Taco Seasoning Recipe

Make homemade taco seasoning with this easy recipe using ingredients from your pantry! You can make it mild or spicy depending on your family’s tastes.

Recently when I went to make dinner for my family, I couldn’t any packets of taco seasoning in my pantry. So, I made my own taco seasoning recipe and found that it was actually quite simple.

What is in taco seasoning?

This taco seasoning contains chili powder, cornmeal, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.

How To Make Taco Seasoning

Put all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir until combined.

Can I make the mixture more (or less) spicy?

To make this taco seasoning more spicy, add additional cayenne pepper and/or crushed red pepper. If you want a milder mixture, add (or even skip) the cayenne pepper.

What else can I add?

You can add more of less of the spices in this taco seasoning recipe depending on your family’s tastes as well as what you have on hand. If you want a low salt option, skip adding the salt.

For sweeter seasoning, add more brown sugar. Parsley and ground coriander can be added as well. If you prefer more texture, replace the onion powder with dried minced onion and the garlic powder with dried minced garlic.

Transfer to a small mason jar or other airtight container.

Add a label with instructions for using the taco seasoning. Store it in a cool, dry place for up to one year. Write the date on the bottom of the jar or on the label.

Want to use my label? You can download my free label here here.

How To Make Taco Meat

Brown one pound of ground beef and discard the excess grease.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning (depending on how much flavor you want) and 3/4 cup of water and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

How much taco seasoning is in one packet?

One packet contains about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning (according to the nutrition facts on the label) and calls for 3/4 cup of water. On the other hand, if you purchase a large container, the instructions say to use 3 tablespoons for 3/4 cup of water. Therefore, I suggest using 2-3 tablespoons depending on your family’s preferences.

Can I use this taco seasoning for other kinds of meat?

Yes, you can use this taco seasoning on ground beef as well as ground chicken, shredded chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, fish, or even chopped cauliflower for a meatless option.

Want more taco recipes? Try these next:

This Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe is so easy to make and so flavorful. Just brown the meat, put everything in the crockpot to cook, and then just stir! Serve with corn chips. Serve for a family dinner or at potlucks and parties.

Mini Chicken Taco Pizzas are perfect for parties or make them for a fun family dinner. These mini chicken tacos are bursting with flavor and so easy to make!

Oven Baked Tacos are the perfect family dinner for busy weeknights. All of the tacos are baked at once in a 9×13 pan!

Tater Tot Taco Pizza is a mouthwatering combo of two of your favorite eats: tacos and pizza! The tater tot crust makes this dinner recipe even more fun.