Authentic Taco Seasoning

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.

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.

🧂 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

• 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.

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.

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

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

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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

 

1x2x3x

• 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!