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Homemade Taco Seasoning is one of the easiest things to make. Literally it takes only minutes and everything you need is probably already hanging out in your spice drawer. No need to buy the packets again!
Tacos are one of my family's favorite dishes. They request them often, especially the oldest child. And by often I mean, every week and every other day. I don't mind making them often either, because they are extremely easy and fast. The secret to my tacos that makes them so dang delicious is the Homemade Taco Seasoning. It really is so much better than the little packets you buy in the store. Plus, it ends up to be cheaper and you know exactly what ingredients are in it. Nothing crazy that you can't pronounce. Another bonus is you can make this seasoning as hot or as mild as you like!
This post was originally posted on 2/24/2017 and updated on 8/11/2020.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
First you need to raid your spice drawer and pull out these 6 spices:
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Pepper, optional
To make the taco seasoning is really simple. Just layer the spices in a mason jar. Put the lid on and shake it like you mean it. Once the layers disappear, you have a well mixed taco seasoning that will last in your cupboard for a few months. Mine only ever lasts 2 weeks. Yes, that is how much we eat tacos.
How to Make Taco Meat Using Homemade Taco Seasoning
The hardest part about making tacos with Homemade Taco Seasoning is deciding what type of meat to put it on! It's always a tough decision to decide between ground turkey, ground beef, shredded chicken or fish. I will have you know that we eat them all and they all are approved by kids and hubby. They will eat whatever taco I put in front of them! Even dessert tacos, but that is for another post!
To make the taco meat you'll start with a pound or so of your chosen meat. Saute the meat in a frying pan until fully cooked through. If you need to drain any grease, do so now. Then add 2 heaping tablespoons of the taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt and ¾ cup of water. Stir it around good and let it come to a bubble. Once bubbly, remove from heat and build your tacos!
My Favorite Fixings for Taco Nights
- Tomatoes
- Shredded Cheese
- Corn
- Black Beans
- Avocados or Guacamole
- Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
- Salsa, Taco Sauce, Hot Sauce
- Tortilla Chips, Hard corn-shells, Soft flour tortillas
Make it a Freezer Meal
Taco meat can easily be made into a freezer meal. Simply make a double or triple batch and freeze any leftovers from your Taco Night party. Or you can do batch cooking over the weekend and cook up a whole lot of taco meat and freeze it for later.
To freeze taco meat let it cool completely and then place your desired amount in freezer safe containers or zip top bags with a label and date on it. I usually freeze mine in 2 pound portions. When it comes time to use it, you can simply place the frozen meat in the crock pot and heat on low for 3-4 hours or you can let it thaw overnight and reheat on the stove. Both ways work very well.
Other Way to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
Give this Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe a try with some tacos and let me know how much you enjoyed it in the comments below! Pictures encouraged on Instagram with the hashtag #heathershomemadekitchen You can also follow me on Social Media to see what other crazy things my family and I are doing! If you like what you see, please share with your friends and family!
Pin the recipe for later!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
To Make the Taco Seasoning:
- ½ cup chili powder
- ¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons paprika
- ¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons ground cumin
- ¼ cup onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
To Make the Taco Meat:
- 1 pound meat, ground turkey, ground beef, shredded chicken, cooked and drained
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons heaping of homemade taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- chopped Iceberg lettuce
- chopped tomatoes
- shredded cheese
- corn
- sliced avocados or guacamole
- black beans, drained and rinsed if using canned
- salsa, taco sauce, hot sauce
- Tortilla chips, hard corn-shells, soft flour tortillas
Instructions
For the Seasoning
- Mix all the seasonings into a pint mason jar with a lid.
- Shake it until thoroughly mixed.
For the Taco Meat:
- Add taco seasoning and salt to the cooked meat.
- Stir in ¾ cup water to the meat and mix well.
- Heat on medium-low until boiling, turn off heat.
- Make your favorite taco or taco salad with all your favorite toppings!
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