Make your own homemade taco seasoning mix with this simple DIY recipe. It’s quick and easy! In just ten minutes, you’ll have a high-quality blend of fragrant seasonings to use in infinite recipes.
Season ground beef, ground turkey, shredded chicken, steak, shrimp, veggies and so much more. You can also use your mix as a fun gift. Simply portion into pretty jars and add a bow!
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CAN’T I JUST BUY PRE-MIXED TACO SEASONING?
Of course! But keep in mind that many pre-mixed taco seasonings found at the grocery store have additives and aren’t gluten free. If this is a concern for you, homemade taco seasoning is a great option. Take control of the ingredients in your food and experience better flavor than ever before with homemade taco seasoning mix. Pure spices, no additives!
IS HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING MIX MILD OR SPICY?
You can make it either way! It’s all about the variety of chili powder you add to your mix. Chili powder is made of dried, crushed peppers. Some peppers have mild flavor, some are super spicy and some are middle of the road. Check the packaging label on different chilis powders at the grocery store to find information on spice level and pick one that suits your preference!
HOW MUCH TACO SEASONING SHOULD I USE PER POUND OF MEAT?
Typically, you’ll use about 1/4 cup of seasoning per pound of meat. I like a stronger flavor so I usually end up adding a dash more. I recommend adding your seasoning slowly and taste testing along the way to get it just right!
MEXICAN OREGANO VS OREGANO – WHAT’S THE DIFFERECE?
This recipe calls for Mexican oregano which has a full-bodied flavor and slight citrus undertones, Italian oregano is a bit lighter with mild notes of mint. You can substitute regular (Italian or Mediterranean) oregano for Mexican oregano, either will work! I prefer Mexican oregano for taco seasoning if I can find it at the grocery store.
HANDY TIPS:
- Homemade taco seasoning mix makes an amazing, edible DIY gift for the Mexican food lover in your life. Portion mix into a pretty, airtight jar. Add a bow and tag with a recipe or list of ideas for use.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup ground cumin *see note below
- ½ cup chili powder *see note below
- ¼ cup Mexican oregano *see note below
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes *optional for a spicier mix
can the salt be opt out? try to make it sodium free friendly recipes for my husband who have high blood pressure and heart attack survivor!
Hi, Celeste! I haven’t yet tried this recipe without salt so I’m not sure how it would taste. I bet it would still be good, though. Let me know if you give it a try!
My mix is very much like this one but no Mexican Oregeno. I will look for it my next grocery run. I love making my own mixes so I can leave out or adjust things like the pepper flakes.
I agree! I like having control over all of the ingredients and mixing it up just right!