This quick homemade taco seasoning tastes so much better than a packet, and will save you a lot of time and money.
So I’m into homemade.
Homemade Taco Seasoning, specifically.
Mostly because it’s better for you. You have control of what goes into your meals and your body. You decide how it will ultimately taste by adding a little of this or that to the meal.
But also because it’s cheaper. MUCH cheaper.
Take taco seasoning for example. One of the little packets from the store costs are $1, maybe $.50 when on sale. It’s about 2 Tablespoons worth of taco seasoning…about enough for 1-2 pounds of meat or chicken.
I recently purchased spice bottles for $1.38 each. (Similar spices are also on sale at CVS for $.88 every now and again.) So I made up what will probably be enough taco seasoning for the entire year for somewhere between $5 and $6!
Now…to use this homemade taco seasoning…
It is the BEST “ratio” recipe and I make it in big batches because we love tacos around here.
This homemade taco seasoning is loaded with just the right combo of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Many homemade mixes contain oregano, so you could add a pinch. But I personally don’t prefer it.
If you want to kick up the spice level in your seasoning, you can add some crushed red pepper as well.
You could also add a bit of chipotle chili powder, if you like the chipotle flavor!
And if you are after a more smoky flavor, you could add a touch more ground cumin and smoked paprika.
This perfectly balanced mix makes the BEST addition for just about any tacos, burritos, chicken, and much more!
When I make up a batch of this, I typically try to make about 1 pint’s worth in a mason jar.
Homemade Taco Seasoning “ratio recipe”
- 1 part chili powder
- 1 part ground cumin
- 1 part garlic powder
- 1 part onion powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 part crushed red pepper
You can use this taco seasoning anywhere that you would use a packet. I recommend using 2 Tbsp of the homemade mix in place of 1 packet’s worth. It can be used on chicken, beef, shrimp, and with beans or veggies too.
If you want to make 1 packet’s worth, mix up the following:
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
It also makes a great fajita seasoning mix – when you add a bit of black pepper.
How to Store your Homemade Taco Seasoning
You can store your homemade mix in an airtight container in your spice cabinet, or in the freezer.
I prefer to keep mine in the freezer, especially if I make a big batch.
My favorite storage containers are plastic storage containers, 4 oz. mason jars with lids, or pint-size mason jars with lids.
Enjoy!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp chili powder
- 4 Tbsp ground cumin
- 4 Tbsp garlic powder
- 4 Tbsp onion powder
- 4 tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Choose the quantity you wish to make, then mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container. I store mine in the freezer!
- Use sparingly. Or liberally!
Notes
If you want to make 1 packet’s worth, mix up the following:
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Best Recipes that Use This Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Burrito Cups
- 15 Bean Enchiladas
- Chicken Fajita Melts
- Chicken Enchilada Chili
- Instant Pot Taco Pasta
- Beef & Bean Oven Tacos
- Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos
- Best and Easiest Taco Dip
- Taco Pizza
- Twirly Taco Pasta Skillet
Other Homemade Spice Mixes
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice
- Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
- Homemade Onion Soup Mix
This recipe is featured on Meal Plan Monday #235.
Jennifer @ Saving and Giving says
THANK YOU! The store bought seasonings often have ingredients in them that we can’t eat. I was looking for a taco seasoning for a pasta recipe I want to try, and I knew that your site would be the place for me to find it!
carrie says
this is silly but we’ve put all sorts of software on this computer to keep illicit pics and words off the screens for our 4 kids and I can’t read the second ingredient! could you type it out for me, one letter at a time, p l e a s e ?!?!? and thanks!
Lynnae says
c u m i n
nadia says
lol too funny! you’re a good mom!
