Homemade Taco Seasoning
Servings: 6 Servings
Ingredients
For a Large Batch
- ½ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- pinch of black pepper
For a Single Serving
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch of chipotle powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- pinch of black pepper
Instructions
To Make a Large Batch
- Add the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to an airtight container.½ cup chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, pinch of black pepper
- Secure the lid and shake well until the spices are evenly mixed. If using a bowl, whisk everything together, then transfer the seasoning to a jar or airtight container.
- Use right away, or store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
To Make a Single Serving
- Stir the spices together in a small bowl.
- Brown and drain 1 pound of meat, then add the seasoning with ¼ to ⅓ cup water. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes until the seasoning coats the meat.2 tablespoons chili powder, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, ¾ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, pinch of chipotle powder, pinch of cayenne pepper, pinch of black pepper
Notes
- This recipe makes about ¾ cup of taco seasoning.
- Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning per 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, turkey, or pork, depending on how much flavor you like. Start with 2 tablespoons if you’re unsure.
- For taco meat, sprinkle the seasoning over cooked and drained meat. Add ¼ to ⅓ cup water, stir well, and let it simmer for a few minutes so the spices have time to wake up a little.
- The flavor depends a lot on the chili powder. American chili powder is usually a blend, not plain ground chile, and every brand tastes a little different.
- For a milder taco seasoning, leave out the cayenne pepper and reduce or skip the chipotle powder. For more heat, add a little extra cayenne or chipotle.
- If the seasoning tastes flat, check the age of your spices first. Older ground spices lose flavor fast. A tiny pinch of MSG can also boost the flavor if you keep it on hand.
- Homemade seasoning blends may clump because they don’t have anti-caking agents. Just shake or stir before using.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. It’s best within 6 months, but use your eyes and nose. If it smells weak or dusty, it’s probably time for a fresh batch.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Serving Size
2 tablespoons
Amount per Serving
Calories
71
% Daily Value*
Fat
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
5
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Sodium
718
mg
30
%
Potassium
450
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
13
g
4
%
Fiber
8
g
32
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
6213
IU
124
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
87
mg
9
%
Iron
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
