Homemade Taco Seasoning! All you need are 2 tablespoons to match one of those store-bought packets. You probably have all the ingredients for this taco seasoning recipe.
You will think that one of the ingredients is very unusual, and it is, but what a fantastic addition.
I'm not going to 'reveal' the special edition yet, but it is actually 'a natural'.
I tripled this taco seasoning recipe when I made it because I make a lot of Mexican style food and I thought it would be great to just have this on hand at all times. It is great in taco salads too!
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You won't believe the recipes that I end up adding it too. Taco seasoning in my tofu scramble instead of cumin? Yes! Homemade Taco seasoning in my Chipotle Scones? Always!
Just wait until tomorrow! Well, yesterday has come and gone but I posted Slow Cooker Black Bean Burritos using this wonderful spice mixture. One of my most popular recipes on the blog.
Look how easy they are to grab on the go too!
You already have most of the ingredients for this homemade taco seasoning recipe, if not all, and you probably have a small bottle that you saved from a past condiment too.
I save all of mine. I'm kind of jar crazy ... and glass crazy.
Everything is on display in my house. If it's little and rolls around or colorful or sparkly then it's in a glass container. Lid or not but if there are lids then they are usually glass too.
Spices make an especially pretty display so you don't need to hide them in a cupboard. I also have a display rack on the wall that holds my herbs and spices just right.
Love having the extra space in my pantry.
For this recipe, I wanted to actually use specific spice jars and certain sizes so I took advantage of the blog and went shopping for pretty little containers.
This is going to be one of many spice mixes that will be on the blog in the future. Each ingredient is the perfect amount for a great blend. So let's get going!
💭 Ways to use taco seasoning
- It's not only for tacos! Here are a couple more ideas.
- Mix it in your burrito stuffing for some great taste. Vegan Rice and Bean Burrito's are perfect for this idea.
- You can always add more than a recipe calls for to get extra spice. Chipotle Scones could handle maybe another 1/2 teaspoon.
📖 Seasoning mix recipes
- Another extremely versatile mix. - Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
- Homemade Italian Seasoning - The ever-popular seasoning mix for all your pasta favorites.
- Don't forget your special sweets - Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning - This mix takes your Middle Eastern recipes a long way.
Take a quick peek at the Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix. It's pretty too, but with its own unique ingredients.
Here is a picture of the taco seasoning ingredients. Waiting to be blended together. So many pretty colors and such good taste.
🥘 Ingredients
- Chili powder - the king of spices for this all-around seasoning mix
- Garlic powder - goes a long way in the flavor department with just a little bit.
- Onion powder - is powerful so a little goes a long way and adds a lot of flavor.
- Paprika - has a mild flavor but does add some flavoring and it has a beautiful color that can change the look of the dish.
- Ground black pepper - is very spicy so don't use a lot.
- Cocoa Powder - gives a hint of flavor depth
- Ground coriander - is mildly sweet with a nutty aroma.
- Sea salt - is the perfect understated seasoning.
- Dried oregano - is aromatic and has an earthy flavor.
- Ground Cumin - is also unusual but gives more of a tasty kick.
🔪 Instructions
- I have a spice mill so I ground the dried oregano for the mix. You can also just crush it more with your fingers. It will still work great in the mixture.
- Mix all of the ingredients and store in a jar with a tight lid.
- Ground and dried spices last two to three years so there is no problem in keeping them on your shelf.
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If you take a photo of your perfect seasoning I would love to see it. Follow me over on Instagram and tag me on your photo @vegan_in_the_freezer.
Your opinion means a lot to me and if you'd like to leave a comment and possibly a star rating I'd love to hear your thoughts.
📋 Recipe
📋 Recipe
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon chili powder plus 1 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoon oregano ground or ground Mexican oregano
- 3 teaspoon cumin ground
Instructions
- I have a spice mill so I ground up the dried oregano for the mix. You can also just crush it more with your fingers. It will still work great in the mixture.
- Mix all of the ingredients and store in a jar with a tight lid.
- Ground and dried spices last two to three years so there is no problem in keeping them on your shelf.
Nutrition
Two tablespoons equal one packet of store-bought taco seasoning.
Now see? You didn't even have to go out and spend any extra money. You already had everything in your cupboard for this taco seasoning recipe.
That really makes me feel accomplished when things get organized and pretty all at the same time.
The fact that the 'pretty' improves the food isn't a bad thing either.
Ginny McMeans
You sure can Flyingmartini. You can use it any way you want to spice up a meal. I think it would work perfectly just as those package directions tell you.
Flyingmartini
I'm looking forward to making this. Especially since it's healthier than the store bought chemical crap. Do you sprinkle it in with the mock meat& add water? Speaking of mock meat, I used TVP & taco seasoning mix instead of the vegan crumbles. It tasted pretty good!
Ginny McMeans
Great ideas for using taco seasoning! Tofu scramble sounds really good. Good luck in your move and have fun building your spice cabinet. You're going to love it!
Cap'n Dave
Authentic Cincinnati chili also uses cocoa, so I wasn't surprised to see it here! It really does something magical with the flavor combinations - richer, hardier, deep, and something...je ne sais quoi. It literally defies an adequate description in our stumbling, paltry attempts at categorization. It's more of a sensory thought than verbiage.
After my move next year, I too will be building a spice cabinet to showcase my most-used spices. The rest will reside in my pantry, but they will be in bottles as well. Right now, I have a spice cabinet, and it has various sized jars, bottles, bags, baggies, and little plastic canisters. I need to organize, because when I'm cooking, I want to grab this, that, or the other thing right away, not frantically hunt for it while things on the stove begin to burn!
