Note: This recipe has been updated with much better pictures and quantities for making a whole jar of seasoning as opposed to just a couple of tbsps. You can view the new recipe here: Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe.
We love tacos.
Love. Them.
Beef tacos, chicken tacos, steak tacos, you name it.
But as much as it makes tacos taste great, I loathe buying pre-packaged taco seasoning mix. First of all there are ingredients in there I don’t recognize. Second, the ingredients I do recognize I have sitting right in my cabinet.
So I have spent the summer trying different taco seasoning recipes that I found on the web, and finally, FINALLY I found one that will forever be “our” taco seasoning recipe.
It was SO GOOD in both the beef tacos and chicken tacos I made last night.
Without further ado:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container. Season to taste.
About Kimberly Grabinski
We fix tacos almost every week and go through lots of taco seasoning packets. Thanks so much for this. I can’t wait to try it!!
Seriously? This is the best taco seasoning ever? This is the most basic recipe ever, but it certainly isn’t the best. Next time, try being a little creative.
rude much? sheesh
Thanks for this recipe. I am going to print it right now!
I always use the Old El Paso stuff that comes in a package for less than a dollar at the grocery store, but this is legit, and I’m going to try it!
I use this same recipe! I love it too! :) Hope you’re doing well, Kim!
Great recipe! I had to leave out the oregano however, little known fact; cooked oregano releases an oil that can cause extreme intestinal distress to some people–severe stomach pain and cramping.
So this is probably a stupid question for you, but I’m not good at measurements, never have been. Can you post what the recipe would be if is was 4 times as much?? Thanks so much :)
do not think of them as measurements, think of them as BASIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MATH
Heather Languis,
There is a basic fundamental math skill called “multiplication” which my 4th grade son understands. We generally would use this in a situation just like this.
i.e. 1X4=4
1/4X4=1
Have a lovely day.
So condescending I can taste it! Must…replace…with tacos.
1. As if the person asking needed a new one ripped. Was that even necessary? Hopefully, your 4th grade son has more capacity for compassion and manners than his parent.
1. That attitude is why a lot of people can’t stand math or math teachers. Most math teachers assume that everyone knows basic so-called fundamentals like multiplying fractions and teaspoons and such and such. For some, those are difficult concepts. We don’t necessarily use math everyday, but just about everyone communicates/speaks/writes daily…sometimes hourly. If this is how you speak/communicate to other people, it’s no wonder you’re a math teacher.
since most of the measurements are in teaspoons (There are three teaspoons per tablespoon, so break everything down into teaspoons.) you can substitute these for “parts”. Your “part” can be anything, a cup, a gallon, a pound, doesnt matter. If you use the same measurment for each part, you can make whatever size you want when breaking it down into parts. Hope this helps.
I’ll make this easier than the previous two replies…
4 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon paprika
6 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoon sea salt
4 teaspoon black pepper
Hope that makes it easier for you! :)
Used this recipe tonight! My taco salad would not have been the same without this “must have” recipe! Thanks so much!
I’ve made this twice now and love it. I find I need to add a bit more salt and more cumin for my taste, but this is really, really good. My 14-year-old son said, “Those tacos were awesome!” Thanks!!
This sounds great! I do have a silly question though…do you mix your 2 TBSP of taco seasoning mix with the ground beef and add water like a typical taco seasoning packet says to do? Thanks for posting this!
I usually do add a bit of water so it can simmer and the seasonings can work into the meat.
It is better when you use tomato sauce instead of water. It gives the meat a nice flavor.
Great idea Ingrid!!
If you add a little bit of cornstarch into the recipe it will thicken the liquid when you add water to your meat, just like the packet. It doesnt effect the flavor at all…
Another great idea! Def going to try that. Thanks!