Jen says
I laugh because the same thing happened to me. It’s worse when your own site is censored :/
Nicole says
I couldn’t find an empty spice bottle at Wal-Mart (the only store around me), but as I was combining spices I used up all of the spices in one of those bottles and decided instead of throwing it in the trash can, it now would be my taco seasoning bottle. I’m not a very thrifty person, but I’m trying to improve and was proud of myself for this little simple thing and it saved me some money. 🙂
Jennifer says
Even though it’s been a while since you posted this I just read it. That is sucha good idea and really I wouldn’t have thought of something so simple (I guess I make things harder on myself that I have to) Thank you for posting and I hope you are doing well with improving your thriftyness 🙂
Leah says
I love that it has no salt/sodium!
Nichol says
Thank you so much for this. I used to buy store bought seasoning here and there and the other day when I read the ingredients I put it back! I’ve been on a gluten free diet for 4 months now and was shocked to see wheat in the ingredients along with who knows what else. This is amazing. Can’t wait to try it!
Starr Olinger says
Love the recipe, going to try it out next week! We use taco seasoning several times a week so this will help save some money. I wanted to suggest using a paremsan cheese container for your seasoning shaker. I use our empties for all sorts of things…..seasonings, cleaning powders, etc…
Patsy says
I wanted to note: a Parmesan cheese lid will also fit on a mason jar!
Marsha says
I saw on pinterest to save the small creamer bottles with the flip tops for seasonings and such. You can take the labels off the one brand and the bottle is clear.
Maggie says
I was reading your “shipwreck” recipe today and saw the link for taco seasoning. What a great concept!
Just the other day I was thinking there’s got to be a way to make this (seasoning) at home.
Can’t wait to try it.
What would you think is the amount to use to 1-2 # ground meat? In other words, how much do you think is in a package that you buy?
Thanks so much!
Kristi says
There’s about 3 to 3 1/2 tablespoons of mix in the store-bought taco seasoning packages.
Momarchy says
I’ve actually never tried Taco Seasoning on any of our meals but what an aroma that came from this spice combination, WOW! It was especially yummy on that Chicken, Black Bean w/Salsa Soup.
Johna Miller says
I mixed the spices up before work and left them in a bowl on the counter for my husband to make tacos and we both loved them. These are all spices I normally have on hand, so I was excited to use something I already had. The tacos were great!! I love reading your blog.
Alison says
I can’t wait to try these. Do you find that it makes a drier meat mixture? My husband likes the tacos a little moist so I was wondering if I needed to add taco sauce or salsa to the meat. I can’t wait to find lots of fun recipes to go with this seasoning. I am going to look for the spices in my cabinet right now 🙂
Amber M says
hey, my family loves moist and soggy tacos, not sure why but they just do, what I do to make the boys happy is add about 1/2 can of tomato paste to 1-2 lbs of meat and then the seasoning and a bit of water tell you get a pasta sauce consistency and then mix it with the meat and cook it a few more minuets. It really brings out the flavors of the spices and you dont have to add any salsa or anything as you have all the flavors in the meat mixture. Hope this helps.
Alison P says
I blended up a jar of salsa and threw it in. They were a hit! I used tomato paste and made sloppy joes with them on yummy leftover rolls that had garlic on top for spagetti the night before. I just ran out of my first jar so I am going to make more today which is why I was back on the site to get the recipe 🙂
Karen says
The packets say to add water to the meat and spices… I think I’ve seen anywhere from 1/4 – 2/3 cup suggested… as with most recipes (not all) I take the “instructions” to be “suggestions”! If you like it moister, add some liquid! Be creative… try water, juice, catsup, salsa, whatever your group likes! Maybe a shot of beer if you like that kind of thing… It’s YOUR kitchen… YOU make the rules!!! Some of my greatest creations happen when I’m out of a specified ingredient and have to “improvise”! Happy Creating!!!
brian says
i usually use the larger containers of taco seasoning that they have at (for example) Costco. That container says to use 1/4 C of seasoning per pound of meat. That fits with the 4T estimate someone else had. For moisture, i usually use 8oz of tomato sauce per pound.
Will be trying this in my next batch… I’ve been looking for a homemade mix for a long time, but most of them don’t taste right.
