This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Our homemade Taco Seasoning mix uses pantry ingredients and tastes just like packaged mixes – at a fraction of the cost.
Tacos are on regular rotation at our house. They are an easy and delicious dinner that both kids and grown-ups enjoy. Plus, I think, any kind of assemble-your-own meal is just a little more fun to eat!
For a long time, we bought the little envelope packages from the supermarket to season our ground beef – but now we make our own homemade taco seasoning mix at home!
Beyond the perfect blend of spices from your pantry, we also include a bit of corn flour in the seasoning mix – so the texture of our homemade tacos has the same creamy consistency and rich taste that the store-bought mixes give.
Why You’ll Love Taco Seasoning
- It’s made from spices and seasonings you probably already have on hand, so no need to buy the expensive packaged mixes.
- You can adjust the flavors and spiciness to suit your tastes.
- Mix up a batch and store in an air-tight jar – so you can cook up delicious tacos anytime the craving strikes!
Key ingredients and Substitutions
- Corn flour – This is a big component in our homemade taco seasoning mix – and it is the secret ingredient that helps create a smooth velvet-like sauce for your tacos. Look for Bob’s Red Mill corn flour at your supermarket, or online. You can also use masa harina or fine corn meal.
- Other spices – Chili powder, *dried minced onion, ground cumin, *dried minced garlic, corn starch, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, granulated sugar, *dried beef bouillon, sea salt and black pepper make up the remaining spices.
*Don’t be tempted to use garlic powder and onion powder. Grinding up the minced garlic, onion flakes, and beef bouillon all add a slightly different taste than the powdered versions.
Special supplies needed
- A small food processor is the best tool, or you can use a coffee grinder (dedicate the grinder for spices) or a mortar and pestle. If you are using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle, you may need to grind the spices in batches.
How do I make Taco Seasoning?
- Measure spices and seasonings, then place into a small food processor.
- Process to achieve a fine powder consistency.
- Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry location for up to six months.
- Use four tablespoons of the taco seasoning with one cup of water and one pound of browned ground beef (we leave in some of the excess fat for flavor) or cooked ground chicken.
- Simmer for five minutes to create a sauce.
A few more Tips
- The amount of spice mix and water can be adjusted to suit your tastes and to accommodate more or less meat. If adding more water, simmer longer until you get the right consistency.
- If you are cooking with a lower-fat ground beef (93/7 vs 80/20), draining the fat off after browning may not be necessary. The juices that cook out when browning ground beef is not all fat, and it adds flavor to the finished taco meat – so we recommend choosing a lower fat ground beef so you don’t have to drain before seasoning.
Frequently asked Questions
Can I make Taco Seasoning ahead of time? Yes, seal in an airtight container for up to six months
How do I store leftovers? We recommend an airtight jar or zipper seal bag with the air squeezed out. Keep in a cool, dry cabinet or drawer away from any heat sources.
What recipes can I make with this homemade Taco Seasoning mix?
You might like these other homemade spice mixes:
- Fajita Seasoning (From Pantry Staples)
- Copycat Rib Tickler Rub
- Onion Soup and Dip Mix
- Chai Spice Mix
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning and Dressing Mix
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
1/4 cup corn flour
3 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 1/2 tablespoons dried ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon dried beef boullion granules
1/2 tablespoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a small food processor or coffee grinder and process to a fine powder, about 1-2 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature until needed.
To use:
- Brown one pound of 93/7 ground beef but do not drain juices.
- Add one cup of water and four tablespoons of the spice mix.
- Cook over medium low for five minutes.
- Add more water and/or more spice mix to suit your tastes.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Notes
Don’t be tempted to use garlic powder and onion powder. Grinding up the garlic and onion flakes adds a slightly different taste than the powdered versions.
Bob’s Red Mill sells corn flour. You could also use masa harina or fine corn meal which will be ground further with the rest of the spices.
Hi Martha and Jack!
Always great to see your recipes and this version of home made taco seasoning does not disappoint. You really can save money on making your own spice mix and dressings. I was in the grocery store the other day and wanting to make the Yum Yum sauce for a recipe… well, a bottled version was $3.99 . I had all ingredients on hand at home …. must have cost less than .$1.00 . In these trying times we need to be more inventive. Take care of yourselves and keep warm!
You too Doris (we’re definitely getting our share of the cold weather these days!). Hope you enjoy the taco seasoning! (And homemade Yum Yum sauce…great idea!)