Homemade Taco Seasoning: The Exact Formula (Beats the Packet)

A DIY taco seasoning blend that is customizable, low in sodium, and free of additives, made with common pantry spices.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time8 mins

Total Time13 mins

Servings: 8 tacos Course: Main Course Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Spices

2 tbsp Chili powder (Mild, ancho-based)
1 tbsp Ground cumin
1 tsp Sweet paprika (Or smoked for depth)
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
1 tsp Dried oregano (Mexican if available)
1 tsp Fine sea salt
1 tsp Cornstarch (For sauce-thickening)
0.5 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper (Adjust to taste)

Meat and liquid

1 lb Ground beef
0.5 cup Water

Instructions

Cooking the meat

Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Drain the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the taco seasoning blend over the meat and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Add 0.5 cup of water and bring to a bare simmer.

Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens into a rich glaze.

Equipment

Skillet
Wooden spoon
Airtight jar

Nutrition

Serving1 lb ground beef with 2 tbsp seasoning

Sodium150

Notes

This recipe makes a single batch of taco seasoning, equivalent to one Old El Paso packet. To make a jar that lasts 6 months, multiply the ingredients by 6.

MeatRecipesBox