Homemade Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef - A Food Lover's Kitchen (2024)

This homemade taco seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs that can be used to season ground beef or any shredded meat for Tex-Mex dishes. It’s a versatile seasoning mix that adds a distinctive and savory flavor profile commonly associated with tacos.

I bought taco seasoning in the packet for a long time, even though I knew it would be easy to make it at home. It was simply habit. It wasn’t until I couldn’t find a packet once that I decided to make it at home. A single packet now costs between $1.50-$2. If you can get your spices in bulk, you can save a lot of money by making your own.

I always have some mixed up at home, ready to add to ground beef when ever the mood for tacos or burritos strikes. And at our house, that’s often. We love tacos in just about any form: taco pizza, taco lasagna, taco-stuffed shells. You name it.

Angela Lussiersays: This spice blend was really good. It gave the meat a nice spicy color and very spicy flavor. I added the cornstarch and it made a big difference. This will be going into my recipe collection that I will use as again.

» Want more great homemade seasonings? Try this Homemade Cajun Seasoning and our Perfectly-Balanced Homemade Dry Rub.

Ingredients You Need

• Chili Powder (mild to hot)
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt & Pepper
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Oregano
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Cornstarch

I’d recommend buying these spices in bulk at the grocery. I buy big bags of spices at Whole Foods to fill a container with this taco seasoning, so I don’t have to mix it up very often.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Mixing this seasoning is as easy as combining all the ingredients into a bowl and mixing. Super simple.

The addition of cornstarch to the mix is what gives the seasoning the ability to thicken and coat the ground beef properly. It’s not necessary to add it, if you’d rather not, but it’s what makes this seasoning similar to the store packet.

This recipe makes enough seasoning for 1 pound of ground meat. I almost always make double or triple the amount so I can store the taco seasoning in an air-tight sealed container that I keep in the cabinet. Then I can use however much I need for the purpose at hand and then store it away again.

In case you’re wondering how this compares to a packet, a standard packet of commercially produced taco seasoning typically contains about 1.25 to 1.5 ounces (35 to 42 grams) of seasoning mix, which is just over 1 tablespoon worth.

How to Use It

When you’re ready to use the seasoning, just brown the meat and drain any excess oil. Then add all of seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Stir it well. Then let it simmer for about 5 minutes before serving.

How To Store Taco Seasoning

• Transfer the taco seasoning to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid.
• Label the container with the contents (“Taco Seasoning”) and include the date you made it to keep track of its freshness.
• Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal location.
• Avoid storing the seasoning near the stove, oven, or any other heat source. Also, keep it away from areas with high humidity, such as near the sink or dishwasher.
• While taco seasoning can last for a considerable amount of time if stored properly, it’s best used within a year or so to ensure optimal flavor.

DIY Taco Seasoning vs Store-Bought Seasoning

I personally think there are many benefits to homemade seasoning, but it’s obviously slightly easier to buy a packet. So here’s my personal overview:

• You can control the ingredients and adjust the spice levels, salt content, and other flavors to suit your preferences.
• You can use fresh, high-quality spices, leading to a more vibrant and flavorful seasoning.
• You can avoid any artificial additives, preservatives, or anti-caking agents that may be present in some store-bought seasoning mixes.
• You can tailor the mix to be free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, or specific spices you may be sensitive to.
• Buying individual spices in bulk can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you frequently use these spices in your cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Keto Version?

When it comes to healthy recipes, a homemade taco with this seasoning is pretty darn good. Because you can choose the ingredients, you know that the salt level is low and that there aren’t any additives.

It’s a keto friendly seasoning as well. This homemade version doesn’t have any carbs in it if you leave out the brown sugar, which does add some carbs from sugar.

Other recipes to try

• Easy Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
• Best Ever Meat Marinade
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Like it, Love it, Want Some More of It? Subscribe to ournewsletterand follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. We really love it when you save our recipes to Pinterest 😊

Pin it for later!