Homemade Taco Seasoning
Do you love tacos? Me, too. I mean, doesn’t everyone love some sort of version of tacos? Fish, chicken, beef, or a fun veg taco with mushrooms and bell peppers (I’ll share that recipe soon). Well, I have found that amazing tacos are the result of amazing seasoning. This taco seasoning recipe is my personal recipe and was honestly created serendipitously.
That’s right, it happened completely by accident! I was talking to my then 4 yr-old, MJ, and accidentally used paprika as the main ingredient instead of chili powder. At first, I was a bit frustrated and was like “Well, this is ruined”. but my husband Nate and I don’t like to waste, so we decided to try it anyway, cross our fingers, and hope for the best.
This homemade taco seasoning recipe blog post may contain affiliate links. That means I may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Affiliate Disclaimer
Do you love tacos? Me, too. I mean, doesn’t everyone love some sort of version of tacos? Fish, chicken, beef, or a fun veg taco with mushrooms and bell peppers (I’ll share that recipe soon). Well, I have found that amazing tacos are the result of amazing seasoning. This taco seasoning recipe is my personal recipe and was honestly created serendipitously.
That’s right, it happened completely by accident! I was talking to my then 4 yr-old, MJ, and accidentally used paprika as the main ingredient instead of chili powder. At first, I was a bit frustrated and was like “Well, this is ruined”. but my husband Nate and I don’t like to waste, so we decided to try it anyway, cross our fingers, and hope for the best.
What came from it was this very smokey, slightly less spicy (I do have very young children with very sensitive taste buds, so I try to offer spice via sauces for myself, my husband, and my oldest, CJ) taco seasoning. The color of the meat is a deeper red because of the paprika, but the flavor is fantastically unique but still close to the “typical” taco seasoning that most tend to eat.
Notes from Jenn:
This is not based on Authentic Mexican food, nor would I claim to be an expert on Authentic Mexican Cuisine. I grew up on Tex-Mex food and have friends I grew up with who are Mexican and made AMAZING FOOD that can not compare to anything else I have eaten claiming to be Mexican. This taco seasoning brings me back to my mom’s Tex-Mex recipes, nothing more, nothing less.
Making this Seasoning is so easy.
Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl, and gently whisk until completely mixed together.
and use! That’s it!
To Convert this for mixing purposes…
Use 2-3 tablespoons to replace a packet of store-bought seasoning for 1 pound of meat. But if you find you want more flavor, add more. Any you have leftover, store it in a mason jar with a lid, label it, and store it in your pantry for 1-2 years (if you don’t end up using it all the time which you will).
Uses for Taco Seasoning
Think beyond the typical taco or quesadilla although, of course, that’s a good one. This seasoning blend recipe adds flavor to all kinds of snacks and side dishes. Taco Dip is a great one and perfect for parties!
Or fancy it up and try my Recipe: Lemon Chicken Taco Dinner.
Did you try it, have questions?
I value your opinion and would love to hear your feedback! Kindly leave your thoughts in the comments section and rate this recipe using the star icons on the recipe card. It is truly appreciated and helps me out tremendously with this and future recipes.
Let’s get social!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook, @alwaysjennsmith #AlwaysJennSmith I will always share your posts on my stories and tag you! You can also share it on this post’s Pinterest Pin! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe (and other) inspiration!
It’s always wonderful to see loved ones coming together over delicious food.
Looking for more fun homemade spice blends? Try my bbq rub!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
This homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe goes perfectly w/ chicken, beef, turkey, & pork (use it on a roast for pulled meat tacos)!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 “Taco Packets” 1x
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon corn starch (optional)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and gently whisk until completely mixed together.
- See notes for amounts and storage.
Notes
- Use about 2-3 tablespoons to replace a packet of store-bought seasoning for 1 pound of meat.
- *But if you find you want more flavor, add more.
- If you have leftovers, store the seasoning in a mason jar with a lid, label them, and store them in your pantry for 1-2 years (if you don’t end up using it all the time).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: mixes, seasoning, spices
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: 47
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 1433
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 2
Nutritional Facts:
The numbers above are based on the serving size stated. All are estimates and you should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Want to remember this post? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board!
©Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith
This Blog Post is ©2021 Always Jenn Smith™; Jenn Smith, LLC (FKA Smith Country, LLC) See below for details
Please Be Respectful
All rights reserved. You may NOT sell, trade, share or redistribute this homemade taco seasoning recipe in any way or use any of my photographs for your site. If you are linking back to this post to a list of recipes, giving credit for the recipe to myself and my site, you may use ONE photo. You must site me and my blog as the creators of the recipe and give credit for the photo. ©2021 Always Jenn Smith; Jenn Smith, LLC
Jenn Smith of Always Jenn Smith™; Jenn Smith, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As well as the Apple affiliate program now called the Performance Partners Program.
This site displays third-party ads and contains affiliate links, See terms and conditions for ALL affiliates.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below or e-mail me directly.
Thank you for visiting!
I LOVE this idea!