Homemade Taco Seasoning
I used to be a “packet seasoning” junkie. It just seemed so easy. But really, how difficult is it to measure out a few spices? It takes five minutes, max. So, I’ve experimented with different combinations of spices for taco seasoning over the past year, and I think today I found the winner! One batch of this is roughly equal to one of those packets that you can get at the grocery store and it’s 10 times more flavorful. You can even mix up big batches of it and store it pre-mixed in an air-tight container.
I use a flat cost estimate for herbs and spices because they’re just too hard to measure/weigh, so this cost is purely an estimate. I generally estimate five cents for every teaspoon, unless it’s a particularly expensive herb. For salt I generally estimate half that. So, take the cost of this recipe with a grain of salt (har har har).
I really think the smoked paprika made the flavor of this seasoning pop, but if you can’t get it, use regular paprika in place of it.
It’s also worth noting that I usually use fresh garlic and onions in whatever I’m making with my taco seasoning, so there is no garlic or onion powder in this mix. If you won’t be using fresh, you’ll probably want to add some powdered.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning is quick, easy, inexpensive, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp chili powder $0.15
- 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.05
- 1 tsp cumin $0.05
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper $0.02
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.03
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/2 tsp 15 cranks fresh black pepper $0.05
- 1/2 tsp corn starch, optional $0.02
Instructions
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Combine everything in a small bowl and stir until evenly mixed. Corn starch is optional but it will help thicken any sauce or absorb excess moisture in whatever you add the taco seasoning to (commercial taco seasoning packets contain corn starch).
Step By Step Photos
Combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt in a bowl. I would say this mix is “medium” spicy. Adjust the cayenne to make it more or less spicy.
Stir until evenly mixed.
Add corn starch to help thicken whatever you’re adding the taco seasoning to. It also helps prevent sogginess from moisture that may seep out of vegetables or other ingredients.
Store the taco seasoning in an air-tight container in a cool dark place until ready to use.
I am going to try this.I will let you know.
Great flavor but dry!!! How much water should i be adding???
I’d like to know this also! It sounds delicious!
Beth has you use this mix in specific recipes (e.g. the heart quesadillas which are soo good), it’s not a standalone recipe
Thanks! This has the perfect amount of heat for me. I added it to chick peas, onion, and sweet potato using the corn and zucchini tacos for inspiration. Added shredded iceberg for crunch and cashew cilantro sauce,. Vegan and delicious.
I like that there is no sugar in the recipe, as the store bought packages contain sugar. Also, I substituted arrow root powder for the cornstarch to make it Paleo friendly.
If chili powder is often a mix of the spices you have listed to mix in, why mix in more?
Because it’s easy to find this chili powder blend, but not easy to find plain mild chilis ground to a powder. :)
Ooh, Beth do you reckon it would work well if I just blended up some chiles (e.g. poblanos)? I’m in NZ and “chili powder” doesn’t exist here like it does in the states (“chili powder” from the supermarket is really hot, like powdered cayenne pepper)
I think it would still be pretty good, but it would probably depend a lot on what type of chiles you’re using, since that’s the main ingredient in the mix. I don’t have any experience using dried chiles, unfortunately, so I can’t give any good advice in that area. :(
Yea nah don’t use chilli powder from the supermarket, sitting here sweating, especially in this heat 🙄
The store bought taco seasonings contain “wheat starch” not corn starch
How much do I use per lb of ground beef if I’m making basic tacos and trying to substitute this for a typical taco seasoning packet? Thanks!
I use one batch of the recipe per pound of ground beef (or a mix of half ground beef half beans). Think of it as a substitute for one of the pre-measured taco seasoning packets that you can buy in the store (if you’ve ever used those).
I made it, just can’t find the directions, how much to use, add Tom. Sauce? Water? How much of each?
Why isn’t this in the app? It is one of the BB recipes I have to look up the most.
We’re still getting new recipes ready to add to the app. There will be many more than the original 100 that the app started with.
How would I tweak this to make it the equivalent of a mild taco seasoning packet? I am a huge wimp when it comes to spice!
Leave out the cayenne pepper and make sure the chili powder you are using is mild. I like McCormick brand.