Homemade taco seasoning is preservative free, doesn’t taste artificial, costs a fraction of buying store bought, and you probably have all the spices you need in your pantry. It tastes like the packet seasoning – minus the artificial flavour and not as salty. The bonus is that you can adjust the flavouring to your tastes as well – I like my Mexican hot so I up the chili!
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Taco Seasoning
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Spice Mix
Mexican
Servings4
Tap or hover to scale
Homemade taco seasoning is so much healthier than store bought - it's preservative free, less artificial tasting and is a fraction of the cost. This recipe makes enough taco seasoning for 1lbs/500g of meat. I also use this for Quesadilla Fillings.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder (adjust spiciness to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Makes 2.5 tablespoons. Combine with 1lbs/500g mince meat, 1/2 cup water, 1 diced onion and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Recipe Notes:
1. If you are in the US, do not use what you know as Chili Powder. That is a spice blend, not pure ground chilies. If you can't find pure ground chili, substitute with cayenne pepper. I like to make this Taco Seasoning with pure ground chili so I can control the flavour consistency - US Chili Powder is not available around the world and also even from brand to brand, the flavour differs. Using pure spice ingredients allows for better consistency.
I am someone who generally cooks from scratch but for some reason have always used taco kits (for “quick dinner” nights). Quite mortified at how quick and easy this seasoning actually is and absolutely delicious – not to mention how much cheaper! I also made my own tortillas which turned out perfectly and I will never be buying a rip off taco kit again!
Great recipe. Everyone loved the balance of flavors. This is also a great base for Chili Con Carne. I made up a few serves and popped it in a jar to use as needed. Thanks Nagi!
Loved this! I added 1 tsp of sumac and 1/4 tsp to get the slight sweet and sourness of the packet mix. Will definitely never buy a packet again!
WOW impressed!
I will never buy seasoning again.
Ahhhhhmazing flavour.
Super impressed.
Currently writing it down in my recipe book and your cook book that I bought.
Thanks. Xxx
PEREFECT!! Loved this so much 🙂 Thanks Nagi
This is awesome! My kids prefer this to the store bought. I made one modification, instead of regular dried oregano, I used Mexican Oregano. Makes a world of difference as it is brighter in flavor!
Loving it! Not buying store bought anymore. Have to admit, have been using 2 tsp on our 1/4 cup of popcorn and even took a bag of it to the Matilda’s soccer game.
OMGosh Nagi!!! Consistently fantastic!🥰😁
I’ll never buy ready made taco seasoning again. So easy. Really tasty. Everyone loved it.
Perfect! I can’t use store bought seasoning due to allergies so I’m very grateful for your recipe. I added vegeta vegetarian stock to make extra salty (probably not needed).
This seasoning is so much better than any store bought. I’ve made it twice recently and it’s my go for Taco’s. Thank you Nagi!
I’m not a big fan of oregano so used coriander instead, hands down the best taco spice mix I’ve tried! Thank you!
Love this seasoning! Does it matter which type of Paprika you use? I usually use Sweet Hungarian Paprika but often wonder whether I should use the Smoked Paprika. Thanks
Absolutely love your recipes! This seasoning is perfect 🙂
Absolutely perfect seasoning!
👌
🤩 N x
Brilliant!
I made tacos with chicken mince everyone loved it.
This is perfec, thank you! Your fantastic collection of recipes never ceases to impress. I’m constantly recommending your site to friends and family. Thanks again. X
*perfect 🙃
Amazing! The flavours of this just do not compare to store bought. It’s now my go to for whenever I make tacos. So much more flavoursome.
Is it normal paprika or smoked?
Always regular paprika, Sarah, in my recipes unless I specify smoked. N x