How to Make The BEST Taco Seasoning From Scratch
Ditch the store-bought packets and say hello to flavor explosion! This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is packed with aromatic spices, allowing you to customize the heat and control exactly what goes into your tacos.
Ready to level up your taco night? Whip up this budget-friendly seasoning in just minutes and impress your taste buds with authentic Mexican flavors.
Bonus: This recipe is highly versatile, perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more! So ditch the sodium-laden packets and embrace the deliciousness of homemade taco seasoning!
Q&A for this recipe:
Q: Can I substitute any of the spices?
A: Absolutely! Here are some options:
- Chili powder: Substitute with cayenne pepper for a spicier option, or a blend of ground chipotle peppers and ancho chili powder for a smokier flavor.
- Paprika: You can use regular paprika, but smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor.
- Dried oregano: Mexican oregano offers a slightly more complex flavor, but regular oregano works well too.
- Red pepper flakes: Adjust the amount to your desired spice level. You can also substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Q: How long will this seasoning stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this seasoning will stay fresh for up to 1 year.
Q: How much seasoning should I use for different recipes?
A: This recipe makes about 4 tablespoons of seasoning. As a general guideline, use:
- 1-2 tablespoons for 1 pound of ground meat
- 1 teaspoon per serving for other uses like soups, chili, or dips
Q: Can I make a larger batch of this seasoning?
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just remember to adjust the storage time accordingly.
Q: I see this recipe calls for chili powder, but isn’t that already a blend of spices?
A: This is a great point! In the US, commercially available chili powder is a blend of spices that can vary significantly from brand to brand. This recipe uses individual spices to create a more consistent and customizable flavor profile.
Q: What are some other dishes I can use this seasoning for?
A: The possibilities are endless! You can use this seasoning in:
- Burritos
- Enchiladas
- Quesadillas
- Nachos
- Taco bowls
- Chili
- Soups
- Dips
- Roasted vegetables
What you need to make the best taco seasoning:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano adds a more authentic touch)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How to make it:
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Mix well with a whisk or fork to ensure even distribution.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year.
Tips:
This recipe makes about 4 tablespoons of seasoning, which is enough to season about 1 pound of ground meat.
You can adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
Feel free to experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper, coriander, or ancho chili powder to create your own unique blend.
This taco seasoning can be used not only for tacos, but also for burritos, enchiladas, chili, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Additional notes:
If you don’t have chili powder, you can make your own by grinding together dried ancho, guajillo, and pasilla chiles.
You can find pre-ground spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano at most grocery stores.
Be sure to use airtight containers for storage to prevent the spices from losing their flavor.
Printable Recipe:
How to Make The BEST Taco Seasoning From Scratch
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano adds a more authentic touch)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Mix well with a whisk or fork to ensure even distribution.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 4 tablespoons of seasoning, which is enough to season about 1 pound of ground meat.
- You can adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper, coriander, or ancho chili powder to create your own unique blend.
- This taco seasoning can be used not only for tacos, but also for burritos, enchiladas, chili, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
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