• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
730 Sage Street
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Kitchen
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Seasoning

    Authentic Taco Seasoning

    BY: Kimberly Grabinski PUBLISHED: 11 Oct, '22 UPDATED: 20 Mar, '23 11 Comments

    RecipePrintComments
    4.80 from 5 votes

    This simple, authentic taco seasoning is fantastic on ground beef, flank steak, veggies, and even soup! It only takes about 5 minutes to make, and you only need a combination of common ingredients you already have in your spice cabinet. Making delicious meals jam-packed with flavor has never been easier.

    Tablespoon of authentic taco seasoning made from scratch

    This authentic spice mix is perfect for taco soup and other Mexican recipes. And if I had it my way, every day would be Taco Tuesday. This easy taco casserole is a fantastic way to combine this taco seasoning in a quick and easy family meal.

    Contents
    • 🧂 Why this taco seasoning?
    • 🍽 What you need
    • 🔪 How to make Authentic Taco Seasoning
    • 🥗 Combine this with
    • 🥫 How to store
    • 🍳 More Seasoning Recipes to Try!
    • 👪 Serving Size
    • 📋 Recipe
    • ⭐ What do you think?
    • 💬 Comments

    🧂 Why this taco seasoning?

    I know this resonates with a lot of people out there. Cause seriously, what's there not to like about homemade tacos? They don't require many ingredients or spices, are easy to make, and kids love them. Most likely, you'll have the spices you need in your pantry. And if not, you can get them from a local corner store.

    My authentic taco seasoning is super easy to make, rich in flavor, and insanely delicious. Plus, you can customize it by making simple swaps to match your preferences.

    We all know the secret behind delicious tacos is the taco seasoning mix. I know it can be used in many other ways and not just taco meat, fajitas, and Mexican dips. I especially season my veggies and black beans with some homemade taco spice blend for that extra punch. It's also fantastic as a meat rub for chicken, pork, fish, and all cuts of beef. Ever tried it on soup? Oh, so good!

    Forget using a commercially sold taco seasoning packet full of sodium, fillers, and worse. I've been making my seasoning for years. And once you start, trust me, there's no going back to the store-bought stuff. It's just that homemade taco seasonings are cheaper and tastier with no added preservatives.

    🍽 What you need

    As mentioned earlier, most of the taco seasoning ingredients are pantry staples. So most likely, you won't have to make that trip to the grocery store or supermarket.

    Equipment

    • mason jar or small container
    • measuring spoons

    Ingredients

    Taco Seasoning Ingredients: Oregano, Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Onion Powder
    • 4 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 6 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 4 teaspoons sea salt
    • 4 teaspoons black pepper

    🔪 How to make Authentic Taco Seasoning

    This authentic taco seasoning mix is one of the easiest things you'll ever make. You'll forget all about those little taco packets from the store.

    • Add all the ingredients in a jar or small container. Shake well until well combined.
    • That's it; your taco seasoning is ready for use.

    Quick tips

    When it comes to homemade seasonings, it's all about balance, as you don't want to end up with a mix that is off balance.

    Keep in mind, the art of balancing is not all about ratios but flavors as well. That's why I feel this is an authentic taco seasoning recipe.

    • You can get as creative as you'd like. If you want a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes. Or swap with cayenne pepper if you wish. But if you like your taco seasoning mild, leave this out.
    • Sweet or smoked paprika works just fine. I love the delicious, subtle smoky flavor smoked paprika adds to the taco mix.
    • When it comes to seasoning taco meat, use the same amount of homemade mix as directed in the taco seasoning packet. So this means 2 tablespoons are enough to flavor 1 pound of ground beef.
    • Feel free to make a big batch if you and your family like spicy dishes. I love this homemade spice mix, so I usually triple the recipe. Besides, I bet nobody wants to be measuring out spices every time the mood for tacos, enchiladas, and other tasty meals.
    • If you don't have dried oregano on hand, dried cilantro or coriander should do the trick.
    • I used the American chili powder, which is a blend of chili and other spices and herbs. Some blends contain salt, while others are salt-free. So if there's salt in your chili powder, cut back on salt in the taco mix and keep the feisty and bold chili flavor profile. It would help if you also kept this in mind when using chili powder for seasoning other meals.

    🥗 Combine this with

    Besides ground beef and chicken, this authentic taco seasoning can add great flavor to so many easy recipes. It's simply delicious in casseroles, soups, veggies, as a rub, and pretty much any meal that requires a flavor boost.

    • Mexican Pork Chops - Quick and easy pan seared Mexican pork chops!
    • Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites - Next level appetizer or snack when combined with taco seasoning.

    Anything crispy and roasted with a dab of taco seasoning on top is pure bliss. You should try it!

    🥫 How to store

    Making a big batch of taco seasoning makes perfect sense cause you can cook it in just about any meal. Just store it in an airtight mason jar and keep it in a cool, dry place.

    airtight spice jar full of freshly made taco seasoning

    I typically use airtight spice jars with rubber gasket and hinged lid. And for general storage I'm in love with Good Grips pop containers.

    Your recipes don't have to be bland, boring, or blah! Spice them up with this homemade taco seasoning. Ditch the store-bought taco seasoning packets full of carbs, sugar, and other fillers, and make your taco at home.

    🍳 More Seasoning Recipes to Try!

