Creating your own taco seasoning is as exciting as planning taco night itself. Trust me, once you know how to make taco seasoning, you’ll never want to settle for the store-bought packets again. Imagine that delightful aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen while you whip up a blend that perfectly matches your taste. It’s like each shake of the jar brings a fiesta of flavor straight to your meals.
With just a handful of flavorful ingredients, you can craft a taco seasoning that suits your palate. Whether you like it spicy, smoky, or just a little zesty, this recipe gives you the freedom to adjust each component to your liking. So, grab your spices, and let’s get this taco party started!
Why This Recipe Works
Making your own taco seasoning gives you the freedom to tailor the flavors exactly how you like them. Unlike those store-bought packets, which can contain additives and preservatives, this homemade version is simple and clean. It features fresh ingredients that you can easily control.
The blend combines chilies, herbs, and spices, creating a mouthwatering mix that enhances your taco fillings perfectly. Plus, more often than not, these ingredients are already in your pantry, which is a bonus!
Why You’ll Love This How to Make Taco Seasoning
You’ll love this taco seasoning because it’s not just about adding flavor—it’s about enriching your cooking experience. Making your own mix allows you to experiment and share something truly special with family and friends.
Aside from being delicious, it’s super versatile. Use it not just for tacos, but in chili, on grilled veggies, or even in marinades. And the best part? You can adjust the spice level based on your preferences. Want a little kick? Add more chili powder! Prefer it milder? Go easy on the spice. The goal is to enjoy every delicious bite.
Ingredients for Taco Seasoning
Gathering your ingredients is easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 tablespoons cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Each component plays a role in building depth and richness, making your tacos outstanding.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
To kick things off, grab a medium bowl. In it, you’ll combine all your dry ingredients. Add the 6 tablespoons of cornmeal first, followed by 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Then, toss in 1 tablespoon each of ancho and chipotle chili powders, and add 2 tablespoons each of cumin and oregano.
Next, mix in the dried minced onion, garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, smoked paprika, and the cocoa powder. The cocoa might seem odd, but it adds a secret depth that rounds out the spices beautifully. Once everything is in the bowl, whisk it all together until evenly mixed. You want to create a cohesive blend that’ll coat your taco meat wonderfully.
Store Your Taco Seasoning
Once you’ve got your seasoning mixed, it’s time for storage. Grab an airtight container, like a mason jar or some Tupperware. Pour in your seasoning and seal it tight. This ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for your cooking adventures.
How to Use Taco Seasoning
Now that you’ve made this delightful seasoning, let’s talk about how to use it!
Prepare Ground Beef for Tacos
Start by cooking 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef in a pan over medium heat. As it cooks, crumble it with a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. If you prefer, you can drain any excess grease from the beef—this step is optional but helps keep your tacos lighter.
Add Taco Seasoning
Next, take 1/4 cup of your homemade taco seasoning and stir it into the cooked ground beef. This is where the magic happens! The spices will coat the beef, adding that delicious flavor we all crave in tacos.
Incorporate Liquid
To bring it all together, add 1 and 1/4 cups of water to your beef mixture. For an extra flavor boost, consider incorporating 1 teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon Beef Base, but this is optional.
Cook to Perfection
Stir everything well and let it simmer over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly. This process ensures that your tacos are juicy, flavorful, and simply irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Once your taco meat is ready, it’s time for the fun part—assembling your tacos!
Serve your flavorful beef in warm tortillas and pile on your favorite toppings. Think shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. Each bite will be a joyous explosion of flavor, perfect for taco night with family or friends.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your taco seasoning! Try adding different spices, like cayenne pepper, to kick the heat up a notch. You could also swap out ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. Want to introduce some freshness? A splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate the flavor even more. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success
- Make a larger batch of taco seasoning whenever the mood strikes to always be prepared for taco cravings. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning based on your tolerance for spice. Use less for milder tacos and more for that punch!
Storage Tips
Your homemade taco seasoning can be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. If stored properly, it will remain fresh for up to 6 months. Just make sure to check on it now and then!
FAQs
1. How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
Homemade taco seasoning can last up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container.
2. Can I make this taco seasoning without salt?
Yes, feel free to omit the salt or swap it for a low-sodium alternative if that fits your diet better.
3. Is this taco seasoning gluten-free?
Absolutely! This seasoning recipe is gluten-free, as all the ingredients, except cornmeal, are generally gluten-free. Just check the labels to be certain.
4. Can I use this seasoning for other recipes?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle it in chili, soups, or even as a spice mix for grilled meats. It works wonders anywhere you want a flavor boost.
5. How can I make the seasoning spicier?
Simply add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level—you call the shots!
Creating your own taco seasoning is not just about flavor; it’s about the experience of cooking and sharing joy with loved ones. The combination of herbs and spices opens the door to a culinary adventure right at your fingertips. So why not gather those ingredients and bring some fiesta magic to your table? You’ll not only enjoy the meal but also the fun of creating it!
Print
Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning combines chilies, spices, and herbs, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking. Perfect for tacos, chili, or marinades!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 1 cup
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Whisk until evenly mixed.
- Store in an airtight container.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Make a larger batch and store for future use.
Adjust seasoning to manage spice level.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 1.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.2
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
