Ok we all love ground beef tacos and burritos, but is there a quick taco seasoning recipe you can use instead of the usual grocery store packet variety? Of course.
Making your own taco spice blend changes everything. You’ll be turning taco tuesday on it’s head as now you control thow hot (chili heat), the salt, the smokiness. The ingredients are probably already in your cabinet.This recipe takes five minutes, costs pennies per batch, and delivers the kind of Mexican style savory food that’s warmly spiced, just-right-heat flavor that makes you wonder why you ever settled for the packet.
It only takes a handful of spices, mix them altogether with some mince, a little water and tomato paste and voila! You’re in business. If you love Mexican food, then you may like to use this versatile seasoning in our Chili Con Carne recipe with our Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips recipes too.
Why Make your own homemade taco seasoning mix?
- It’s super cheap. A few tablespoons of taco seasoning will go a long way and cheaper than the store-bought taco mix. Plus you can make a bulk version to have on hand ready to go.
- You know exactly what goes into it – (no ingredients that you’re unsure of what they actually are)
- Diy taco seasoning – you can customize to suit your taste by tweaking more or less of the spices you love.
- Spice things up to extra hot or make it mild for the kiddo’s.
- Most of these basic spices you’ll have on hand at home in your pantry already so you’re sweet as. No need to buy taco seasoning packets that go hard in the pantry anymore. Make as you need.
- Make a great cute Christmas Gift for those who love to cook or popped into spice jars or a hamper bundle. People love a homemade version.
Ingredients for EasyTaco Seasoning Recipe
Dry Ingredients
Oregano – love these little crushed leaves and makes it so nice.
Ground Cumin – an all rounder spice and you’ll get use out of this one for so many other recipes.
Paprika – with so many variations of paprika available we’ve gone with the sweet one.
Cayenne pepper – as much or as little to give it the va va voom.
Salt – If you feel that it’s too much salt, adjust to the salt content as you like. This recipe has 2 teaspoons. The best way is to start with less if you are worried
Pepper – fine black pepper
Soft brown sugar – this is optional but we think makes it just that much nicer.
(if making this to have on hand and to store in your pantry ready to go, omit the fresh ingredients below and change it for 2 teaspons of onion and garlic powder)
Fresh Ingredients for cooking your taco meat mince.
Garlic – 1 small clove crushed.or finley chopped
Onion – just a half finely diced
How to Use Your Taco Seasoning Recipe
FOR A 1 KILO AMOUNT OF MINCE:
Start by browning that ground minced meat, then add the galic and onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning recipe and cook for a few minutes to let those spices dance and toast to pure deliciousness. Add half a cup water to start and 3 to 4 tablespoons of tomato paste. (if you need to add more water as needed).
Cook through till all nicely combined. This Taco Seasoning Recipe is for 1 kilo of meat.
How To Store Your Taco Seasoning Mix
Store your taco seasoning mix in an airtight container or a screw top jar (mason jar) in the a dark place like your pantry. We usually make a batch and it’s for a1 kg amount of mince. But if you are only using a small amount of mince half of this mixture would be prefect for 500gm or similar one pound of meat.
Your taco seasoning will store as well as the freshness of the herbs and spices you used to make the taco seasoning blend. Dried herbs and spices slowly lose their flavor over time, so it’s recommended to use the taco seasoning within one year. If you’ve opted for a tsp of onion powder and garlic powder instead of the fresh variety you migh find the mix can get a little hard in the cupboard. Just loosen a bit with a fork before using.
Use Your Taco Seasoning Recipe As a Gift in Hampers
Want to impress your loved ones? Give them a gift they’ll love – homemade taco seasoning! This homemade taco seasoning mix will transform any meal, from tacos to burritos and beyond. And guess what? They’re going to love it. It’s a breeze to make – (as you already know) and you can pop into a jar, label it with a few recipe directions and they can add some sizzle to their cooking with your very own taco seasoning mix!
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to simplify the making of this taco mix substitue the fresh onion and garlic for the dry versions. Garlic powder – it’s all around the garlic. Onion powder – if you are using fresh onion in your mince mix you can omit this it you like.
Ground Turkey – swap out the ususal ground beef mixture and use turkey mince instead.
What Else Can I Use This Taco Seasoning Recipe On?
Rubbed over chicken can make this a yummy variation to the normal grilled breast. You can try making some homemade nachos by topping tortilla chips with melted cheese and taco seasoning. You can also use it as a dry rub for grilled steak too.
Recipe Card
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 tsp paprika
- 4 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp salt vary according to your own taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp soft brown sugar (optional)
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove small
- ½ onion
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup water
Instructions
How To Use
- Combine all the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Crush the garlic and finely chop the onion.
- Brown your meat in a pan with a little olive oil. Add the galic and onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the taco seasoning for 1 kilo of mince. (if using 500 gms just half the mix)
- Add half a cup of water and tomato paste. Add more water if needed.
- Cook until beautifully combined and smells amazing. Usually around 7-10 minutes.
- Serve with tortillas, corn chips lettuce, tomato, grated cheese, guacamole, rice and sour cream. Yumm.
How To Gift in a Jar
- Combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Using a funnel and carefully pour into a dry screw top jar.
- Label with "how to directions" and add a decorative ribbon and give as a gift to your loved ones.
Notes
Nutrition
Where To Buy Herbs
You can buy herbs easily and cheaply at any supermarket or farmers market. You can also find online herb wholesalers with much larger quantities. Happy Taco mixing friends!