    If your looking for seasoning recipe ideas for your next dish, try one of these fantastic recipes.

    • jalapeno recipes featured
      25 Easy Jalapeno Recipes
    • pork ribs 1
      Easy Dry Rub for Ribs
    • delicious seasonings for steamed broccoli
      Seasonings for Steamed Broccoli
    • breadcrumbs with pork rinds jar
      Breadcrumbs with Pork Rinds

    Check my collection of easy sides for tacos to make in your next taco tuesday gathering!

    👪 Serving Size

    You'll end up with just over 10 tablespoons of the best authentic taco seasoning. The average recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for an entire meal.

    📋 Recipe

    Keto Taco Seasoning with Real Ingredients

    Authentic Taco Seasoning

    This simple, authentic taco seasoning is fantastic on ground beef, chicken, flank steak, veggies, and even soup! It only takes about 5 minutes to make and tastes amazing.
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved! Share
    Course: Seasonings
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 10 tablespoon
    Calories: 19kcal
    Author: Kim Grabinski

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 6 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 4 teaspoons sea salt
    • 4 teaspoons black pepper

    Instructions

    • In a jar or small container add all the ingredients together and stir or shake until combined.
    • Season to taste for your dish.

    Notes

    To make beef taco mix I use 1 lb of ground beef. I brown the beef with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, drain the grease, then add another tablespoon of taco seasoning. Then I simmer with ½ - 1 cup of water until most of the water has absorbed.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 989mg | Potassium: 116mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1228IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

    ⭐ What do you think?

    If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to pin and share a try on Pinterest. We love seeing what you come up with. Cheers, friends!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Nichol

      March 06, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      I have been making my own for well over a year now and also do a large bulk amount. It is much more healthier and IMO tastes much better than the packet crap. I finally got my mom to make her own as well!

      Reply
    2. Henrietta

      March 06, 2013 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      I have made your recipe in the smaller batch int he past, thanks for the bulk recipe, I'll be making some up to have on hand now!

      Reply
    3. Cat Davis

      March 07, 2013 at 9:51 am

      That looks really good. It's too bad we just don't use taco seasoning all that often.

      Reply
    4. Eileen

      March 08, 2013 at 5:15 am

      THANK you Kim for posting this, I have been sick for over 12 years now. They dx'd it as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. CFIDS with the immune dysfunction part of it. I KNOW that at least in part it is from food additives, toxins, chemicals from cleaners and other things around as I am chemically sensitive. And also to smells. WHATS that SMELL, is huge to me. LOL> But the food, we have a LOT of control over. Smart girl you are to do just that!

      Reply
      • Kim

        March 18, 2013 at 3:37 pm

        Eileen, I am just now seeing this comment. Just crazy busy and my computer was down last week.

        Food additives are to blame for so much that is wrong with us, I wish more people paid attention to it.

        Reply
    5. Jen

      March 23, 2013 at 7:46 pm

      I made this tonight for tacos and you're right, it is better! I'll make it this way from now on.

      Reply
      • Kim

        March 23, 2013 at 7:51 pm

        Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. jason

      March 27, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      Take it a step further and make the chili powder from scratch. Alton Brown has a good recipe for one.

      Reply
    7. Mel

      March 28, 2013 at 8:02 am

      Thanks for this Kim! We go through so much taco seasoning and it seems like I often run to the store just to grab some when we're making Mexican dishes, as I seem to run out all the time! Using this method, I'll never have to again!

      Reply
    8. Jenn

      October 29, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      Oh thanks so much for this! I'm really trying to find more natural (and non-GMO) alternatives to our family's staples and taco and chili seasoning is one thing that I never really thought to look at...let's just say GROSS. I actually have all of these spices in my cabinet already!

      Reply
    9. Katie

      May 06, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and this is even more fantastic, especially on fajitas!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Kim @ 730 Sage Street

    Hi, I'm Kim!

    Creating easy recipes with everyday ingredients since 2008. I believe you can make quality homemade recipes even if you are short on time and budget-conscious. You just need to dive in and learn as you go!

    about →

    Feel free to share our recipes on your blog using a photo and link back to the original recipe.

    Iconic Recipes

    • slicing the bottom round roast
      Amazing Bottom Round Roast
    • eye of round roast 151
      Amazing Oven Roasted Eye of Round

    New Recipes!

    • Chocolate Peppermint Cookies featured1 1
      Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
    • ham and green beans featured 1
      Green Beans with Ham
    • egg bake Featured Images 2
      Egg Bake Recipe
    • chili cheese fries Featured Image 1
      Chili Cheese Fries

    Quick Recipe Ideas

    • easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients featured
      25 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients
    • low and slow roast beef
      25 Leftover Roast Beef Recipes
    • featured Ground sausage recipes
      36 Ground Sausage Recipes
    • featured diced chicken
      30 Diced Chicken Recipes

    Footer

    About

    • Contact
    • Cookies
    • Privacy

    Recipes

    • Dinners
    • Side Dishes
    • Appetizers
    • Snacks
    • Breakfasts
    • Desserts

    More

    • Kitchen Essentials

    Favorites

    • Bottom Round Roast
    • Smoked Tri-tip
    • PG Movies on Netflix
    • Combine Gift Cards
    • How to Combine Gift Cards

    Copyright © 2023 730 Sage Street · All Rights Reserved · ↑ back to top