Tacos might be that one meal that everyone in my family agrees on. That’s why we have Taco Tuesday every week!
And instead of buying taco seasoning packets, I just started making it myself. I’ve experimented and tweaked this homemade taco seasoning recipe so that it’s absolutely perfect.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cornstarch
- Servings: 4
- Extras: Serve with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, or over nachos
Easy Amazing Taco Seasoning Recipe
When it’s taco night, I like to keep things as simple as possible. Instead of grabbing a seasoning packet, I’ve started making my own DIY taco seasoning.
And although I know those taco seasoning packets are cheap, I feel better knowing what is going into the food myself. Or – if you are in a pinch, the kids are begging for tacos, and you don’t have the premade mix, I’ve got you covered.
While your meat or veggies are cooking for dinner, grab a small bowl and add water, cornstarch, chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
It only takes a minute to whisk everything together, and then I set it aside until our meat is ready for seasoning.
Making Homemade Beef Tacos
And I can’t tell you my recipe for tacos and leave you hanging- let me tell you how I make quick beef tacos for dinner!
To start with, brown your meat as you normally would. And while that’s cooking, get out a bowl. Pour in 3/4 of a cup of water, and then add all the spices plus the cornstarch.
Whisk it up really well and then just leave it alone until the meat is cooked all the way through.
As for the meat, you can drain it if you want.
Personally, I don’t mind a bit of fat in my taco meat as long as it’s mixed in well (no orange grease – yuck!). I drain out about 75% of the fat and liquid from the cooked meat.
Leaving the drained (or mostly drained) meat in the pan on the stove over medium heat, dump your water/spice mixture onto the meat and stir.
Once it starts bubbling, mix it a bit more and then remove from the heat.
You’re good to go! Taco night has been made homemade and tasty!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef cooked and drained of excess fat
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Mix it all for taco seasoning! This is enough for one pound of meat; we typically use ground beef or turkey.
- Homemade Beef Tacos
- Start cooking the meat in a pan over medium heat.
- Combine water, cornstarch, and all spices in a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk to combine.
- Once the meat is done, drain to your liking.
- Place the meat back in the pan.
- Add water/spice mixture to the meat and stir.
- Once the liquid starts bubbling, you're all set.
- Serve in tacos, on a salad, or nachos... or however you'd like.
Nutrition
Making A Bulk Batch Of Taco Seasoning
If you want to make a large amount of the seasoning to use on demand, combine in a Tupperware container as follows and mix until evenly blended:
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup ground cumin
- 5 tsp salt
- 5 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
When you want to make tacos, use 3 Tbsp of the blended seasoning, and mix with 2 Tbsp cornstarch.
Recipe Substitutions or Swaps
For those who want to try different flavors or make do with what they have on hand, here are a few easy swaps and additions:
- Ground Meat Alternatives: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you’re out of beef or just want a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Options: Taco seasoning would be great on meat alternatives! Use this seasoning with plant-based crumbles, beans, or roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian-friendly taco.
- Seasoning Tweaks: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth or swap out regular salt for a touch of garlic salt to bring in more flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier mix, add a little cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions for Taco Seasoning In Meals
- Taco Salad – Layer over a bed of lettuce with tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Spoon seasoned meat over baked sweet potatoes and top with sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro for a unique twist.
- Nachos – Spread on top of tortilla chips, and add cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole.
- Quesadillas – Fold into a tortilla with cheese and cook until golden and melty.
- Stuffed Peppers – Mix with rice and stuff into bell peppers, then bake until tender.
- Taco Pizza – Top pizza dough with seasoned meat, cheese, and bake, then add shredded lettuce after it’s cooked.
- Burritos – Wrap in a flour tortilla with rice, beans, and cheese for a handheld meal.
- Taco Soup – Stir into a pot with broth, beans, and veggies for a hearty taco-flavored soup.
- Lettuce Wraps – Scoop into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes – Pile on top of baked potatoes with a sprinkle of cheese and sour cream.
FAQs
How long can I store homemade taco seasoning?
Homemade taco seasoning can last up to six months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Is homemade taco seasoning healthier than store-bought?
Yes, making your own lets you control the ingredients, which often means less sodium and no preservatives or additives.
Can I use this seasoning on other meats besides ground beef?
Absolutely! This taco seasoning works great on chicken, pork, turkey, or even roasted vegetables.
How much taco seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
My recipe covers how much of everything goes into a pound of beef tacos, but if you’re making this taco seasoning recipe in bulk, it’s a bit different.
About 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning is ideal for each pound of meat for a strong flavor. Feel free to add more if you like it!
Can I make a low-sodium version?
Yes, simply reduce or omit the salt and add a pinch more of other spices like cumin and oregano to balance it out and keep the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade taco seasoning is a simple yet rewarding swap for store-bought packets.
Not only does it deliver that familiar and delicious taco taste, but it’s also healthier, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe has quickly become a staple for our Taco Tuesdays, and it’s sure to bring a smile to the whole family’s faces!
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I love all the helpful hints you share with us and with a smile even!!! Thank you
thank you so much. I have these ingredients on hand and use them ALOT!