Homemade Taco Seasoning

A small jar full of taco seasoning with a spoon on top and a napkin.

5 from 1 vote

Homemade Taco Seasoning is a delicious spice mix that’s quick to make and sure to become your go-to recipe anytime tacos are on the dinner menu. It makes a great gift, check out these 10 Easy, Edible Gifts for more ideas. Mix it up using spices you likely have on hand in your pantry. This do-it-yourself spice mix adds spicy, smoky flavors to ground beef, chicken, beans and more! Use this spice mix to make Mexican Fried Rice or in Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings:

Calories: 25kcal

Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

Ingredients

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon cornstarch
¾ cup water

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

Measure the five taco seasoning spice ingredients and cornstarch into a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

To Make Tacos with Ground Meat

For seasoning one pound of beef or ground turkey meat, place a skillet on the stove and either spray the bottom of the skillet with cooking spray (Pam) or place a teaspoon or two of olive oil in the pan and spread it around to create a thin coating on the bottom of the skillet. Cook the meat, over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, then drain it on paper towels.
Return the cooked meat to the skillet on the stove and sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning mix on top. Turn the heat to medium, add ¾ cup of water and stir. Continue heating, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until nearly the water evaporates and the seasoning has coated the meat.

How to Make Tacos with Beans or as a Side Dish

If you are seasoning beans such as canned black beans or canned pinto beans instead of ground meat, pour the beans from the can into a strainer and rinse with water.
Place the beans in a medium-sized pan on the stove and sprinkle the seasoning mix on top. Stir to combine, Add the water and heat over medium heat until most of the water evaporates and the seasoning mix has coated all the beans.

Notes

Here's how to adjust the measurements to create one cup of taco seasoning. Blend these ingredients and place in a one-cup container. Cover, label and store at room temperature for several months.

3 ¼ tablespoons smoked paprika

3 ¼ tablespoons cumin

3 ¼ tablespoons chili powder

1 ½ tablespoons oregano

3 ¼ tablespoons garlic salt

1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mix into each pound of ground meat.

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