With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix that will transform any ground beef or chicken into a flavor-packed filling for tacos, burritos, or even salads.
This is just one of my amazing tips for How to make your own Spice Blends and mixes... you won't want to miss the others!
Taco Tuesday is always on our Weekly Meal Plan and with this easy recipe, you may never purchase the packets from the grocery store again!
Instead of a last-minute store run (where those impulse buys add up!), why not whip up your own taco seasoning?
You probably have all the spices on hand and it's much cheaper than those store-bought packets. Plus, if you live far from a grocery store, like me, making your own seasoning is a convenient lifesaver!
Looking for more recipes to add to your Weekly Meal Plan? Try my Kid-Friendly Fish Tacos, Crockpot Salsa Chicken or Taco Cups.
Table of Contents
Sunshine Seasoning
This recipe is very similar to the packets of seasoning mix you can purchase in the grocery store. While you can use this homemade seasoning mix for many recipes, it does not contain pineapple or mango; which are found in Tabitha Brown's Sunshine Seasoning Mix.
You can use my homemade seasoning mix for beef or chicken; as well as seasoning soups.
Looking for more homemade seasoning mixes? Check out my recipes for Steak Seasoning Mix, Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix, Homemade Allspice or my Poultry Seasoning Mix!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- If you're not a fan of paprika, it's okay to leave it out. It's mainly used for color.
- However, if you want a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika!
- If you’re not a huge fan of garlic or onion flavors, reduce the onion and garlic powder by half.
- If you want to add a spicy kick, add a ½ teaspoon of crushed red peppers.
- Like a touch of sweetness? Add a teaspoon of sugar.
- Try my Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix next!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add all the ingredients into a small bowl. Then stir until well combined.
Step 2: Once your seasoning is ready, transfer it to a mason jar. Seal the jar tightly and store it in your pantry for future use.
Top Tip
There's usually 3-4 tablespoons of seasoning mix in a store-purchased packet of Taco Seasoning. usually equals one packet. When preparing your ground beef for tacos, start with 2 tablespoons, taste and see if you need to add more for your preferences.
Storage Tips
Once you have the homemade seasoning mix combined, add it to a mason jar. You could also use an airtight container. Then place the jar in a cool, dry place.
This homemade seasoning mix will last up to 6 months if properly stored.
♨️How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
Add one pound of ground beef to a large skillet. After browning the meat, drain the fat and return the meat to the skillet pan.
Add 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix to the browned ground beef with ¼ cup water. Allow the meat and seasoning to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Before You Begin!
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Recipe FAQ's
How much taco seasoning do I need for 1 pound of meat?
You'll need to use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning per every pound of ground beef you are using to make tacos.
Do you have to add water to taco seasoning?
Yes, adding water to the taco seasoning and ground beef helps to distribute the seasoning better. For every pound of ground beef, add 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
Do you add taco seasoning before or after cooking?
Add the taco seasoning after you have browned the ground beef. You can also drain the ground beef after it has cooked to remove the excess oil. Add the cooked ground beef to a colander and allow it to drain over a bowl. Then add the cooked ground beef back to the same skillet and add the taco seasoning.
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📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Chili powder
- 3 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Onion powder
- 3 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 1 /2 teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Stir to make sure everything is completely mixed.
- Add the contents to a small mason jar.
Notes
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Mary Ann says
How much of this do you use when making tacos?
Rachel Harper says
Lois,
Wow, I love this idea. It would make a great hostess gift. Thanks for sharing and I'd love to add a link to your recipe on my Sunday, Dirt Road Adventures if that's ok.
Lois says
Thank you!
Cindy@CountyRoad407 says
I've wanted to make taco hand pies for a couple of weeks now and with this homemade seasoning, they will turn out better than ever! Thanks for sharing this on Farmhouse Friday. Pinning and featuring it this week. Hope you link up again.
Pam says
I love this! I use a lot of these seasonings when I make tacos, but I never thought about making the seasoning ahead in a jar. So much simpler! I'll be featuring it today at the TFT party. Congrats! 🙂
Lois says
Thank you Pam!
Donna B Reidland says
I plan to mix up a batch soon. I like the fact that it doesn't have any sugar in it!
Lois says
Hope you enjoy it! Thank you for visiting!
Marlene Baird says
Thanks for sharing this salad Lois on FFF. I love Taco Salads.
Walking on Sunshine says
Cucumber! Barbara! Thanks for visiting!
Barbara Pendleton says
I love making my own seasoning! And I love taco salad! What is that ingredient in your salad photo that looks like apple, onion? It looks too stiff to be avocado. Thanks for sharing on FFF!