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Homemade Easy Taco Seasoning recipe has common spices that, when combined, make the best tasting taco spice blend. It is easier to make homemade spice blends than you might think. It can be budget friendly to make your own seasoning blends. This homemade Taco Seasoning recipe will replace the packet from the store with the preservatives in it.
Originally published 8/6/17
Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Have you ever been in the middle of making a recipe that calls for taco seasoning, and you realize that you don’t have one of those little packets? Me too.
So what I used to do was just toss some spices into the pot and hoped it would come out okay. It usually did, but it would have been easier and faster to have a taco flavored seasoning blend already on hand.
Making taco flavored seasoning from scratch only takes a few minutes to mix up, so it’s very doable to make it at the last minute.
How Much Does This Recipe Make?
This homemade Taco Seasoning recipe makes about a half a cup, so you will have plenty on hand. You’ll get about 3 ‘packets worth’ from this recipe (2 Tbsp equals 1 packet).
I like to make a double batch as I use taco seasoning a lot.
I like to store this in a glass mason jar so it stays fresher longer. But really I use it so often it doesn’t have time to go bad!
Why is There Corn Starch in Taco Seasoning?
• I use corn starch because it helps to keep the taco seasoning spices from clumping.
• It is also a thickening agent.
• Corn starch also serves as a dispersant of the finer spices to achieve better, more uniform coverage.
• You can omit it or try using potato starch or another fine starch, such as arrowroot.
Here are Some Recipes That Use a Taco Spice Blend
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Instant Pot Beef Taco Bowls
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Instant Pot Taco Soup
Instant Pot Taco Pie
Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
You can use this taco spice blend with any meat that you want that taco taste on. You can also use it to make a creamy taco flavored salad dressing, or in a meatloaf or even in hamburger!
Cajun Spice Blend
Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Baked Chicken Spice Rub
Easy Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 3 ½ teaspoons Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt (more or less to taste)
- 2 teaspoons Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Corn Starch
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Transfer to an air-tight container. I like to use mason jars.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi. Is this taco seasoning recipe spicy? My son loves tacos but he doesn’t like them spicy ?
It is a little spicy. Just omit the cayenne pepper and it won’t be spicy.
What brand of Chili powder do you use as this is already seasoned, with garlic, salt etc. would like it as reference for the other ingredients, if it is a single ground Chile powder, which type of Chile is it?
Hi Wendy, it’s Chili powder, not Chile powder. However, you can use a single chile powder, and adjust to the heat level you like.
Why the corn starch? Is there a substitute?
Corn starch helps to keep it from clumping, is a thickening agent, and also serves as a dispersant of the finer spices so as to achieve better, more uniform coverage. You can omit it or try using potato starch or another fine starch, such as arrowroot.
Thank you for the prompt reply! I will try potato starch. I’m making this and your IP taco pie tonight for the first time. Yum.
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them, Deb!
Hi Sandy! I’m a huge fan of your Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe. My boyfriend’s dad used to make something similar in a crock pot but once I got an instant pot I needed a different recipe. Anyhow, is there a specific small mason jar you like to put this seasoning in?
Hi Cassidy! I use the 4 oz Mason, Kerr, or Ball jars that are used for canning. If I make a double or triple batch I use the pint sized jars. I’m so glad that you like the Salsa Chicken!
How much taco seasoning to use on 1 lb. ground beef for tacos?
Hi Ava! Start with 2 1/2 Tbsp. Then after is soaks in, and you have stirred it, taste and add a little more to your taste. Remember, this recipe is lower in sodium than the store bought. Thank you for your question!