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.
I am looking for a copycat Trader Joes Taco Seasoning mix and I saw yours i hashtagged #traderjoes. So is this your substitute for a Trader Joes or a copy cat? Just asking because my sister loves their seasoning but lives in SCOTLAND and therefore needs to try and recreate it!
This is waaaaay better than storebought seasoning. And so much healthier too!
This 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!
Yes, that’s great to hear. I’m glad you all enjoyed it 🙂
Looks great but is there any need for liquid? Thanks!
Hi 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!
Made this and love it! Printing for my cookbook! 🙂
Hi 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/
Love 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.
Hi 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
This 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.
I had no idea that taco seasoning was doable at home. I actually have all the spices in my pantry!
Darn good!
Lacey, 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
Hi, 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.
Hi 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!
P.S. Where did you get the adorable little container? I want some!
How many tablespoons of this would you use per pound of meat? Thanks! I’m excited about the ginger addition. 🙂
I 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.
I love my ginger 🙂 I think it adds a unique zest to the taco seasoning. Thanks again, Connie!
Great idea…I love mixing up my own seasonings!
Thanks, Jennifer 🙂