Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes

16 servings (1 cup mix)

Updated: Nov. 25, 2023
Skip the store-bought stuff and learn how to make homemade taco seasoning mix yourself. This recipe is right on. It tastes like purchased mixes, but is cheaper and has nearly half the sodium. Your heart and wallet will surely thank you! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 4 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed

Directions

  1. Combine the first 9 ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Yield: 4 batches (about 1 cup total).
  2. To prepare tacos: In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add 1/4 cup taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Fill each tortilla with 1/2 cup beef mixture.

Test Kitchen Tips
  • This morphs into fajita seasoning with a few easy steps: Replace the minced onion with onion powder; omit the coriander and flour; then add 1 teaspoon of sugar.
  • To take the raw edge off spices, cook them in a bit of oil or add them to the meat mixture for a minute before adding any liquid.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 prepared taco: 338 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.