When Dustin and I were first dating, he used to cook with store-bought, pre-packaged spice mixes all the time.
He’d use them to make meals like Stroganoff, fajitas and tacos. They were what his dad used, so they were what he used.
Well, over time, as I became more comfortable in the kitchen (and in our relationship!), I decided to start trying my own seasoning mixes, rather than the packaged ones.
What a difference!
Today, you won’t find any store-bought seasoning packets in our house.
I happily changed Dustin’s mind and hope to change yours, too.
Making your own homemade taco seasoning mix will also eliminate those unnecessary ingredients like MSG, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, silicon dioxide and other not-so-fun preservatives from your food.
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- Combine all ingredients in small mixing bowl and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container if not using right away.
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Katie says
April 23, 2017 at 4:40 pmThis is waaaaay better than storebought seasoning. And so much healthier too!
Sandie Bs says
July 29, 2015 at 11:29 amThis is delicious and not too spicy. I tried using Trader Joe’s because it doesn’t have fillers, but it was way too hot for my husband. This is just right! I’m making this from now on!
Lacey Baier says
July 30, 2015 at 8:36 pmYes, that’s great to hear. I’m glad you all enjoyed it 🙂
Cindy Bloodgood says
April 2, 2014 at 10:58 amLooks great but is there any need for liquid? Thanks!
Lacey Baier says
April 3, 2014 at 9:04 pmHi Cindy! It really depends in what you’ll be cooking for the tacos (chicken, tri tip, ground beef, shrimp, etc.) as to whether you want to add some liquid like chicken broth. This seasoning mix is intended to give you the spices you need to build the base on. Hope that helps!
Rachelle says
May 1, 2013 at 3:32 amMade this and love it! Printing for my cookbook! 🙂
MegsFitness says
March 27, 2013 at 7:58 pmHi there 🙂
I just used your recipe in my dinner and it turned out really awesome. Thanks for sharing!
http://megsfitnessphototracker.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/dinner-salsa-chicken-and-wild-mushroom-couscous/
nancy says
January 10, 2013 at 9:10 amLove your site. Can you please tell me how many TBSPNS would equal 1 package of seasoning? I would love to substitute your homemade with store bought but not sure of amounts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
lacey - a sweet pea chef says
January 11, 2013 at 9:57 pmHi Nancy! Unfortunately, I don’t have a great transfer for tbsp as compared to the store bought seasoning packets. But, as a starting point, I recommend using this whole recipe for about 2 pounds of meat. I hope that helps!
Lacey
Ann says
November 27, 2012 at 4:45 pmThis is great! Thank you so much.
I like to use Garden of Eatin’ Blue Corn taco shells.
My daughter wants to try this seasoning in burgers,
And I plan to try it with black beans and rice.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
May 6, 2012 at 1:11 amI had no idea that taco seasoning was doable at home. I actually have all the spices in my pantry!
jonh habanero says
March 10, 2012 at 8:21 pmDarn good!
Denise says
February 24, 2012 at 12:38 pmLacey, this was great! I’m so appreciative that you put it together. Since I found this recipe on Pinterest, I’ve reviewed it here: http://pineatreview.com/2012/02/24/homemade-taco-seasoning/. (Of course I gave you credit and links throughout.) Thanks again! –Denise
Stanley says
December 21, 2011 at 9:56 amHi, You taco spice recipe looks very good. I just wanted to check what the difference is between chili powder and cayenne pepper. I think in most cases chili powder is a commercial spice mix in its own right.
lacey - a sweet pea chef says
December 28, 2011 at 2:40 pmHi Stanley. You are correct that Chili Powder is a mixture of spices (like cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic, oregano and paprika). Cayenne Pepper is ground hot red cayenne pepper. I hope that helps!
Jaime Lynn Braden says
November 11, 2011 at 1:54 pmP.S. Where did you get the adorable little container? I want some!
Jaime Lynn Braden says
November 11, 2011 at 1:53 pmHow many tablespoons of this would you use per pound of meat? Thanks! I’m excited about the ginger addition. 🙂
Connie says
October 3, 2011 at 2:32 pmI can’t wait to make this. I have been trying to make all of my spice mixes due to all the preservatives. I was surprised to see ginger in this recipe. Love your blog. Take care and have a great week.
lacey - a sweet pea chef says
October 11, 2011 at 10:07 pmI love my ginger 🙂 I think it adds a unique zest to the taco seasoning. Thanks again, Connie!
Jennifer @ Jane Deere says
October 3, 2011 at 12:26 pmGreat idea…I love mixing up my own seasonings!
lacey - a sweet pea chef says
October 11, 2011 at 10:01 pmThanks, Jennifer 🙂