Carrie says
I have a taco seasoning recipe that I have used for years. I like it as it has cornstarch in it and makes a sauce which keeps the meat from getting dry. It is 2 Tbsp chili powder, 5 tsp paprika, 4-1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1-1/2 Tbsp dried minced onion, 2-1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1-1/2 tsp cornstarch and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper. Use 7 teaspoons per pound of ground beef, poultry, seafood or vegetables. Enjoy!
Patty Lady says
This is a couple of months later, Maggie, but if you haven’t found out yet…the pre-mixed packages say they contain 6 servings with a serving being 2 tsp. So each package has 12 tsp. or, if I have this right, 4 tablespoons in it. I usually use one package to a pound of meat. I am going to try making my own also, as for several years I have found I no longer really LIKE the pre-made taco seasonings. I had some “amish made” (home made) at my nieces house recently and loved it! 🙂 Hope this helps.
Bjorn says
For years we have also used a home-made taco seasoning – from Betty Crocker’s cookbook under the Taco Salad recipe. We and the kids like it, but I am going to try your recipe. Carrie, I also want to try yours as I like my tacos a little more moist as well.
Thank you both.
Karen Hiebert says
does it taste as good as the stuff in the package? I love the taco salad you have, its my favorite lunch time munchies!
Karen Hiebert says
for the part, can you give a little more specifics? I don’t want to do it. I think my old garlic powder is almost gone….hrmmmm….
Ali says
I use this recipe for the taco seasoning, but I also add about a tsp of mexican oregano and instead of onion powder I use dried chopped or minced onion. Grind it up into a fine powder the copped onion add a more intense flavor. This is awesome on roasted potatoes and pit in rice to spice up bland sides with a little kick.
Karen says
@Karen H – “part” can be whatever measure you want, as long as you’re consistent. 1 “part” can be 1 teaspoon if you’re just trying this recipe for the first time and don’t want to make much in case you don’t like it, or 1 “part” can be 1 cup if you know you love this recipe and want to make it in super bulk. Doesn’t matter, just choose a measure and stick with it. 🙂
NicP says
I had a recipe once upon a time that wasn’t anywhere CLOSE to this and had so many ingredients, it ended up far more expensive than store-bought (especially the warehouse-sized container). HOWEVER I have all the stuff listed already and I’m excited to try it out VERY soon! Thanks so much 🙂
Tara says
This spice mix is great, I sprinkle a little (hubby uses A LOT) on burgers and chicken before grilling. Also good for blackened fish.
Kay Kelly says
This sounds like a wonderful mix to keep on hand. I use taco seasoning in my tamale pie. I make a basic chili recipe without beans and this mix would give it just the right kick. Then I layer sauce and leftover (or fresh) taco shells (this is a good place for Old El Paso shells) – break the shells and layer like lasagna – another layer of sauce topped with grated cheddar cheese then more shells and sauce. Top with a thin layer of cheddar cheese – bake at 350 for about 30 min. I top it with my own sauce – can of tomato sauce (any brand), about 2 tsp chili powder (this taco seasoning would work very well) and about 5 drops of hot sauce (Tabasco). Enjoy!
Charlotte Ferreux says
I love this recipe and blog…I posted it on my community foodie blog. Hope you can come check it out http://www.facebook.com/thefrenchiefoodie
Also, feel free to post you’re recipes or you’re favourite foodie tips on it whenever you like!
Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says
Thanks Charlotte!
MarfMom says
Can’t wait to try it! How spicy is it though? Do you have any mild taco seasoning recipes?
Glenda says
The crushed red pepper is what’s going to give this spice mix most of its ‘bang’ (the chili powder will add a little but not too much) so you could always reduce or leave that ingredient out. You can try what ever you are cooking and if it needs a little more spice heat then add some red pepper. Just remember that a little red pepper goes a long way and if you are planning to make enough to have leftovers, the flavors will intensify. If you are really heat sensitive you probably want to add less than an 1/8 teaspoon for an entire dish. Remember, you can always add but you can’t take away.
