Healthy You
Inside: Keep the MSG out of your kitchen with this super easy recipe for homemade taco seasoning mix!
Welcome to this month’s edition of Homemade Homemaking. This month’s homemade recipe is an easy DIY taco seasoning. If you are following the Trim Healthy Mama plan, this recipe is an FP.
Back when I was still a new-ish homemaker (2011, to be exact), I had planned to make my small family of 4 tacos for dinner one night, when I discovered that I was all out of taco seasoning!
At first, I panicked, thinking: There is no way I want to load up my toddler and infant in the car and make another trip out to the grocery store.
Then I realized: I bet I could save some money if I made my own taco seasoning.
Lastly, it dawned on me: I bet DIY taco seasoning is even healthier than what I’ve been buying at the store.
And I’ve been making my own taco seasoning ever since.
Making your own taco seasoning is super easy and will save you money (not to mention exposure from additives like MSG and other preservatives in packaged seasonings!).
Without further ado, here’s an easy-peasy recipe for taco seasoning. Use this seasoning in Walking Tacos, White Turkey Chili, Taco Mac ‘n Cheese, Taco Salad, or Slow Cooker Lentil Rice Casserole!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Yield 3 Tablespoons
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- dash cayenne
Instructions
Combine all ingredients. Use instead of 1 package of taco seasoning mix. If you follow the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, this recipe is a FP. This recipe is also gluten-free.
Notes
Don't like too much heat? Opt out of the cayenne, and cut down on the cumin.
And in case you’re a visual learner, I uploaded a video on YouTube account to help you out:
Do you make taco seasoning, or other homemade seasonings? If so, please comment with a link to your favorite seasoning recipes!
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy these other homemade spices and seasonings:
All-Purpose Seasoning for Meat and Veggies
Allspice Alternative
Apple Pie Spice
Celery Powder
Chili Powder
Garlic Powder
Garlic Salt
Poultry Seasoning
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Herb and Spice Substitution Chart
Jennifer Dunn
I have just tried this mix, and it’s fantastic! Plus it’s a bit hit with my family. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Erin
Yay! I’m so glad your family loves it as well!
meg
Great recipe!! All the other ones I’ve tried have been all spice and no flavor! I did modify it a bit because I only have “extra strong chili pepper” for the moment. (I cut the amount of chili pepper in half.) Thanks!
Erin
So glad you liked it!!
Rita
What chili powder did you use? Everyone I find lists silicon dioxide and spices in the ingredient list.
Erin
I make my own! Here’s a link: https://thehumbledhomemaker.com/homemade-chili-powder/
Tobie
Where can you find spices without Silicon Dioxide?
Erin
I have found them in the bulk bins at my local health food store. The Bulk Herb Store & Mountain Rose Herbs are two other online stores that sell quality herbs & spices.
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents
Hooray! I really wanted you to link this one up. Thanks! 🙂 Visiting from Trim Healthy Tuesday!!
Erin
I thought so. 😉 Thanks!
Cindy
oh – can’t wait to try this!
Erin
It’s so easy! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
shea
What can I use to substitute for the onion my youngest son is hhighly allergic it to onion
Erin
You can leave it out and it will still be fine. My dad is allergic to onions, and I just leave them out for him.
Donna
Thanks so much for sharing!! All the recipes I’d found online for homemade taco seasoning were for huge batches at a time. This is so much more manageable! 🙂
Erin
You’re so welcome!
angela
Great recipe, big hit with kids for fajitas and also great with stir fried chicken and kale in coconut oil. Lovely!
Erin
Glad you liked it!
Connie
I tried this out, it’s so absolutely great. Don’t know what I ever did without it.
Erin
So glad you enjoyed it!
Sheri
I use the same recipe, however I add a little unsweetened cocoa. yum…..
Erin
That sounds amazing!
Hadley
Just came across your site – I love it! I am definitely going to subscribe.
Do you have any suggestions for substituting the garlic powder? A family member is sensitive to garlic, and while the powder form isn’t typically an issue, we try to avoid the use of garlic (in any form) as much as possible.
Thanks!
Erin
Hi Hadley! I would either use onion powder or just leave it out all together! Hope that helps!
Cat Dobson
Made tacos tonight and realized I didn’t have any seasoning packets. I panicked, ran to pinterest (of course) and found this recipe. Couldn’t tell a difference. It was great. I will probably never buy the taco packets in the store again since I ALWAYS have these seasonings in my pantry. Thanks!!
Erin
YAY!! I am so glad this has helped cross one item off of your grocery list forever!
Sara
Silly question…but when making tacos how much water do you add?? I can’t remember how much the packet says to add.
Michelle Vitale
i want to know that too?? How much water?
Shasta
Did this ever get answered? I’m curious too.
Erin
I apologize! 3/4 cup–unless you like the meat to be more thinned out. Then you can add more! I sometimes don’t add any, but it can be a little too spicy for my kiddos when I don’t add any. Hope that helps!
Tina
Thank you for sharing this. 2 quick questions. Is this for about 1 lb of meat? Also, what would you suggest if I don’t have sea salt?
Erin
Hi Tina! Yes, it’s for 1 lb. If you like it a little less spicy, add a little less or use this for more meat. I would try with one pound and then modify according to your taste. You can just use regular table salt! I just use sea salt for the health benefits. Thanks!
helen enos
how come you didnt use your recipe for home made chile powder in this recipe
Erin
I had re-filled the chili powder container with my DIY one. You can get that recipe here: https://thehumbledhomemaker.com/homemade-chili-powder/
Chef Zieg
Came across your recipe when looking for taco inspiration. I like that you use sea salt in your spice mix.
Erin
Thank you! I love sea salt!!
Lisa Walls
So I have a question….. My husband is allergic to all onion products (powder, fresh, cooked etc).You would not believe how many things contain onions!!! So, I have started making my own spice blends and simply leaving the onion out. Is there a good substitute for onions?
Erin
Hi Lisa! Not weird at all! Actually, my own dad is allergic to onions as well! I did not grow up with any onions in the house! Honestly, I would just leave it out. You could add a bit extra garlic powder, but I think it will still taste fine with it not in there.
Tami
You guys would not believe how happy I am to know others are also allergic to onions. People seriously think I’m lying when I tell them that I am.. Very frustrating all the time!
Linda
3/4 cup of water is called for when using pkg, and one lb. ground beef, says recipe =3T or 1 pkg. simmer for 15 minutes
Erin
Thanks!