 Tablespoons of taco seasoning mix for every pound of meat that you want to season.

Customize the Recipe:

My taco seasoning mix is on the mild side, if you prefer more heat, just add more pepper. Watching your sodium intake? Then, cut the amount of salt called for, or skip it all together. One of the great thing about making your own spice mixes is that you can customize them to your needs and tastes.

Free Printable Taco Seasoning Mix Labels

Want to give homemade taco seasoning mix as a gift? Here are free labels that you can use.

Print Taco Seasoning Mix LabelsThey’re designed to print on full-sheet shipping labels. Use Avery 8165, if you have an inkjet printer or Avery 5265, if you have a laser printer.

They’re sized to fit half-pint jars or spice jars. So, if you want to make a big batch of taco seasoning, and divide it up into smaller spice jars for gift giving, you can certainly do that. I keep all of my empty spice jars for this purpose.

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe: Small Batch

Need just enough taco seasoning for one meal, or want to try out my taco seasoning mix before you make a bunch of it? This recipe makes three tablespoons, which is enough to flavor one pound of meat.

Ingredients:

3-1/4 teaspoons + 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1-3/4 teaspoons cumin
3/4 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

What You Do:

Mix all the spices together in a small bowl. Store your homemade taco seasoning mix in an air-tight container, if you don’t plan to use it right away.

Try This

Use my homemade taco seasoning mix to make these taco pretzels. They’re an easy party recipe or everyday snack.

More Taco Night Recipes

How to Make Taco Shells

Baked Taco Bowls

How to Make Tortilla Chips

Crockpot Refried Beans