Nichole says
What a great idea! I’m all about eating healthier and saving money, so thank you for your tips 🙂
Jean says
I love recipes like this and all the feedback is so helpful! As far as making the taco meat a little wetter, I add a small can of tomato sauce and a tablespoon of vinegar. It kinda gives it that Mexican food flavor. Tacos tonight!
Lydia says
Gonna go home and try this tonight!
Tim Taylor says
Hello, I love this recipe and have bookmarked it for future use.
I am leaving this comment however to ask you if you have ever made your own spaghetti packet recipe. I am looking for one to replace the Lawry’s thick and hearty packets. I have tried and tried to duplicate the mix but have failed so far. If you have any ideas I would appreciate it. Thanks!
Cindy says
Thank you for this recipe!
I was reading through several of the posts, including what people were saying about wanting moist taco meat, and wanted to share that I have added a can of refried beans and a small jar of salsa to my meat and it makes a delicious, moist meat mixture. It also makes the meat go further, which is great when you are feeding hungry teenagers like I am! Hope this helps.
Vickie says
I made this today! We love it! Thanks for sharing!
amanda says
I make tacos with a kick, I use minced ground beef, fried with onion, I add water a beef stock cube and 1/4 of the usual amount taco seasoning, thicken with cornflour slurry, then I pile into tacos, add grated cheese and sprinkle the rest of the spices over the top, serve with sour cream or guacamole
Paula says
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I’m tired of forking over over a $1 for such a simple packet of seasoning. When I do make taco filling, I add a can of black beans to the pan, after rinsing them. As Cindy mentioned above, it stretches the filling so it’ll make a few more tacos. We also use iceberg lettuce leaves for our shells (a la PF Chang’s). Simply divine.
Gina says
I love making homemade taco seasoning because a lot of the pkgd ones have milk/dairy ingredients that my kids are allergic to. One thing to consider adding-a little bit of corn starch mixed w/ cold water-it makes it more like the taco seasoning packets. Thanks for all the great do it yourself recipes!
Celia says
I’ve been wanting to figure out how to make this on my own for a while. Thanks for saving me the trouble of experimenting!
Kathy says
Read spice labels carefully. Some chili powder contains sodium; some does not.
Jennifer says
I made this last night and we were rather disappointed. The mix smelled fantastic, but was lacking in taste. It was bland, even after I added additional garlic & onion powder. It seemed to be missing something.
Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says
Hey Jennifer,
The recipe doesn’t have any salt in it…so that might be it. I usually add salt to whatever it is I’m cooking when I use this mix.
Erin
Holly says
An empty grated Parmesan cheese container works great to store a large amount of taco seasoning spices. That way you can sprinkle it on or spoon it out. Store in a cool, dry place.
Corie says
There is a sodium free taco seasoning mix. Mrs. Dash’s spices has one called Fiesta Lime. I always add this to mexican foods to spice it up!
Bernie says
Especially good with New Mexico red chili powder. Gives it a nice kick, and distinctly different flavor that regular chili powder.
Jenn says
I cannot wait for 4 more days when I can get into town, already have all the stuff on my list except cumin as I bought some last week…. before finding THIS recipe :P. I try to make tacos once a week but it is more like once a month because I never remember to pick up the stupid taco seasoning, no more worries here!!!! LOVIN being able to make my own… soon 🙂
Sherri says
I was so excited and made this Sunday for Taco Salad dinner. I made extra to freeze.
… not sure what I did wrong but it was too HOT . I even went back and added all again but red pepper… still a little spicy. I added it to the browned ground beef and it smelled great. but was too spicy. no one like it. I tried mellowing it, someone said to add tomato paste, i did that. nothing I did worked, it was the wrong spicy taste, and just did not work for me.
I will play with things a bit, and give it another try, because this was just not what we were looking for.
Sarah Coller says
I came home and began making taco dip—only to find that I’d forgotten the taco seasoning! Thanks so much for this—I might never buy the mix again!! 🙂
JERI GOODING says
Thanks! Just found your sight and love what I see.
