How to Make Authentic Taco Seasoning (Mild) at Home

Love tacos but don’t love all the additives in store-bought taco seasoning? We’ve got you covered! This recipe for authentic taco seasoning is made with simple, all-natural ingredients and no sugar. It’s mild enough for everyone to enjoy. You can use it to season beef, chicken, pork, or even veggies – the possibilities are endless!

With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to make your favorite Mexican dish at home without any of the preservatives or artificial flavors that you might find in premade seasoning packets from the grocery store. Plus, you can customize the flavor profile to your liking by adding more or less of any of the spices.

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If you wanted a spicier seasoning, I share what you can add to this mild version to kick it up a bit for your Taco Tuesday or any night you have a serious craving for tacos.

How many tablespoons are in a packet of taco seasoning?

Store-bought packets of taco seasoning mix typically contain 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons of seasoning. You can easily substitute 2 tablespoons of this homemade seasoning for 1 store-bought packet if any recipe you have called for it.

Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe

This recipe makes 1 cup (32 servings) of authentic taco seasoning. It’s a big batch, but you can easily cut it for smaller portions. This seasoning is gluten-free, sugar-free and thus low carb.

At its base, this is a mild seasoning and is a good kid-friendly option for anyone who doesn’t like spicy food or seasonings.

Mild DIY Taco Seasoning Ingredients

• chili powder 
• paprika – you can substitute smoked paprika for a more smoky flavor
• onion powder 
• sea salt 
• garlic powder 
• ground cumin 

When I want to make this spicier/hotter, I add one or all of the following:

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste 
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

How do you store homemade taco seasoning mix?

Store this and more any dry seasoning in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It’s best to store in a spice cupboard or any cool, dark place. I like to use half-pint or pint-sized mason jars for spice blends.

On the glass, I will write what’s inside with a Sharpie permanent marker. I will also write the expiration date, 3 months from the date made. If you are more crafty, attach a chalkboard label to the jar or lid.

What can you use this taco seasoning in?

• Fajitas – Add to sliced chicken or beef for fajitas – just substitute the taco seasoning for the fajita seasoning and cook as you normally would. Note: I like to add 2-3 Tablespoons of lime or lemon juice to the chicken or beef when I do this.
• Guacamole – Add 1 teaspoon of this seasoning to smashed avocados for a quick guacamole – you can also get my original keto guacamole recipe here.
• Burgers – For every pound of ground beef, add 1 teaspoon of seasoning before forming patties.
• Taco Meat – Add 2 tablespoons of seasoning to one pound of ground beef or ground turkey. Great for ground beef tacos, nachos, and walking tacos.
• Taco Salad – Make your own taco salad seasoning by adding 1-2 teaspoons to the ground meat before making the salad.
• Pork Chops – Season 1-2 pounds of pork chops with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and grill, bake, or pan-fry as you normally would.
• Mexican Dip/Ranch Dressing – Mix 1 teaspoon with 16 ounces of sour cream or mayo and one cup of shredded cheese in a small bowl, then chill. Add more seasoning as needed.
• Chili – Add 1 tablespoon to your favorite chili recipe for a little extra flavor!
• Taco soup – Add 2-3 teaspoons to your favorite soup recipe for a little extra flavor. Get my recipe for taco soup that we often make when camping.
• Veggies – I add a little to my roasted veggies when doing a BBQ or smoking meats. Add 1 teaspoon of seasoning per pound of veggies before roasting.
• Mexican Rice – Prior to cooking white rice, add 2 teaspoons taco seasoning for every cup of water

How to cook taco meat with taco seasoning?

1. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add one pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, salt and pepper to taste to the skillet.
3. Cook until meat is browned; stirring often.
4. When meat is done, pour about 1/4 cup water into the pan to deglaze and scrape up any bits sticking on the bottom. This is important because it helps release all those flavorful spices stuck on the meat.
5. Reduce heat to low simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes or more to bring out some of that moisture so your taco meat isn’t too dry.

Homemade blend of spices is cheaper

I will leave you with one last thing that I love about making my own taco seasoning and other spice blends. That is cost. It is much cheaper to create your own spice blends than purchasing store-bought versions.

Buying the ingredients in bulk at places like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Natural Grocers can save you even more money.

I hope this information has been helpful to you and this mild taco seasoning recipe inspires you to make tonight Taco Night!

For more mexican inspired dishes, try these:

25 Taco Recipes to Make Every Night Taco Night

Fire Up The Party with these Shrimp Tacos

Best Carne Asada Recipe for Tacos

Mild Pico De Gallo – Keto Salsa Recipe

Copycat Recipe for Chipolte Corn Salsa

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