After checking a lot of different taco seasoning package labels (both generic and brand name), I saw 3 ingredients over and over again that my family really could do without: (1) sugar (2) caramel color and (3) MSG. Plus, the majority of these pre-measured seasoning packs are also very high in sodium.
I wanted my family to enjoy a Mexican-style meal without those additives, so now I make my own taco seasoning. And it’s very quick and easy!
The recipe below is for one small batch of taco seasoning that will yield a couple of uses. You can double the recipe to make even more to have on hand.
HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING
2 T chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. paprika
4 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. sea salt (more or less, to taste)
2 tsp. black pepper
Mix all ingredients together in an airtight container. Close tightly and shake to combine.
Use 2 T (more or less) to season 1 pound of meat.
If you like taco meat to be a little bit “saucy,” add 1 tsp. of cornstarch to the beef after it has been browned. Mix well and then pour in 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer until thickened and bubbly.
That’s all!
Photo courtesy Soy Connection
Laura says
April 2, 2012 at 9:11 amLove it!
Zephyr Hill says
April 2, 2012 at 10:05 amHey thanks Laura! 🙂
Hollie T. says
April 2, 2012 at 11:23 amOne of the things I do when I make tacos, is instead of water I use tomato sauce for a nice saucy taco meat. Kids are now spoiled and don’t like them any other way. This is how my mom made tacos when we were growing up.
Zephyr Hill says
April 2, 2012 at 4:08 pmI love your idea, Hollie! In my opinion, you can’t ever have too much tomato.
Anne
Angela Sheridan says
September 27, 2012 at 8:41 pmthis sounds delicious! can’t wait to try it!
Zephyr Hill says
September 28, 2012 at 6:53 amThank you, Angela!
Amanda Wheelock says
March 24, 2013 at 4:35 pmI’m going to try this. I’m sure it’s easier on the budget as well!
Zephyr Hill says
March 25, 2013 at 11:56 amHope you like it! ~Anne
Amanda E. says
June 27, 2013 at 7:46 amI’ve recently started making my own seasonings to try to avoid added ingredients from store bought seasonings, and to save money! This one sounds delicious, can’t wait to try it! 🙂
Zephyr Hill says
June 27, 2013 at 8:02 amThanks, Amanda! ~Anne
Amy says
August 5, 2013 at 10:29 amEvery time we have tacos I think I need to put this seasoning together for next time. Bookmarking – maybe I will eventually get it done!
Launa says
August 18, 2013 at 7:23 amThis is the second posting of your website I browsed. I like this “Make Your Own Taco Seasoning” the very best.
All the best, Launa
Laurie P says
September 8, 2013 at 8:13 amgotta try this. Definitely a lot healthier than the store bought stuff.
Ashleigh Swerdfeger says
September 23, 2013 at 8:19 pmThis is so helpful! I love making tacos, but I hate the unnecessary ingredients in store bought mix. Very simple to make 🙂
KD says
May 29, 2014 at 3:08 pmThanks for this! The storebought kind is too high in sodium…
katie m says
April 30, 2015 at 9:49 amThanks for the recipe. I always feel like store bought seasoning has too much salt no matter how much I use.
Ashley says
July 12, 2017 at 8:46 pmI will be trying this! Looks yummy
Amber Ludwig says
November 14, 2017 at 10:03 amWe use taco seasoning so often! This would be great to have around in bulk and it looks so easy to make! We could do without those nasty additives too!