Cassie says
This is quite similar to my own homemade taco seasoning. I’m on a very restricted sodium diet and cannot eat practically any commercial mixes. On the question of cooking up: I always use 2T mix, one can no-salt-added chopped tomatoes, 2T tomato paste (get the kind in a tube so you don’t waste it!), and usually onions as I cook the meat. Thanks for sharing!
Jenifer says
Am I an idiot?!? What does it mean when you say “1 Part”?
Lisa Helm says
It means that you can pick any measure you want, but stick with it consistently throughout. For example, if 1 part is 1 Tbsp., then 1/2 part is 1/2 Tbsp. If you make 1 part 1 cup, then 1/2 part is 1/2 cup.
Carol says
Thank you so much! Just threw it all in my food processor and can’t wait to make tacos. So easy.
Grrrmama says
I made it an it easy and great. Even the kids can do it. Thank you.
Tamika says
Wow! great idea, thank you for sharing! I live in Austria, and often have taco seasoning sent from the states. I need to do this!
Amber says
Thanks for sharing! Another great use for a recycled Parmesan cheese container as well!
Leesa says
I finally tried this. The house smelled great. But, the taco meat was still a little bland. How much seasoning do you add to a pound of meat?
Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says
Hey Leesa,
I usually add 1 – 1.5 Tbsp for each pound of meat. You should also note that the seasoning has no salt in it at all, so you’ll have to add some to taste.
Erin
Irene says
I see where some of you buy parm cheese in the plastic container. Read the ingredients.
Some have fillers, etc. I buy my parm in bigger bags from Sam’s and keep in smaller glass
jar in the frig and the remainder in the freezer. You will notice the great flavor of the “real”
parm cheese.
Run DMT says
I completely agree! Plus, the pre packaged stuff is full of MSG too, which why it’s so full of sodium. I’ve been making my own taco seasoning/chili powder for years and we go through so much of it too. I buy the spices in bulk at a wholesale warehouse like Sams Club because it’s cheaper than buying the little spice bottles in supermarket. Instead of buying storage jars, I recycle my empty spice jars. I relabel them and fill them with the with my own spice mixtures, like chili powder, cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, etc.
Found you via Pinterest and sharing my chili powder concoction with you. 🙂
http://deniseisrundmt.com/2011/05/07/packages-we-dont-need-no-stinkin-packages/
Run DMT says
I completely agree! Plus, the pre packaged stuff is full of MSG too, which why it’s so full of sodium. I’ve been making my own taco seasoning/chili powder for years and we go through so much of it too. I buy the spices in bulk at a wholesale warehouse like Sams Club because it’s cheaper than buying the little spice bottles in supermarket. Instead of buying storage jars, I recycle my empty spice jars. I relabel them and fill them with my own spice mixtures, like chili powder, cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, etc.
Found you via Pinterest and sharing my chili powder concoction with you. 🙂
http://deniseisrundmt.com/2011/05/07/packages-we-dont-need-no-stinkin-packages/
petra says
What does it mean when it says “1 part”, does that mean 1 tablespoon? I’d like to know how much of each to mix.
Read more: https://www.5dollardinners.com/homemade-taco-seasoning#ixzz1zy3LeEtx
Nicole says
It means however much you want. It’s just used so you can see in relation of how much to use. For example, if you use 1 tablespoon of the first 4, use 1/4 or 1/2 tablesoon of the crushed pepper. Or if you use a cup of the first 4, use 1/4 or 1/2 cup of the last one. This is so you can make a bunch and store it for future use. I usually use 1-2 tablespoons and cook it with my meat, but that’s the beauty of this recipe. You can use as much or little as you want, and if you really like a certain ingredient, you can use more than the recipe calls for.
Mike says
To be clear, ‘part’ simply means “an equal portion”. It doesn’t limit your amount of the end product. If a recipe totals ‘five parts’ it means five equal portions. You can make an ounce of product or five pounds, but the portions of ingredients remain the same.
Jenny Schimak says
Great idea to make a larger amount. I add oregano and a bit of sugar and salt into mine as well. Never thought of making a whole container full. Thanks for the idea. so much cheaper and tastier.
