Prepare homemade tacos tonight using this easy seasoning blend that comes together in just minutes with a handful of pantry staples. With this DIY taco seasoning recipe, you’ll never need another packet of the store-bought stuff again!
If you love easy Mexican-inspired meals, try this same seasoning in homemade nachos, taco quesadillas, or a hearty taco chili.
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Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Taco night is always popular in our house. While I’m not opposed to those store-bought seasoning packets made by brands like Old El Paso and McCormick, nothing beats the homemade version! This taco seasoning for ground beef can also be used in a variety of other recipes, including chicken tacos, ground turkey tacos, casseroles, soups, and chili.
Here are a few good reasons to mix up your own batch:
You control the ingredients. Packets of store-bought taco seasoning often include thickening agents (like cornstarch or flour), sugar, preservatives, anticaking agents, and oils. When you make your own, you know exactly what’s going into every batch.
It tastes fresher. Using high-quality, freshly measured spices gives the seasoning a more vibrant flavor than pre-packaged mixes that may have been sitting on a shelf for months.
You can make it ahead. Mix up a larger batch and store it in an airtight jar or container for up to 6 months. That way, homemade taco night is always just a scoop away.
What Goes Into Homemade Taco Seasoning
An authentic taco seasoning for ground beef typically includes warming spices, savory seasonings, and a little heat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chili powder, paprika, and cumin: These warm spices add rich, deep flavor to the meat. Cumin is especially important for that classic taco taste.
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy note that rounds out the blend.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: For savory, aromatic flavor.
- Cayenne pepper and ground black pepper: For a zesty kick. Add extra cayenne for spicier tacos or omit it completely for a mild seasoning.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
Customize the Blend to Your Taste
One of the best things about making your own taco seasoning is how easy it is to adjust. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- For a milder seasoning: Skip the cayenne pepper entirely.
- For extra heat: Add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a smokier flavor: Swap sweet paprika for smoked paprika.
- For lower sodium: Reduce the salt or leave it out and season to taste after cooking.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning mix couldn’t be easier! Simply combine all of the spices in a small bowl or jar and stir to combine. That’s it.
This recipe yields about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, which is enough for 1 lb. of ground meat. You can double or triple the batch if you want to keep extra on hand in your pantry.
How to Make Ground Beef Taco Meat
Once you’ve got your seasoning ready, here’s how to use it to make flavorful taco meat.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step helps the seasoning coat the meat evenly and keeps the finished dish from being greasy.
Step 2: Add the Seasoning and Simmer
Return the skillet to the stove and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the homemade taco seasoning and the tomato sauce. The sauce adds flavor, moisture, and helps the seasoning cling to the beef.
If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, a thick salsa works well as a substitute.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it starts to look dry, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or beef broth to keep things saucy.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Assemble Your Tacos
Spoon the seasoned taco meat into crunchy taco shells or warm flour tortillas. Top with your favorites:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped lettuce
- Pico de gallo or salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- A squeeze of lime juice
A squeeze of fresh lime or a handful of chopped cilantro at the end gives the dish a bright, fresh finishing touch.
Made these last night for dinner and they were very good–in fact my husband said they were “excellent!”. They are fast and easy to prepare and full of flavor. Used the cayenne so they had a robust taste which was wonderful, but not enough to be too spicy. Served with a Crema sauce made of sour cream, grated garlic, lime juice and zest and a pinch of salt. Perfect!
– Norma
Ways to Use This Taco Meat
Ground beef tacos are just the beginning! Once you’ve got a skillet of seasoned taco meat, you can use it in all kinds of easy dinners:
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store the dry taco seasoning in a jar or airtight container for up to 6 months. Measure out 3 tablespoons for every 1 lb. of ground beef.
- Cooked taco meat will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat until warmed through (about 5 to 10 minutes), or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much homemade taco seasoning should I use per pound of ground beef?
This recipe yields about 3 tablespoons of seasoning, which is the right amount for 1 lb. of ground meat. If you’re cooking more, just double or triple the spices to match.
Can I use this seasoning for other proteins?
Absolutely. It works well with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, and even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you’re using.
How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container, the dry seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Keep it in a cool, dry place like your pantry or spice cabinet.
What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
A thick salsa makes a great substitute. You can also add a little water or broth to the skillet to help the seasoning coat the meat.
More Taco Night Favorites
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne omit for a mild seasoning
Instructions
- Combine all of the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl or jar and stir until well mixed.
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Use 3 tablespoons of seasoning per 1 lb. of ground beef. Double or triple the spice blend to make a larger batch and store it for future use.
- Drain the grease before adding the seasoning so it coats the meat evenly.
- Add liquid as needed while simmering. Water, chicken broth, or beef broth all work well.
- No tomato sauce? Substitute with a thick salsa.
- Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne for a spicier blend, or omit it entirely for a mild version.
- Try smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- This seasoning works with other proteins including ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, and shrimp.
- Store cooked taco meat in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
- Finish with fresh lime juice or cilantro for a bright, flavorful touch.
- Cook 1 lb. ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the taco seasoning blend and ½ cup tomato sauce (or sub with thick salsa).
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water or broth if needed to keep the mixture moist. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Originally published in May, 2023, this post was updated in January, 2026.
Looking forward to trying your homemade taco seasoning recipe! Can you let me know how much of the seasoning mixture to use in the 1 lb. taco beef recipe? Sorry if I missed it.
Hi, Robin! The taco seasoning recipe is designed for exactly 1 lb. of ground beef. If you want to make a larger batch of meat, you’ll need to double (or triple, etc.) the seasoning and other ingredients. Hope you enjoy!
Made these last night for dinner and they were very good–in fact my husband said they were “excellent!”. They are fast and easy to prepare and full of flavor. Used the cayenne so they had a robust taste which was wonderful, but not enough to be too spicy. Served with a Crema sauce made of sour cream, grated garlic, lime juice and zest and a pinch of salt. Perfect!
Sounds like the perfect meal, Norma. Thank you!
Thanks for breaking this down in such an easy-to-understand way. Looking forward to similiar posts.
We’re glad you found it helpful, Keisha. We hope you enjoy this and our other recipes!
Wonderful
We’re glad you enjoyed it, Mary!