Homemade Taco Seasoning is easier to make than you might think. It can be budget friendly to make your own seasoning blends. This homemade Easy Taco Seasoning recipe will replace the packet from the store with the preservatives in it.
Originally published 8/6/17
Easy 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 seasoning blend already on hand.
Easy Taco Seasoning only takes a few minutes to mix up, so it’s very doable to make it at the last minute.
This Easy 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!
I was asked why I put corn starch in this seasoning blend. The answer is 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.
Here are some of my recipes that use Easy Taco Seasoning
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 hamburger!
Cajun Spice Blend
Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Baked Chicken Spice Rub
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Easy Taco Seasoning uses spices you already have. Tastes like the packet and no preservatives!
- 3 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt (more or less to taste)
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Corn Starch
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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Transfer to an air-tight container. I like to use mason jars.
This Easy Taco Seasoning recipe is fairly low sodium. If you want a little more salt, add 1 tsp to the recipe.
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Oana
Hi. Is this taco seasoning recipe spicy? My son loves tacos but he doesn’t like them spicy ?
Sandy
It is a little spicy. Just omit the cayenne pepper and it won’t be spicy.
Wendy
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?
Sandy
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.
Deb
Why the corn starch? Is there a substitute?
Sandy
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.
Deb
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.
Sandy
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them, Deb!
Cassidy
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?
Sandy
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!
Ava
How much taco seasoning to use on 1 lb. ground beef for tacos?
Sandy
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!