Taco Seasoning Recipe
This simple taco seasoning recipe is a pantry mix you can shake together in minutes. Use it for ground beef, chicken, beans, roasted vegetables, and quick weeknight tacos.
Total
5 min
Servings
About 1/2 cup seasoning, enough for 4 to
Level
Easy
A jar of homemade taco seasoning is one of those small kitchen habits that makes dinner easier. You control the salt, heat, and smoky flavor, and you do not need to open a packet every time taco night comes around.
This blend uses common spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. A little cayenne adds heat, but you can leave it out for a mild mix.
Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning for 1 pound of ground meat, chicken, tofu, or beans. Add a splash of water and simmer for a saucy filling.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
10 items · About 1/2 cup seasoning, enough for 4 to
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons fine salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, optional, for a thicker sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional, for heat
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Gather the spices
Set out all the spices and a clean, dry jar or small bowl. Check that the jar has a tight lid, especially if you plan to store the seasoning for more than a few days.
2. Measure the base flavors
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano to the bowl or jar. These spices give the seasoning its warm, savory taco flavor.
3. Add salt and pepper
Stir in the salt and black pepper. If you prefer to salt your food while cooking, reduce the salt to 1 teaspoon now and add more later to taste.
4. Adjust the heat
Add the cayenne pepper if you want a spicier blend. For a mild seasoning, skip it. For more heat, increase it by another 1/4 teaspoon at a time.
5. Add cornstarch if using
Stir in the cornstarch if you want the seasoning to make a slightly thicker sauce. Cornstarch is a starch that thickens liquid when heated, so it works well in taco meat or saucy beans.
6. Mix until even
Whisk the spices in a bowl, or close the jar and shake it well. Make sure there are no clumps of garlic powder, onion powder, or cornstarch.
7. Store the seasoning
Transfer the mix to an airtight jar if you used a bowl. Label it with the name and date, then store it in a cool, dark cupboard.
8. Use it for taco filling
For 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, chicken, tofu, or beans, cook the main ingredient first. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons seasoning and add 1/3 cup water. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring, until the mixture is coated and saucy.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: This seasoning is ideal for making ahead. Double or triple the recipe if you cook tacos often.
- Storage: Keep the mix in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard for up to 6 months. It will still be safe after that if kept dry, but the flavor may fade.
- Salt swap: For a low-salt blend, reduce the salt to 1 teaspoon or leave it out. Add salt to the finished dish instead so you can control the final taste.
- Paprika swap: Smoked paprika adds a gentle smoky flavor. Sweet paprika gives a softer, less smoky taste. Either works.
- No chili powder? Use a mix of mild ground chile powder and a little extra cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. Avoid using pure cayenne as a full replacement because it is much hotter.
- For saucy taco meat: Use the optional cornstarch and simmer the seasoning with water. If the mixture gets too thick, add another splash of water.
Cook's note
Chili powder in this recipe means the common American spice blend made with ground chiles and seasonings, not pure hot chile powder. If your chili powder is very spicy or contains salt, taste and adjust the salt and cayenne.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
How much taco seasoning equals one store-bought packet?
Most packets contain about 2 to 3 tablespoons. Use 2 tablespoons of this homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat, beans, or tofu. Use 3 tablespoons if you like a stronger flavor.
Can I make this taco seasoning without salt?
Yes. Leave out the salt and store the blend the same way. When you cook, season the finished taco filling with salt to taste.
Do I need cornstarch in taco seasoning?
No. Cornstarch is optional. It helps thicken the water and pan juices into a light sauce, similar to many packet seasonings. Leave it out for a looser, spice-only blend.
Is this taco seasoning spicy?
It is mild to medium if you include the cayenne. For mild seasoning, skip the cayenne. For spicier tacos, add more cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
What else can I use taco seasoning on besides tacos?
Sprinkle it on roasted potatoes, corn, grilled chicken, shrimp, black beans, scrambled eggs, or popcorn. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more if needed.
05Keep cooking
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