Those little individual seasoning packets? 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.
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.
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, comparatively. These days, I buy my spices individually and mix up my own homemade taco seasoning. It’s an easy swap to make!
If you don’t have a place to purchase bulk spices in your ‘hood, check out World Spice Merchants. Their herbs and spices are great quality!
Related: Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
Homemade taco seasoning
This is a mild taco seasoning, offering plenty of 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 taco meat 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. It really is one of the easiest swaps you can make in your DIY pantry.
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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
Measure ingredients into an airtight storage jar.
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 recipe is gluten free.
This homemade taco seasoning recipe was originally published in January, 2012; it has been updated.
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Awesome. 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!
Wow, this does look good and easy too! We love tacos at our house. We’ll have to try this!
This is just about how I make mine. No reason to buy a pre-made mix when this is so easy to put together!
Makes complete sense, and it’s economical and environmental, to boot.
This sounds so easy. I’ll definitely be making my own taco seasoning from now on.
This 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.
My 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.
How long does it last?
You mean how long will it store? As long as it’s air tight it’ll last for months.
Can you give us a recipe for chilli con carne seasoning mix?
I’ll have to work on that!
Thanks! 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.
Great for holiday gifts!
Thank you for the recipe! I’ve been meaning to look for one! 2 cups of water seems like a lot to me though…
I like to simmer it for awhile to reduce it. You could certainly use less.
So easy to make and so good!
I love the mix! Making your own seasoning is the right way to control what you eat!
What is the purpose of the cornstarch?