Taco Seasoning Recipe (Mild)

Make your own Mild Taco Seasoning at home with spices you probably already have in your pantry.

Making your own homemade mild taco seasoning is easy and affordable. But the best part is you can control the flavors, spice levels, and salt.

Want more garlic? Add a little more! Watching your sodium intake? Dial down the salt.

I love making a big batch of this recipe for mild taco seasoning because I use it in all kinds of things -- not just taco meat!

It's really delicious in Spicy Mayo and plant-based Black Bean Burgers, but you can use it to flavor roasted veggies, pasta sauce, rice ... lots of things.

You’re Going to Love This

Great money-saving recipe — those taco seasoning packets from the store add up!

Easy to customize to your tastes — make it spicier or reduce the salt

Versatile spice blend to add to your favorite recipes

Simple recipe to double or triple

Ingredients

So, what is taco seasoning made of? These are some of the key ingredients. See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.

Chili powder adds that familiar smoky, slightly spicy Southwestern flavor to taco seasoning. It’s also delicious in chili, meat rubs, and pasta sauces.

Cumin is an earthy, warm seasoning with a slightly nutty flavor. I love a little bit of it sprinkled on this mango salsa.

Paprika is sweet and mildly peppery. Some varieties of paprika may be smoky or spicy.

Onion powder adds mild onion flavor

Garlic powder is dehydrated garlic and has a less assertive flavor than fresh garlic

Oregano is subtly sweet and herbaceous

Tip: Be sure to use fresh spices. Check the expiration date on the spices from your cabinet to ensure they are fresh.

Variations

Spicy: This mild version of taco seasoning is pretty tame. If you are looking for something with a little heat, use spicy chili powder or add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Less salt: Adjust the sodium level to meet your needs by reducing or eliminating the salt.

How To Make Taco Meat with Homemade Taco Seasoning

3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning blend equals one store-bought seasoning packet.

Brown 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken in a large pan or skillet. Drain off excess fat.

Add 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning and ½ cup water.

Simmer until the water has evaporated.

Optional steps:

Add one small diced onion when browning the ground meat.
Stir in taco sauce, tomato sauce, or salsa at the very end.

What to Make with DIY Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning isn't just for taco night. This delicious blend of spices is a great way to add flavor to all your favorite recipes.

Use as a meat rub
Stir into sour cream for a dip or baked potato topper
Sprinkle on veggies before roasting
Add it to breading for fish or chicken
Mix it into chili or baked beans
Enhance the flavor of sloppy joes
Mix it into meatloaf or meatballs
Stir it into mac and cheese

Instructions

Combine all ingredients together.
To use in your favorite taco recipe, add 3 tablespoons of seasoning for every pound of meat.

Storage

Store taco seasoning in an airtight container, like a spice jar or a small mason jar.

Keep your homemade taco seasoning in your spice cabinet or other cool and dry place for up to 6 months.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can easily replicate the flavors of a store-bought packet of taco seasoning by making your own homemade taco seasoning. For a mild mix, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Should I season taco meat before or after cooking?

Add 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning and ½ cup of water after browning the ground meat. Simmer until the liquid has evaporated.

How do you make taco seasoning less spicy?

The spices that go into taco seasoning are very flavorful, so if you don’t want a lot of spice, omit spicy seasonings like red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper and you’ll still have a very flavorful taco seasoning. Make sure to use mild chili powder.

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