Crystal says
Jenny,
how much oregano, sugar and salt do you put in yours?
Danielle says
When using this, I am guessing you need to add water to the meat as well. Is there a certain amount of water to a certain amount of seasoning?
Christy says
Probably not Danielle, if you want to have the taco seasoning consistency like the packets add a little corn starch or flour and water for the gravy Like texture
Kayliene says
I add about 1/4 cup of beef stock (or chicken if I am using this with shredded chicken) along with the taco seasoning and just simmer it off. It really helps the flavor get into the meat and adds some extra flavor from the stock as well.
Chrystal@ChrystalsCorner says
Stumbled upon this months ago and have been making it ever since!! Had to rave and share with my readers on my recent post about make-ahead mixes (and of course link back to you:)
http://chrystal-lewis.blogspot.com/2012/08/see-it-pin-it-do-it-make-ahead-mixes.html
Laura says
I made this tonight in place of the taco seasoning that you get at the store. I used 1 tablespoon of Chili powder, Cumin, Garlic powder, Onion powder and 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper. Turned out excellent and I put in in my tortilla soup recipe. My husband loved it.
Jen says
How many tablespoons of the seasoning do you use to equal a pack of taco seasoning?
Stacey says
A package of taco seasoning is 1/8 cup! Hope that helps!
Ellen says
Is there a way to still make this taste good if I am missing cumin? I am trying to make tacos with ground turkey tonight and am not able to go to the store and get some. Thanks!
Lisa says
Making this for christmas gifts! Love it! Thanks for the idea!
Lindsay says
I need to make a large amount of taco meat…like 10 lbs. How much taco seasoning should I mix up? Thanks!
Beth Arp says
Just read up above that 1/8 cup is in a Taco Mix package. So you can figure it from there. I usually add one pound of meat to one package.
Cristine says
Do y’all think this would work with brown rice instead of meat? I’ve done the chicken instead of beef thing and it was awesome, but I don’t know about the rice. Thanks.
Amy G says
If you want to cut the cost even more, buy spices from the bulk section if available. I had never really looked into the bulk spices until a few months ago. I don’t remember the exact prices but I think it cost less than a quarter to get enough to refill a regular size spice jar, at least for herbs like oregano. It was very very inexpensive.
Jessica L says
When I make this, I also add 1 part paprika. I think I might try it with some sugar and oregano like someone posted above me. I know the very first time I made it, I doctored it up a bit, but I didn’t write down what I did, and I can’t remember. But this is a very good recipe. SO cheap and easy if you have access to bulk spices! And I love the fact that it has no sodium, unless you want to add a little yourself!
Heather says
Just made up a single batch of this for a taco bake I’m making for dinner. Of course I had to taste test the meat after adding this seasoning and it’s FAB!! Will definitely be using this from here on out (instead of store bought seasoning). It just tastes fresher and more real (if that makes sense) and I’m sure it has way less sodium so even better!!!
Peeve says
Don’t add water when you cook it – add salsa! (and maybe a little water…) Brown the meat, strain, add meat back to the pan with spices, salsa and small amount of water. Quite worrying about amounts and just wing it! Adjust to taste – it’s fun to experiment. Try adding some chipotle to the mix as well.
Genevieve Fontana says
When I make my taco meat, I always add the Taco Bell Hot Sauce from the jar and just a little bit of water after I brown my meat. i also add chopped/minced onion a dash of pepper and a dash of salt to the meat when I am browning it.
Dustin says
For my tacos, I add one 8 oz. can of tomato sauce per pound and a touch of water. The sauce really helps bring out the full flavor of the seasoning by adding to the robustness of it. And if you want a bit of added zing or zest, then use Rotel chili sauce. It really does a taco well…
Krista says
Thank you! Store bought taco seasoning has gluten and I have to be gluten free. I can’t wait to use this and actually have tacos again. (with GF tortillas, of course)
Lauren says
Do you have a mixture for chili seasoning yet? I always use he McCormick packets but they contain so much sodium. I’d love to see what you come up with!