Thank you for sharing this, and it will most definitely be a regular addition in my cooking! Tacos, burritos, taco salad, nachos, Southwestern tofu scrambles, dips, dressings, so many uses! 🙂
Ginny McMeans
You are so welcome Alice! It is amazing what a little cocoa will do in some recipes. The black beans sound so good.
Alice
I haven't made this yet but I'm sure it is perfect. And I will be making it. I have the perfect little jar for it and I'll purchase more for your other mixes I look forward to making. As far as cocoa I always include it in the spicy, saucy, black beans that are my staple. (I eat Whole Foods Plant Based.) Thanks for all and thanks for the idea to display the mixes in cute jars.
Ginny McMeans
That's great Susan. Yes, the amount of cocoa powder is very important. It adds just a little depth of flavor.
susan
Was not surprised by the addition of the cocoa powder, but had forgotten about it. Have added to my vegan chili, but my husband didn't care for it. But adding it to this recipe. So thank you..
Ginny McMeans
You are so welcome Dash. I appreciate you letting us know. Thanks!
Dash
Made this tacos seasoning and boy was it delicious. I added a few teaspoons to some Gardien Meatless crumbles and later made enchiladas. Huge hit! Thanks for sharing.
Ginny McMeans
No Carrie, just use it however it's specified in any recipe.
Carrie
Do you still need to add water like the store packet says?
Laura
I am always looking for homemade spices and this one looks delicious. Cocoa? I definitely need to try it.
Dahn
the cocoa does sound unusual but I bet it makes a great mix, gonna have to try it
Ginny McMeans
It's fun too Deanna! 🙂
Deanna
Oh I need to make this! I am always buying the little packets. It would be great to make my own!
Ginny McMeans
It really is a good way to go Amy! Thanks so much.
Ginny McMeans
That makes me super happy too Jessie!
Amy @ The Cook Report
I love making my own spice blends and this one looks fab!
Jessie Gunaseelan
I have been waiting for some thing like this and now I am super happy!
Ginny McMeans
That is great Kari. It is also a great way to use of some of those spices before they go bad. I find that time really flies in my spice cupboard. 🙂
Kari
I use taco seasoning quite often in my dishes, considering my husband and I both love Mexican food. I don't know why I've never thought to make my own, considering I am very conscious about what I eat and I have a ton of spices in my cupboard. I guess habit? But, now I'll be making my own. Yay!
Ginny McMeans
What a wonderful gift. She is going to love it Candice!
Candice Abraham
This is great! I plan to make my daughter a double recipe, as her kids are taco crazy! Thanks.
Ginny McMeans
WoW Joyce! I am working on spaghetti seasonings right now! As soon as I get it done I will email you!
Ginny McMeans
That is great Sarah Caron! I love it too!
Ginny McMeans
Ha! That is my motto Colleen!
joyce wallace
do you have a similar recipe for spaghetti sauce seasoning? mine has been discontinued. by the way, I do have all the ingredients on hand for the taco seasoning. sounds great
Sarah Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
Homemade taco seasoning is the best! I've been making my own for YEARS and love it so much better than store-bought.
Colleen (Souffle Bombay)
Why buy it when you can easily make it I always say - this is perfect!
Susan
homemade taco seasoning is the best, so much better than buying it in the store! I see you add cocoa powder to the mix, never tried that and now I'm curious.
Ginny McMeans
All good reasons to make your own! Thanks Jessica!
Ginny McMeans
I think you will be very happy Jenn!
Ginny McMeans
That is great Melissa and thank you so much!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Angie!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks so much Stephanie!
Jessica (Savory Experiments)
I make my own as well. Seems so silly to purchase pre-made. I also like controlling my own heat.
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled
I love homemade taco seasoning, can't wait to try your recipe! 🙂
Lauren Kelly Nutrition
I love homemade taco seasoning! This looks wonderful!
Nutmeg Nanny
I LOVE making my own seasoning mix. So fresh and I get to control the quality of ingredients.
Melissa from HungryFoodLove.com
I will make a big jar of this. Your spice blend sounds perfect!
Marly
I love homemade everything! This looks great!
Angie
I love that you put cocoa powder in your taco seasoning, great idea!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
I love homemade taco seasoning! I'm one of those annoying people who insists on making everything from scratch so this is perfect.
christine
Love it. Making spice blends at home is so much better than store bought!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom
Love this all natural seasoning! Thanks!
Ginny McMeans
I agree with you Brenda!
Ginny McMeans
You are lucky. I need tacos more often!
Ginny McMeans
You is sooo right Ashley!
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds
I always make my own taco seasoning! Love the addition of cocoa!
[email protected]
So easy and healthy! Really doesn't take a lot of time and it's so much better for you!
Amy @Very Culinary
I make tacos a few times a month, so I love this. Homemade is the best!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
I love making my own taco seasoning!! It's too easy NOT to do!
Ginny McMeans
Me either Louise!
Louise @ The Organazi
Homemade taco seasoning is SO much better than the packets. I will never go back.
Ginny McMeans
Yes, that will still work Bobbie. Paprika can cause trouble!
Bobbie
I will have to leave out the paprika as it gets my tummy going. Think I'll give this a try tho. Looks good.
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Rebecca!!!
Ginny McMeans
Thank you so much Baby June! I love making them too!
Rebecca {foodie with family}
Homemade taco seasoning is just so much better than the stuff in packets that there's no comparison! These photos make me want to make tacos!
Ginny McMeans
Thank you Angie!
Baby June
I love making homemade seasonings, they just smell so good and take food to the next level. This looks like a great version!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
I love homemade everything! Great taco seasoning!