My homemade taco seasoning mix is a bold and balanced explosion of flavors, with smoky chili powder and paprika, warm cumin and coriander, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, earthy cocoa powder, and aromatic notes of garlic, onion, and oregano, all rounded out with just the right touch of salt and pepper.
Is it just me, or does the store-bought taco seasoning always leave you wanting more? More flavor, more spice, more… something. That’s why I got to work creating my own homemade taco seasoning mix. Trust me, this blend is a game-changer. It’s smoky, a little spicy, and full of bold, punchy flavors that’ll take your ground beef tacos to the next level. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together—you probably already have everything in your pantry! Once you try this, you’ll never go back to the packets again.
Taco seasoning is a versatile kitchen MVP, adding bold Tex-Mex flavor to everything from ground beef and roasted veggies to soups, marinades, and dip. Let's taco 'bout it!
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Why You'll Love this Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade taco seasoning mix is a step up from store-bought because it’s fresher, more flavorful, and completely customizable. You get to skip the preservatives and excess salt found in pre-made packets and instead choose your own spice level and tweak the flavor to your individual taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and made with pantry staples you probably already have. Once you whip up your own, you’ll wonder why you didn’t ditch the packets sooner!
Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning
This taco seasoning mix delivers a perfectly layered flavor profile—smoky chili powder and paprika, earthy cumin and coriander, aromatic garlic and onion, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, subtle depth from cocoa powder, and a savory kick of oregano, salt, and pepper to tie it all together.
- chili powder - smoky, earthy, and spicy flavors.
- brown sugar - rich, caramel-like sweetness with a hint of molasses.
- smoked paprika - deep, smoky chile flavor with a mild heat and subtle sweetness. Smoked paprika comes from dried peppers that are smoked over wood, giving it a unique flavor profile.
- cumin - warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor with a hint of citrusy brightness.
- garlic powder - savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor with a mild pungency, offering the essence of fresh garlic without the sharp bite.
- coriander - bright, citrusy flavor with warm, slightly sweet and floral undertones.
- onion powder - savory, slightly tangy flavor with mild aromatic notes.
- oregano - robust, earthy flavor with a slightly bitter, peppery kick; subtle notes of citrus and pine.
- cocoa powder - deep, rich, and slightly bitter flavor with subtle earthy, chocolatey vibe.
- salt - adds savory and briny flavor.
- pepper - sharp, pungent heat with subtle spiciness.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
The process of making this taco seasoning mix couldn't be easier: Measure, mix, and enjoy!
Measure out the ingredients into a bowl or jar and shake or whisk until combined. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container, like a glass jar with a lid or spice tin, and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months (that's a lot of taco nights!).
What is in Chili Powder?
American chili powder is typically a blend of dried ground chiles (such as ancho or cayenne), cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and sometimes paprika, salt, and a touch of sugar. It’s not typically overly spicy but offers a balanced mix of smokiness, earthiness, and mild heat, making it a super versatile seasoning. Keep in mind each chili powder will have its own unique flavor profile with some more spicy than others.
Substitutions
If you're outside the US and can't find American-style chili powder, you can use a combination of ground chile pepper (like ancho or chipotle) and paprika along with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. This blend will mimic the earthy, smoky, and mildly spicy flavor of American chili powder. DO NOT substitute straight ground chile pepper (especially chipotle) in the same amount unless you REALLY love heat!
Variations
The beauty of homemade taco seasoning mix is its versatility; feel free to mix up the proportions or leave something out if you don't like it.
- Spicy: Add more heat by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot paprika.
- Citrusy: Add a little zest with dried lime or lemon peel for a bright, citrusy kick that pairs well with seafood or chicken tacos.
- Smoky Chipotle: Swap in chipotle powder for some of the chili powder to bring a smoky, spicy twist (start with a small amount because it packs some heat!).
How to Store Spices
Taco seasoning mix will stay good in a cool, dark place for 6 months. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid or spice tin, and be sure to label your spice blend. Spices will lose flavor over time, so go make some tacos!
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
My favorite way of using taco seasoning is, of course, for tacos! Brown a pound of ground beef, drain the fat, and stir in 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning along with ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Let it simmer until the liquid has reduced by about half. Welcome to the best taco night of your life!
There are tons of other ways to use this seasoning:
- To flavor veggies, soups, marinades, or rice.
- Sprinkle on french fries, mac and cheese, or popcorn.
- Combine with sour cream for a tasty taco dip.
- Make taco burgers topped with salsa and guacamole.
- Sprinkle on top of jalapeno ranch pasta salad for an extra Tex-Mex kick.
The world is your taco-flavored oyster!
FAQ
Homemade taco seasoning can last for up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For the best flavor, it's ideal to use it within 3-4 months.
Absolutely! Just omit or reduce the amount of salt in the recipe for taco seasoning.
You can add heat by using cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chipotle chile powder.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with homemade taco seasoning:
Best Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Perfect for Ground Beef Tacos!)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar and whisk or shake until combined.
- Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for up to 6 months.
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