I’ve wanted to switch our family to eating organic for awhile, but the simple reality is that’s it’s too expensive. But a few months ago, I realized I didn’t have to take an all or nothing approach. While we might not be able to buy our weekly haul of produce (it’s a lot) from the organic section, I could start weeding through my pantry and swap out other things.
{Gradually is the key for me.}
One of the first things I did was to make our own homemade taco seasoning.
Did you know that those little taco seasoning packets from the store are loaded with sodium, MSG, corn fillers, and other unnecessary ingredients like sugar and whey (milk)? I have no idea why all that stuff is used, but I do know I don’t want my family eating it.
But the good news is it takes just a few minutes and a few common kitchen spices to mix up your very own homemade taco seasoning, with no unnecessary ingredients. And today, I’ll share that very easy recipe with you.
And bonus: making your own taco seasoning saves money! It’s far cheaper to buy all the spices required which will last for quite a few batches, than those little packets that run $1-2 a piece. {Approximately 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning = 1 packet.}
The first night I made a taco dish using this homemade taco seasoning recipe, my husband turned to me and told me it was the best tacos he’d eaten in a long time.
As they say, the proof is in the pudding, folks!
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
You’ll need:
3 tablespoons chili powder
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoon paprika
1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
Note: I recommend making the recipe as directed the first time and later, you can change the quantities if you’d like. You may want it spicier (or less), less salt, etc.
Mix all the spices and seasoning together.
Store in an airtight container. That’s it!
I use a Better Homes & Gardens container from Walmart for storing my taco seasoning. It cost about $5 and it’s the perfect size.
{That’s not an affiliate link above – I really love these containers!}
I usually triple the recipe, which fills my little container nicely. {We love Mexican food.}
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5
Description
It takes just a few minutes and a few common kitchen spices to mix up this delicious homemade taco seasoning.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use approximately 2 tablespoons to substitute a taco seasoning packet.
SoberJulie says
Thank you so much for this, every single time I use a packet for seasoning I internally rant at myself. I’ve pinned to use
Raijean says
thank you, thank you! I love playing around with seasonings, definitely going to try this!
LisaLisa says
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. I so agree with you about Organic products I just don’t understand why they are so pricey! This is a great way to save money indeed by making your own :0)
Melanie says
I always just buy my own spices instead of the packets as well.. I use just a dash of coriander as well but otherwise this looks like what I do. I really should make a separate container for my taco seasoning I use it so often 🙂 great idea for those who don’t already do this, so thanks for sharing!
Kellie says
Thanks so much — I gave up seasoning packets years ago since they always guaranteed a stay-in-bed, someone-please-take-my-children migraine! looks great!
Erika says
I have a friend who gets migraines from MSG too. She was one of the reasons I decided to switch from processed to homemade.
teddy says
This is amazing. We eat Mexican at least once a week and this will save a lot of money. Thankyou!!
Erika says
You’re welcome, Teddy! Thanks for stopping by.
Kimberly Wenzler says
Great post! I’ll make this tonight. Thanks!!
Judy says
I know the packets call for water do u do the same with this taco seasoning when mixing it with meat?
Erika says
Hi Judy, you can use this mix just like you would the packets.
We usually don’t add water, but we didn’t before we switched to this homemade taco seasoning either. It’s really up to you. 🙂
Jerilyn says
Made this for the Whole 30 – love love love! Thank you!
Pat Dibble says
I use cornstarch and minced onion in mine as well and instead of water, add tomato juice
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