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 mins
Total: 5 mins
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 cayenne pepper (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 don’t see how much Chili Powder Is to used?
Hi Angie, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ☺️
Hi Nagi
I know this is an oldie, but thought I’d check anyway…
I can’t seem to find crushed red pepper flakes anywhere. Is this the same as chilli flakes?
Hi Andrea! Just skip it 🙂 Give it a taste and if you want it spicier, just add more chilli powder or cayenne pepper!
Andrea – I also just updated the recipe with my current taco seasoning. Slightly different ratios of each and no red pepper flakes!
Thank you Nagi!
Hi Nagi – After reading your most recent post I think that when you say 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, you don’t mean the spice called “Chili Powder” in the U.S., right? But I think you said I can substitute cayenne pepper for what you call “Chili Powder”. Thanks much! Love your blog and every recipe I try is just so good!!
That’s such a good point Mary, thank you! I must revisit this recipe soon – perhaps I’ll do a beef taco post and repost this recipe too. 🙂
Thanks! How long does this store for?
Hi Chelsey! I’d say maybe 6 to 8 weeks?? After that, I find spices aren’t as fresh 🙂 N x