Better Than Store Bought Taco Seasoning
Tacos have been a family favorite staple for quite some time. However, I was shocked when I discovered the ingredients in some of the taco seasoning packets on my real food journey. At that time, I was determined to find the healthiest taco seasoning on the market. It wasn’t long until I realized the best taco seasoning I could make would be prepared in my home kitchen.
This taco seasoning is the best I’ve experienced & I’m not just saying that because I made it. Every time we make tacos for a gathering, the taco seasoning ALWAYS gets compliments. Thus, the better than store bought taco seasoning title!
Other than controlling the flavor of your taco seasoning, I’ve discovered making my own taco seasoning is also cheaper and I can make large batches so it’s always on hand. Since then this taco seasoning has become an essential for our kitchen. Most importantly, it gives me a quick and easy meal with little thought or planning.
Amount of taco seasoning to use
The amount of taco seasoning you use at each meal will greatly depend on two things. The first is how much meat you will be using. The second is how flavorful you like your tacos to be.
In general, I recommend starting with two rounded tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. This amount provides good flavor but doesn’t over power the flavor of any added toppings like lettuce, cilantro, onion or avocado. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can always add more seasoning.
In whichever taco seasoning you decide to make, I recommend making it in large batches. This will save you so much time when you need a quick meal.
How to store Taco seasoning
As with any seasoning or spice blend, flavors will dissipate as they are exposed to air. Because of this, it’s best to store all spices in an airtight container.
My favorite airtight container for storing spices and seasoning mixes are glass canning jars. If you don’t have a canning jar, any glass container with an airtight seal will work great.
Which brand of spices to use
In general, it does not matter which brand of spices you use to make your taco seasoning. However, there are some brands that offer more flavorful spices. Use whichever brands you can fit in your budget or taste preference.
You may also consider switching to organic spices. This may not impact the flavor of the spice blend. However, you may see that some brands include more than just the ingredient on the front or back label. If you’re interested or concerned, I recommend doing your own research into this topic.
NOTE
This taco seasoning recipe can easily be altered to suit your flavor preference. Personally, I don’t like a lot of spicy foods. So, if you prefer more spice, I recommend adding more cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Making the most nutritious version of foods is a high priority for me and my family. Because of this, you will primarily see this recipe uses only real spices, no fillers and organic or local ingredients where possible.
There are definitely items that I cannot find as organic or we don’t have the budget to buy the organic option.
Ingredients and Tools
The spices – chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, onion powder, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper
A storage container – I like using canning jars but any airtight container will work. I would advise using a big enough container that will allow you to shake all of the spices once measured out. For the measurements in this recipe, I recommend using a pint sized jar.
Measuring spoons – you will need both tablespoons and teaspoons.
The Taco Seasoning Recipe
4 tablespoons of chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt (I like to use Redmond real salt)
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Measure out all spices and place in a pint sized jar.
- Secure the jar lid onto the jar.
- Shake until well combined.
- Your seasoning is ready to use!
For your taco dinners, use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix for each pound of raw meat.
If you like making your own seasoning mixes like this Taco Seasoning, you may also like THIS Homemade Fajita Seasoning and THIS Homemade Italian Seasoning.
Frequently asked questions:
Why make your own taco seasoning mix?
Making your own taco seasoning mix, or any mix, is the best way to ensure you know the ingredients in your seasonings. Not only does this relate to the quality of ingredients but also the amount of each seasoning. If you and your family like spicy tacos, add more cayenne or red pepper flakes. If your family isn’t a fan of the heat, reduce or remove those spices.
Can I make this taco mix in bulk?
YES! Since the process of measuring out each spice can be time consuming, I encourage you to double, triple or quadruple this recipe if you make a lot of taco or taco inspired meals.
How much seasoning do I use for a meal?
The amount of taco seasoning you use at each meal will greatly depend on two things. The first is how much meat you will be using. The second is how flavorful you like your tacos to be.
In general, I recommend starting with two rounded tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. This amount provides good flavor but doesn’t over power the flavor of any added toppings like lettuce, cilantro, onion or avocado. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can always add more seasoning.
How do I store homemade Taco seasoning?
As with any seasoning or spice blend, flavors will dissipate as they are exposed to air. Because of this, it’s best to store all spices in an airtight container.
My favorite airtight container for storing spices and seasoning mixes are glass canning jars. If you don’t have a canning jar, any glass container with an airtight seal will work great.
Does it matter what brand of spices I use?
In general, it does not matter which brand of spices you use to make your taco seasoning. However, there are some brands that offer more flavorful herbs. Use whichever brands you can fit in your budget or taste preference.
You may also consider switching to organic herbs. This may not impact the flavor of the spice blend. However, you may see that some brands include more than just the ingredient on the front or back label. If you’re interested or concerned, I recommend doing your own research into this topic.
Did you try this? Let me know in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.
Find more at @MissysHomestead on Pinterest and Instagram.
