With this mild taco seasoning recipe for ground beef (a homemade DIY spice mix), you’ll never need to buy taco seasoning at the grocery store again.
Make your own taco seasoning mild, or spice it up with Cholula hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add a quarter cup of water, then use it to season taco meat, ground turkey, or chicken.
This mix is a kid-friendly taco seasoning too. Your family will love it.
Choose your favorite cooking method. Then, prepare your meat in a nonstick fry pan, cast iron skillet, slow cooker, air fryer, or instant pot.
Let’s taco bout it
Full of flavor and customizable, this seasoning mix only takes spices you probably already have in your pantry to create a blend that everyone will enjoy.
Homemade taco seasoning is healthier (no added anything!) and saves you money on your next grocery run.
Why buy seasoning blends when you can just make them at home?
It takes a minute to put this seasoning together in a pinch, but you can double or triple the recipe if you want to make it in bulk and keep it on hand.
It’ll keep at peak freshness for about six months. Grab a cute little jar or even a set of containers to store.
These spice boxes are perfect for organizing and storing your homemade seasoning blends. (affiliate link)
How to use Homemade Taco Seasoning
This taco seasoning is perfect for any meat; Still, there are many other ways to incorporate it into your Mexican-inspired repertoire.
Season crumbled tofu or other meat alternatives if you want vegetarian or vegan-friendly meal options.
This seasoning blend isn’t limited to just tacos either; here are a variety of recipes that you can use it in:
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Sheet Pan Fish Tacos
One Pan Mexican Quinoa
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Add a dash to your Chunky Guacamole for a little extra flavor!
Find a complete list of my favorite Mexican-inspired recipes here.
How Much Do I Use?
Most store-bought seasoning packets contain about three tablespoons of seasoning.
So, if a recipe calls for one package of taco seasoning, use about three tablespoons of your homemade taco seasoning to taste.
A general rule of thumb is three tablespoons per pound of meat.
But, of course, the great thing about making your own taco seasoning is that you can adjust proportions to your tastes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need from your spice cabinet to create your very own signature blend of taco seasoning. Remember to add more or less of your favorite flavors to get the taste just right.
Chili powder – for spice
Cumin – gives it a ton of flavor
Dried oregano – brings in a sweet, herbal flavor
Paprika – adds a smoky element
Onion Powder – for balance
Garlic Powder – for more flavor
Salt – of course
Black pepper – for the finishing spice
Try adding one of these to your mix if you prefer to turn up the heat.
Cayenne pepper – for additional heat
Crushed red pepper – ditto 😁
Do you know the difference between chili powder and cayenne pepper? The main difference is their spiciness; cayenne pepper is about 8x hotter than chili powder! Adjust these spices to your liking, and start slow if you’re sensitive to spice.
Taco Seasoning Variations
This recipe is a mild flavored blend. To make it your own, add, subtract, then adjust the amounts to find your ideal combination.
Here are ideas to play around with:
Spicy
• Just add a little cayenne or crushed red pepper to create a spicier version. Or add a bit of ground chipotle powder. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon should do the trick. But go, easy tiger. It will heat up fast!
• Did you know Chili powder is available in various spice levels? I typically use mild, but if you prefer to spice it up, try chili powder in medium or hot.
Smoky
• Consider adding some earthy smokiness with cumin and coriander, or substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika. The smoked version adds a rich, bold flavor.
Sweet and Savory
• Add a taste of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or anise to subtly heighten flavors. Start with 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon to taste test, then go from there.
• For you garlic lovers out there, increase the amount of garlic powder in the recipe.
Enhancers
• Experiment with other versions of oregano. There are both Mexican and Mediterranean varieties.
• This mix includes salt, so there is no need to add salt to your cooking. That said, you can altogether leave it out for a total salt-free option
Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe
And finally, here is the recipe! Print it out and keep it by your spice cabinet for future reference. 😉
Print
Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe
Description
With this homemade taco seasoning recipe, you’ll never need to buy taco seasoning at the grocery store again.
Ingredients
Base Spices
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt or Seasoning Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
3 Teaspoons Cumin
1 Teaspoon Smoked or Regular Paprika
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
For Heat (optional)
A pinch of Cayenne Pepper OR Crushed Red Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Mix all spices together. Use 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning (or to taste) and 1/3 cup of water to one pound of ground meat.
Store in an airtight container. This taco seasoning blend maintains its peak of freshness for approximately 6 months.
Notes
Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
I now omit the salt in the blend and add it when cooking if necessary, so I have more control over various dishes. It also helps to lower my salt intake. 😉
Keywords: Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe, Homemade Taco Seasoning, Mexican Seasoning recipe
Spice Bottles
Of course, you can store your homemade seasoning in a zip-lock bag, but it’s so much easier to access and store in a container, and let’s be honest, it’s infinitely more fun!
There are a plethora of designerly cool containers available out there!
Create your own set of clean-eating homemade seasonings and store them in one place.
The sets below are available on Amazon.com.
Click the individual photos to see more information about each product.
Check out these cute storage solutions! Empty spice jars to hold your new homemade seasoning.
More Mexican Recipes
Here are additional dishes, sides, and appetizers to enjoy.
Popular Mexican Recipes
Chunky Guacamole
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Let me know what you are making in the comments below.
Happy Cooking!
xo,
Cindy
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Healthy and delicious! 😃
★★★★★