Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix: The Secret to Flavorful Tacos
When it comes to making tacos, one of the key ingredients for achieving that authentic, rich flavor is the seasoning mix. Why settle for store-bought taco seasoning when you can easily make your own, with just a few simple ingredients? This homemade taco seasoning mix is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to take your taco night to the next level. Whether you’re making traditional beef tacos, plant-based alternatives, or even tempeh tacos, this seasoning mix will add a punch of flavor to your dish!
Why Make Homemade Taco Seasoning?
Homemade taco seasoning has many advantages over the store-bought variety. Not only can you control the ingredients, but you also avoid the added preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium often found in pre-made packets. Plus, it’s more affordable and allows you to tweak the seasoning to your exact taste preferences. Whether you like your tacos with a mild kick or a fiery heat, you can adjust the spice levels accordingly.
Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix:
- Chili Powder: The backbone of the mix, providing that signature taco flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and a slightly smoky undertone.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These aromatic powders bring a savory richness to the seasoning mix.
- Salt & Pepper: For essential seasoning, ensuring balance and flavor.
- Oregano: This herb adds a fragrant, slightly floral touch.
- Paprika: A subtle sweetness and vibrant color to enhance the mix.
- Red Pepper Flakes & Cayenne Pepper: These ingredients provide heat, so you can adjust the spiciness level to your liking.
How to Make Taco Seasoning:
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Add all the spices—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper—into a clean 16-ounce jar.
Step 2: Mix Well
Shake the jar vigorously until all the spices are well incorporated. If you prefer, you can use a spoon to stir the mixture until everything is evenly blended.
Step 3: Store the Taco Seasoning
Store your homemade taco seasoning in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for months, making it perfect for those busy taco nights when you want to skip the store-bought packets.
Label Your Jars!
This recipe is printed on a dishwasher-safe label made for the lids of mason jars! Each label has the recipe to refill the jar and make the item (if applicable).
You can buy each label individually, or a pack of all of the pantry labels in my website shop.
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning:
To make tacos, add about 3 tablespoons of your taco seasoning mix to ⅔ cup of water for every pound of cooked meat (ground beef, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tempeh or tofu). Simmer the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. The result is a perfectly seasoned, flavorful taco filling ready to be piled into warm tortillas and topped with your favorite fixings.
Customize Your Taco Seasoning:
One of the great things about homemade taco seasoning is that you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Prefer a milder taco? Use less cayenne or red pepper flakes. Want something spicier? Add more of both! You can also experiment by adding other ingredients like smoked paprika, ground coriander, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Why This Taco Seasoning Recipe is a Game-Changer
Not only does this homemade taco seasoning make your tacos taste amazing, but it also helps cut down on food waste by allowing you to use pantry staples you likely already have. Plus, making it in bulk ensures you always have seasoning on hand whenever taco night rolls around. It’s a simple, delicious, and cost-effective solution to your taco cravings!
Your Turn!
This homemade taco seasoning mix is a must-try for taco lovers who want a quick, customizable, and preservative-free way to enhance their taco recipes. With just a few spices, you can create the perfect taco flavor every time. Make it in bulk, store it in your pantry, and never worry about running out of seasoning again!
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a clean 16 ounce jar. Shake the jar until all ingredients are incorporated, or use a spoon to mix. Store in a cool dry place.
- To make tacos, add three tablespoons of dry mix and ⅔ cup of water to one pound of cooked meat, tempeh, tofu or plant-based substitute. Simmer until desired consistency.
