Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Introduction
Make your tacos burst with flavor using this easy homemade taco seasoning. It’s a simple blend of spices that transforms any taco filling into a vibrant, savory delight. Plus, it’s quick to mix and keeps well for future meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly blended.
- Step 2: Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container. This recipe yields about 2 3/4 tablespoons of taco seasoning.
- Step 3: To use, brown 1 pound of meat and drain excess fat. Add 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning along with 1/2 cup of water. Stir and simmer until the water is absorbed and the meat is well coated.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your taste.
- Try adding smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Use this seasoning on vegetables or beans for a vegetarian taco option.
Storage
Keep your homemade taco seasoning in a sealed airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months. When ready to use, simply measure out the amount needed. Avoid storing near heat or moisture to maintain its potency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this seasoning for other dishes besides tacos?
Yes, this blend works great with ground beef, chicken, vegetables, soups, and even roasted potatoes to add a flavorful Mexican-inspired twist.
How long does the cooked seasoned meat last?
Cooked seasoned meat can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it before refrigerating and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Print
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 3/4 tablespoons of seasoning 1x
Description
This Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make blend of spices perfect for elevating your tacos. Combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and other spices, this seasoning mix can be used to season ground meat or vegetables, providing a delicious and customizable taco experience without any preservatives.
Ingredients
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly blended.
- Store Seasoning: Transfer your homemade taco seasoning to an airtight container or jar to preserve freshness. This yield is about 2 3/4 tablespoons and can be kept for several months.
- Cook Meat: When ready to use, brown 1 pound of ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Add approximately 2 tablespoons of the homemade taco seasoning mix to the browned meat along with about 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer Until Absorbed: Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally until the water is mostly absorbed and the meat is coated with flavorful seasoning. This usually takes a few minutes. Serve warm in tacos or your preferred dishes.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- This seasoning mix is perfect not only for beef but also for chicken, turkey, or vegetarian taco fillings.
- Store the seasoning in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- For a lower sodium option, reduce the salt or use a salt substitute.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seasoning Mix
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: taco seasoning, homemade spice blend, Mexican seasoning, taco mix, ground meat seasoning
