Those little individual packets of taco seasoning mix? They’re expensive, plus you generate trash every time you use them. The big bulk bottles at Costco? Less expensive, but plastic. Happily, once you have the ingredients on hand, it takes just a few minutes to make your own homemade taco seasoning.
Those little packets of taco seasoning were standard fare when I was growing up. There was nothing wrong with the flavor that came out of those packets, but what I didn’t realize then is how crazy expensive they are.
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These days, I buy my spices individually and mix up my own homemade taco seasoning. It’s an easy swap to make!
Buy your spices in bulk at the natural food store using your mini bags to tote them home – you’ve made some, right?? – and you’ll save on trips to the supermarket, avoid adding to the landfill, and save some cashola.
Related: Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
Homemade taco seasoning
This is a mild taco seasoning, offering flavor without a lot of heat. If you like things spicy, be sure to add the optional red pepper flakes, and consider increasing the quantity to fire it up.
We use this homemade taco seasoning for ground beef on a regular basis, but it’s also great with shredded chicken tacos. And we stir it into refried beans to make a spicy bean dip.
Homemade taco seasoning is one of the easiest swaps you can make in your DIY pantry.
★ Did you make this homemade taco seasoning? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! ★
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Skip the preservatives in the packet and make your own homemade taco seasoning mix.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried minced onions
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 2 T. organic cornstarch
- 1 T. sea salt
- 2 T. garlic powder
- 2 T. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Measure ingredients into an airtight storage jar.
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Screw on lid and shake well until combined.
Recipe Notes
To use: Stir 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning into a pound or so of browned ground meat along with 1-2 cups of water. Simmer until liquid is absorbed.
This homemade taco seasoning recipe was originally published in January, 2012. Updated August, 2018.
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January 20, 2012 at 4:59 PMAwesome. We make our own seasoning at home too, since my husband is a taco fiend. Once you start whisking it up, you’ll forget you ever depended on those little packets!
Living Large
January 22, 2012 at 1:14 PMWow, this does look good and easy too! We love tacos at our house. We’ll have to try this!
NoPotCooking
January 22, 2012 at 1:48 PMThis is just about how I make mine. No reason to buy a pre-made mix when this is so easy to put together!
Jane Boursaw
January 22, 2012 at 2:46 PMMakes complete sense, and it’s economical and environmental, to boot.
Donna Hull
January 22, 2012 at 5:38 PMThis sounds so easy. I’ll definitely be making my own taco seasoning from now on.
Alisa Bowman
January 23, 2012 at 10:23 AMThis is awesome. Can you do one for that Goya Saizon seasoning, too? I noticed that these spice packets all tend to have MSG, too, and sometimes trans fats. So it’s awesome to make at home instead.
MyKidsEatSquid
January 25, 2012 at 5:52 PMMy mom always made homemade taco seasoning growing up. Now I make batches of enchilada sauce with dried chiles that I then freeze and use those when I make tacos.
Clarice
October 25, 2013 at 8:40 AMHow long does it last?
Kris Bordessa
October 27, 2013 at 11:07 AMYou mean how long will it store? As long as it’s air tight it’ll last for months.
Deri
October 4, 2014 at 10:20 PMCan you give us a recipe for chilli con carne seasoning mix?
Kris Bordessa
October 5, 2014 at 7:34 AMI’ll have to work on that!
Robin Follette
October 4, 2014 at 11:37 PMThanks! This is great timing. I’m putting together my bulk spice order. I’ll be mixing up the blends I use and making more to use in Christmas gift baskets.
Kris Bordessa
October 5, 2014 at 7:34 AMGreat for holiday gifts!
camiel
April 2, 2015 at 10:49 AMThank you for the recipe! I’ve been meaning to look for one! 2 cups of water seems like a lot to me though…
Kris Bordessa
April 6, 2015 at 7:46 AMI like to simmer it for awhile to reduce it. You could certainly use less.
Michelle
March 24, 2018 at 9:58 PMSo easy to make and so good!
Sariya
August 24, 2018 at 7:38 AMI love the mix! Making your own seasoning is the right way to control what you eat!