Learn how to make homemade taco seasoning using just a few simple spices that you probably already have in your spice cabinet and use it to make delicious taco meat.
One of the first things my son learned to make completely on his own was tacos. He learned every step from cooking the meat to shredding the cheese and chopping tomatoes to making guacamole to put on top. It is definitely his go-to meal when he cooks and I know he’ll be making it for years to come.
What is taco seasoning mix made of?
We started out using store-bought taco seasoning but in my opinion, homemade is so much better and it’s so easy to make! Storebought taco seasoning is often very high in sodium and can contain unnecessary fillers. By combining just a few simple spices, you can make a flavorful taco seasoning.
There are obviously tons of recipes out there but this combination has worked well in our household because it’s flavorful but not too spicy. We use a mix of:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt
What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, give this recipe a try! Watch Chase show you how to make a batch of homemade taco seasoning that you can try on your next taco night!
How to make homemade taco seasoning
Here’s the recipe we use. Feel free to adjust it to your liking! If you really like one of the spices, add more. If you want it spicier, try adding some cayenne pepper. You can also 4 or 6x the recipe ahead of time and store in a jar and then you’ll have it on hand to use as needed.
PrintHomemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Learn how to make homemade taco seasoning using just a few simple spices that you probably already have in your spice cabinet and use it to make delicious taco meat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch salt
- ⅔ cup water
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Add ground meat and break apart as it cooks.
- In a small bowl, combine spices.
- Once meat is mostly cooked, drain excess grease.
- Add seasoning mix to pan along with water.
- Stir until well combined and cook until meat is no longer pink.
- Serve with favorite taco toppings!
FAQ’s About How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Do you drain the meat before adding taco seasoning?
I like to brown and drain the meat before adding the seasoning otherwise, you end up pouring half of your seasoning down the drain! Depending on what type of meat you use and what percent fat, you may have more or less grease to drain.
What can I use for cumin in taco seasoning?
Cumin is my son’s absolute favorite spice. He loves the way it smells and tastes, but some people don’t. If you don’t like the taste of cumin, you can leave it out and add extra chili powder and a little paprika.
How do you stretch out taco meat?
If you’re looking to make your ground meat go a little further, try adding in some cooked lentils, chopped walnuts or riced cauliflower. All have similar texture to ground meat and will help you stretch your meat. You can try this recipe for Turkey Walnut Taco Meat.
Does taco meat freeze well?
Yes! If you make a big batch of taco meat and want to freeze some, simply let it cool completely and portion into Ziploc bags. Freeze flat and transfer to fridge overnight to thaw. Before serving, just add to a pan with a little water or broth to reheat.
How to use leftover taco meat
Looking for ways to use up leftover taco meat? Try making these Tater Tot Waffles or sub taco meat for chicken in these Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos. You can also use it to make nachos!
Homemade taco seasoning is a great thing for kids to learn how to make. Let them smell the spices and experiment with different amounts of each one until they find a combination they like! Taco seasoning is fairly forgiving so even if they dump a little extra of a certain spice, it should still taste good!
What are your favorite taco toppings?
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