Homemade Taco Seasoning
Classic ground beef tacos! Always a hit whether hard shell, soft shell, or in a salad. This homemade taco seasoning will replace those tear and dump seasoning packets from the store and allow you to control how much or how little you use and control the flavor to your liking.
This recipe makes a versatile seasoning mix that you can use for much more than just tacos. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients for 1 1/2 Cups of Seasoning:
• 1 Cup Chili Powder
• 2 Tablespoons of Paprika
• 2 Tablespoons of Cumin
• 4 Teaspoons of Onion Powder
• 4 Teaspoons of Garlic Powder
• 2 Teaspoons of Salt
• 2 Teaspoons of Pepper
Ingredients for 3/4 Cup of Seasoning:
• 8 Tablespoons of Chili Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon of Cumin
• 2 Teaspoons of Onion Powder
• 2 Teaspoons of Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon of Salt
• 1 Teaspoon of Pepper
Instructions for Homemade Taco Seasoning:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. This can also be done straight into the jar that you plan on storing the seasoning in. I like to pile everything into a mason jar like sand art and then close the lid and spin and shake the jar to mix everything together.
2. Store the seasoning in an airtight container, such as a mason jar in a cool dark place and treat it as any other spice.
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning:
For classic ground beef tacos, use at least two tablespoons of the seasoning mix with one-quarter cup of water per pound of ground beef. Personally, I prefer using three tablespoons, but adjust to your taste.
Brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef into a pan and cook until just the outside has changed color and there is almost no pink left. With a paper towel drain the fat from the pan and add in 1/4 cup of water and 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir and mix this together with the beef while it finishes cooking.
More Than Just Tacos
This seasoning isn't just for traditional ground beef tacos. Here are some other creative ways to use it:
Crunchy Taco Smash Burgers: Sprinkle generously on both sides of your smash burger for a delicious taco twist. Top your burger with tortilla chips and Catalina dressing for a crunch taco salad style smash burger.
Southwestern Omelet: Roll your caramelized peppers and onions in this seasoning for a flavorful omelet. Bonus points if you also melt some pepperjack cheese on it!
Tco Grilled Chicken: Replace your usual grill dust with this seasoning for an extra kick. Works well with both chicken breast and thighs.
Storage Tip
I love using mason jars—they're fun and look cool. However, they require a lot of seasoning to fill. That's why I've provided measurements for both 1 1/2 cups and 3/4 cup, so you can make just the amount you need without it being a big adventure every time you want to make taco seasoning.
Enjoy your tacos and the many other dishes you can create with this versatile homemade taco seasoning!
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