Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Kick the packaged stuff to the curb and learn how to make your own homemade taco seasoning mix that is healthier and cheaper in the long run.
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I’m a big fan of saving money, and also cutting back on my sodium and MSG intake. After being recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, I’ve been a lot more aware of how much salt I consume. It’s amazing the amount of sodium in common things I eat, like lunch meat and even some of my favorite condiments!
One way I’ve been cutting back on sodium AND saving money for the last several years is by making our own taco seasoning. I originally shared this recipe back in 2014, so you know it’s a tried and true one!
What ingredients are in Homemade Taco Seasoning?
The ingredients may surprise you! Taco seasoning is mostly chili powder and garlic powder! Who knew?! I certainly didn’t until I started researching my own recipe. Of course, the ingredients can always be switched around to suit your personal tastes. Here are the spices that are in this homemade taco seasoning mix recipe:
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes (for some kick)
How to cook with a homemade taco spice mix
If you are wondering how to use this homemade taco mix in a recipe, it’s simple really! If the recipe calls for a package of store-bought taco seasoning, simply substitute for 3 tbsp of this homemade mix.
It is important to note that the packaged taco mix does contain some starch or binder material. If you are used to adding liquid to your taco dish along with the packaged stuff, you no longer need to do that. Sometimes just 1 tbsp of water or broth can brighten the dish, but it is not necessary.
How to Store Taco Seasoning Mix
For years I stored my taco seasoning in an old Parmesan cheese container. The lid was perfect for shaking some spice mix over a dish while cooking! I’ve since upgraded to a glass jar that used to hold some loose leaf tea. I chose this container because it has it’s very own spoon to help measure. Handy!
You can use any plastic or glass storage container that has an airtight lid to store taco seasoning. A container like these seasoning keepers would be perfect! And of course, slapping a large hand-lettered label on the front is always a necessity!
I hope you give this homemade taco seasoning a try! You won’t be disappointed and even better, you won’t be going back to the packaged stuff any time soon!
Check out these other homemade condiments and sauces:
Don’t forget to pin it for later!
Homemade taco seasoning mix
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Chilli Powder
- 1/4 cup Onion Powder
- 1/4 cup Garlic Powder
- 1/8 cup Cumin Powder
- 1 tbsp Oregano
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper optional for heat
Instructions
- Add all seasonings to a small bowl.
- Mix well until seasonings are thoroughly combined.
- Pour into an airtight glass or plastic storage container.
Thanks so much for linking up with Teach Me Tuesday @3GLOL last week. Your link up is very much appreciated! Hope to see you again this week. Starts tonight @8pm CST.
Have a great day!
Hello Amanda, I really like this recipe. I pinned and featured it on my fb too. Thank you for linking this up at Wonderful Wed Blog Hop and can’t wait to see what you bring next week. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks for coming by the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. Love your post and appreciate you taking the time to share.
Blessings,
Shari
Oh awesome, I need this!!! With 5 kids (3 still living at home) we make a lot of tacos – chicken, shrimp, beef, veggie… And I love ’em but not the sodium! Thank you for sharing at Merry MOnday Linky ~ we’re so glad to have you! Julia
Thanks Julia! The best part about this recipe is that I use it for more than just tacos. If I’m cooking chicken to shred for quesadillas, or cooking chicken or steak for fajitas, it works great for that too!
Love knowing whats in what I cook with! Great idea!
We use a lot of taco seasoning at our house and I’ve tried a few homemade recipes. I’ve found that in addition to costing less and keeping the bad stuff out, they just taste better! I’m looking forward to giving your recipe a try. Thanks for sharing!
I agree–the homemade version is much better than the store bought!
Wow, that makes a ton! This will be great. I am excited to try this!
It does make a lot! But we use a lot! Feel free to cut down the recipe a bit at first.