Homemade Taco Seasoning With Tacos

Last updated on December 4, 2023 by Liza Hawkins

Tacos are one of my go-to easy dinner ideas during the work week, and having a simple homemade taco seasoning recipe is key!

Not only can tacos be thrown together in less than thirty minutes, our family (including the kids, even when they were little!) LOVES tacos and they’re easily built to each person’s specific and particular tastes:

Husband:

meat, cheese, green onions, sriracha sauce

Child One:

meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, refried beans, sour cream

Child Two:

meat, cheese, lettuce

Me:

meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, green onions, avocado, refried beans, sour cream

For years I used the yellow taco seasoning packet. It’s what I grew up with, so that specific brand’s blend is super nostalgic.

But then I realized it’s just as easy to make a similar tasting taco seasoning at home … with spices and herbs I already have in my pantry.

Love that.

The homemade taco seasoning blend I use is simple: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, dried parsley.

It takes all of two minutes to throw together and if you make a bunch, it can be stored in a air-tight container in your pantry.

And it tastes GOOD. Like, really good.

With no preservatives or unpronounceable ingredient words.

You might like this blend, or you might play around with other add-ins like red pepper flakes or dried onion. It’s flexible, which is terrific!

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Yield: 4 Servings

Homemade Taco Seasoning With Tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Why buy a packet when you can make homemade taco seasoning in just a minute or two? These tacos are simple and delicious.

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Ingredients

• 2/3 cup water

For the seasoning

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

For the tacos

• 2/3 cup water
• 12 cruncy or soft taco shells
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomato
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced green onions
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce
• Refried beans

Instructions

For the seasoning

1. Combine the chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, cumin, black pepper and parsley in a ramekin or small bowl.

For the tacos

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Wrap soft taco shells in aluminum foil and place them next to crunchy shells on a baking sheet. Set it aside.
2. Season the ground meat (or diced chicken) with salt and pepper, brown it in a skillet over medium-high heat, and then drain it. Return the meat to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir it to coat completely. Add the water and bring the meat to a simmer, then cover the pan, reduce the heat and continue a low simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, place the taco shells in the oven and let them warm for 7-10 minutes while the meat's simmering — be careful not to let the crunchy shells burn!
5. Serve the taco meat hot with crunchy shells or soft tortillas, a variety of toppings and refried beans.

Notes

This recipe seasons approximately one pound of meat. If you have leftover taco seasoning, or want to make a double (or more) batch, store leftover seasoning in an air-tight container in the pantry.

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  K BASIX Cheese Grater & Shredder - Stainless Steel - Razor Sharp Blades - Medium Shred - Ideal Hand Grater for Hard Fruit, Root Vegetables, Nuts, Parmesan Cheese & More! (4 Sided Box Grater)
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  Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Cookie Baking Sheets Set, 2-Piece
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  J.A. Henckels International 31161-201 CLASSIC Chef's Knife, 8 Inch, Black
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  EXTRA LARGE Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen with Silicone Feet - Wide Groove on one side reversible with 2 Compartments for different foods - (16" x 12" x 0.8")
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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 219Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 1441mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 8gSugar: 2gProtein: 8g