Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (2024)

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A good, homemade taco seasoning recipe is always a good recipe to have on hand. It’s made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. It’s made quickly and easily and gives any dish amazing flavor.

This clean taco seasoning only has real spices in it. No preservatives or any of the junk you’ll find in the store-bought varieties. So you can feel good about seasoning your food with this.

Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (1)

What Is Taco Seasoning?

Taco seasoning is exactly what it sounds like. Seasoning you can add to meat to make taco meat for tacos. That said, it’s a very popular combination of spices that can be added to many different Latin dishes.

What’s In Taco Seasoning?

The overall predominant flavors are cumin and chili powder with some garlic and onion mixed in. However, a store-bought packet of taco seasoning is a whole different animal. Homemade seasoning is a much better choice.

Store-Bought Vs. Homemade Taco Seasoning

The sad fact is that most of the store-bought taco seasoning you can buy has either sugar, maltodextrin, or MSG in it. (Or a combination of all of those!) That’s not exactly what I want to put in my body, thank you. Making your own taco seasoning recipe at home takes a minute or two, and you can feel good about what you are eating. Plus, you can make a big batch and keep it in your pantry for many meals to come. No more small packets for single dinners!

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?

Well, that’s what this recipe is for! But seriously, if you are low on spices, you can usually get away with using ground cumin and chili powder in a pinch. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll be close.

What’s The Difference Between Mexican Seasoning And Taco Seasoning?

Taco seasoning is a milder seasoning compared to Mexican seasoning. Mexican seasoning has some spicier things added, such as chipotle chile pepper and ancho powder. It’s a spicier mix, even if the overall combination of spices is roughly the same.

Dietary Concerns

This homemade taco seasoning is a great option for anyone who wants to use taco seasoning. It’s gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, keto, etc. It fits almost any eating plan.

Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (2)

How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound?

1 lb. ground meat – 2 tbsp. homemade taco seasoning

1 lb. non-ground meat (like chicken breasts) – 1 tbsp. homemade taco seasoning

How Much Homemade Taco Seasoning To Use For Other Dishes?

1 cup dry rice (or other grains) – 1 tbsp. taco seasoning

What Else Can I Add To This Seasoning Mix?

  • Try using a smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes for extra spice
  • Dried oregano

What Is Taco Seasoning Mix Made Of?

Ground cumin

Paprika – Regular, not smoked.

Cayenne pepper – Optional.

Onion granules – Or onion powder.

Garlic granules – Or garlic powder. (Not garlic salt)

Ground black pepper

Chili powder

Salt – Optional. Sea salt or pink Himalayan salt are both good choices. If you use it, add a quarter teaspoon to start. You can always add more later or during cooking.

How To Make Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (3)

Blend all spices in a bowl and use to season any taco meat you are cooking. Use approximately 1 tablespoon per pound of meat.

Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (4)

Note: This mix has a small amount of “kick” to it. Nothing that will set your mouth on fire, but definitely noticeable. If you want something without the kick, leave out the cayenne and add an extra ½ teaspoon of paprika.

Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (5)

Ideas For Using This Clean Taco Seasoning

  • Tacos– Mix this into the meat during cooking.
  • Burritos– Mix this into the meat during cooking.
  • Cheese Taco Pasta– Mix this into the meat and pasta combo during cooking.
  • Salsa– Blend this into fresh salsa for an extra kick.
  • Taco dip– Blend this into the meat or beans or both.
  • Mexican soups and stews– Use this as seasoning in soups and stews. Simply drop it into the broth.
  • Enchiladas– Give the sauce a little something extra with 1 to 2 tbsp. of this seasoning.
  • Quesadillas– Sprinkle this over the cheese before cooking. Let the spices melt into the cheese.
  • Black beans – Sprinkle it on while you warm them up.
  • Casseroles – Any Mexican-style casserole dish will benefit from taco seasoning.
  • Chicken tacos
  • Taco soup

More Seasoning Mix Recipes

  • Ranch Mix
  • Hamburger Helper
  • Onion Soup Mix

Need A Jar?

You’ll want to keep your taco seasoning in an airtight container such as a mason jar or a spice jar. Here are some ideas.

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Taco Seasoning Recipe Card

Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (9)

Healthy Taco Seasoning

Why buy packets of seasoning at the store that are filled with junk when you can so easily make your own at home in minutes?! Use approximately 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat.

3.60 from 5 votes

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 77kcal

CLICK TO WATCH THIS RECIPE IN ACTION!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp. chili powder

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Put all the measured spices into a mixing bowl.

    Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (10)

  • Whisk them together.

    Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (11)

  • Note: This mix has a small amount of "kick" to it. Nothing that will set your mouth on fire, but definitely noticeable. If you want something without the kick, leave out the cayenne and add an extra ½ teaspoon of paprika.

    Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (12)

Notes

Please note that the nutrition data below is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tbsp. | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 2095IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 10.5mg

Recipe from the Gracious Pantry® archives, originally posted 8/19/10.

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Taco Seasoning Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (2024)

FAQs

How much taco seasoning mix per pound of meat? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

What is the difference between taco seasoning and Mexican seasoning? ›

Mexican seasoning typically consists of a blend of traditional herbs and spices while taco seasoning is a specific blend of spices that may not be used as much in traditional Mexican dishes.

What to use if you run out of taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  1. 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  2. ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  4. Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  5. ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  6. ½ teaspoon paprika.
  7. 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  8. 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

How many tablespoons in a package of taco seasoning mix? ›

Different commercial brands package their taco seasonings in different amounts, but most packets contain about 1 ounce or 3 tablespoons of product. Use 3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for every packet your recipe calls for.

How much taco seasoning should I use for 1 pound of beef? ›

Store in an airtight glass jar for up to 3-4 months. But if you're like me, each batch gets used about as fast as we can make it. Plan for about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. To season ground meat tacos, first sauté the meat until it loses its pinkish color.

How much taco seasoning for 2 pounds of meat? ›

I use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound. For 2 pounds, I would use 4 tablespoons. After sprinkling over your burger mixture, don't forget to add about 2/3 cup of water (since your doing 2 pounds) to your mixture. Let it all simmer together in its taco goodness!

What is McCormick taco seasoning made of? ›

McCormick Taco Seasoning is crafted with a premium blend of zesty herbs and spices including chili pepper, paprika, oregano and garlic. Blended especially for chefs, McCormick Taco Seasoning gives chefs an all-in-one, ready-to-use mix to deliver intense, concentrated flavor to Mexican-inspired dishes and beyond.

What seasoning do Mexicans use? ›

With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.

Which is hotter original or mild taco seasoning? ›

McCormick Spices on X: "@DialedIn6 Whoops, sorry for the confusion! Our Original Taco Seasoning Mix is spicier than our Mild Taco Seasoning Mix.

Can you use year old taco seasoning? ›

Dried herbs and spices don't truly expire or “go bad” in the traditional sense. When a spice is said to have gone bad, it simply means that it has lost most of its flavor, potency, and color. Fortunately, consuming a spice that has gone bad is unlikely to make you sick.

Do you add water before or after taco seasoning? ›

Pretty much everyone knows the drill: Brown the meat, breaking it up as you go, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it, and add a specific amount of water, simmering and stirring until thickened.

What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco seasoning mix? ›

Ingredients. Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Spice, Onion Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (high oleic canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch.

Does taco seasoning have tomatoes in it? ›

What is Taco Seasoning? Taco Seasoning has masa harina, salt, chiles, tomato powder, garlic, cumin, California paprika, onion, white sugar, Mexican oregano, allspice. All of the spices are pretty finely ground with no large chunks.

Can I use fajita seasoning in place of taco seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but they are not the same. Taco seasoning typically has more oregano and chili powder than fajita seasoning. With that being said, however, you can use fajita seasoning and taco seasoning interchangeably in recipes, it may just warrant a slightly different flavor.

How much seasoning should you use per pound of meat? ›

Getting Your Meat Rub Just Right

At the very least, you should add about one tablespoon of meat seasoning for every pound of meat. Apply the dry rub evenly so that every mouth has flavor. For the perfect steak, make sure to use beef seasoning.

How do you use taco seasoning mix? ›

I use this taco seasoning for a variety of things - I use it as marinade with lime juice and extra garlic on chicken, beef, pork on the grill, use it with hamburger for regular tacos, in the pressure cooker with beef, bake chicken with it, have used it as seasoning with mayonnaise for a southwest pasta salad, made ...

How much McCormick taco seasoning per pound of meat? ›

I use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound. For 2 pounds, I would use 4 tablespoons. After sprinkling over your burger mixture, don't forget to add about 2/3 cup of water (since your doing 2 pounds) to your mixture.

How many tacos will 2 pounds of ground beef make? ›

Each taco shell or small soft taco-size tortilla fits about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of meat. If you add diced onions, you could stretch a pound of ground beef to make about a dozen tacos. With just the meat and spices, you can make about 8 tacos from a pound of meat.

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