Kim says
I always use chili powder, onions or onion powder, and cumin. A little bit or Worcestershire sauce or steak sauce gives it a little more depth. I never measure when I’m cooking, I always do a little taste to make sure it’s got enough seasoning.
Yum-o!
Holly says
I’ve been using a tweaked version of this recipe for months now, and it has to be one of the best things I’ve discovered on Pinterest! Instead of just garlic powder, I use 2/3 part garlic powder and 1/3 part garlic salt. I’ve also left out the red pepper, because I just don’t keep that on hand, and it still tastes great. Of course, I have a “wimpy” palate, so less spicy is better for me. I have considered experimenting with other spices to get some variety, and some of the suggestions above are intriguing. To paraphrase someone else who commented, don’t be too strict with measurements – try new things – cooking should be fun!
Beverly Anderson says
Do you have a recipe for a vegetable dip, such as KNORR’s It has barley in it from the yeast extract. I wanted to make a spinach-artichoke dip and the recipe calls for a package of the knorrs veg mix. Thanks for your help,
melanie stamper says
This make a good taco seasoning, but it is not a “natural” seasoning. You still have to buy the ingredients at the store, and they are pre-packaged. Was just wondering what the difference is? Are there no preservatives in the bottled spices that come from the grocery store?
Marjorie Foster says
great ideas
marcy shattuck says
Perfect!
GB says
Melanie – I’m not sure I understand your question. If you look at the ingredients on a packet of taco seasoning you’ll see a lot of salt and other things like MSG – this homemade version is just spices which is why it’s “natural”. Yes you have to buy spices at the store and yes they’re packaged in a jar or bag but how else would you get spices? Personally I’m not a big fan of garlic powder or dried onion so I’d add these fresh when I’m making tacos – having all my other spices premixed will save time and hassle (as well as any temptation just to buy a packet of mix at the store).
Thiona says
I was wondering what red pepper was. I live in Australia and have not been able to find it. Is it the same as cayenne pepper or paprika? Thank you.
June says
Yes Thiona. Cayenne pepper.
Corinna says
When making the homemade taco seasoning will it make a difference if you don’t add the garlic powder?
Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says
Shouldn’t make too much of a difference Corinna.
Erin
Cindy Goodwin says
Thank you for this great recipe! I have a resolution this year “If I can buy it I can make it” I don’t like the store bought mixes because they have far too much salt, sugar, and fillers. I found your site via Pinterest!
NM says
Is it supposed to be Chili Powder or Chile powder? These look like most of the ingredients that are already in Chili Powder, so I was slightly confused.
JLFL says
when you say one part do you mean for example one whole bottle of chili powder or do you mean 1 TBSP?
Jenn K says
It means 1 part – whatever measurement you are using for everything. So if you do 1 tablespoon of chili powder, then you would do 1 tablespoon each of cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Or if you were making a bigger quantity of taco seasoning and wanted to do 1/4 cup of chili powder, then you would also do 1/4 cup each of cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sandra Barnette says
Buy your spices in the bulk department of the grocery store. So much cheaper. As it is weighed. Check it out for your self.
Francine Thomas says
You can also save the bags they have for you to use, lable them and reuse.
Melynda says
I have made this many times now. Comes out perfect every time. My ratio is 1 TBSP of the first 4 ingredients then a dash or two of crushed red pepper. That is enough for 2 lbs ground beef. I never have to add salt. Thank you for the recipe!!!
Miki says
Oh this is great, thank you! I’ve always been tempted to by the big container of spice, but at $10 for it I always just end up spending the $1 on the packet. But I’m ashamed to admit that all along these are ingredients I already have at home LOL. Oh the dumb things you don’t even realize until someone opens your eyes ….
Delilah Moran says
Absolutely perfect! Already had all the spices and this took only a moment to make. Cant wait to use!!
MKS says
In some of the pictures it shows red pepper flakes & in some it appears to be all finely ground. Am I missing something? Are the red pepper flakes considered to be “crushed” or should the flakes be ground?