Why This Recipe Matters
Some taco nights start with a seasoning packet from the pantry — quick, easy, and still delicious. But there has been more than one night when tacos were already in my head, dinner time rolled around, and I reached for the pantry only to realize there wasn’t a single packet left.
I can’t even remember exactly where this homemade taco seasoning recipe began, but it has been my go-to for a long time now. It is simple to throw together with pantry spices, works perfectly with ground beef, and gives you full control over the flavor without adding extra steps.
And the funny thing is, the taco eaters around me usually do not know when I have made the seasoning myself. But almost every time I do, I get a different response…
Mom, these tacos are so good!
Babe, dinner was really good tonight.
That is usually my sign that this little homemade blend makes more of a difference than anyone realizes.
Prepare Your Taste Buds
This homemade taco seasoning has a savory, well-balanced flavor with chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and a little smoky depth. It gives ground beef that classic taco-night flavor, but with a fresher, fuller taste than a packet.
It is the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you do not just make it this way every time. Of course, then the issue is not always that I do not have a seasoning packet. Sometimes it is standing in front of the spice cabinet and realizing…
Shoot, I’m out of onion powder.
No beef granules either.
And somehow I’m out of minced onion too. Seriously?
Then I am right back to wondering if there is still a taco seasoning packet hiding somewhere in the pantry, which apparently means I need better taco-night planning. But most of the time, I do have what I need to make this seasoning, and it is the version the whole family prefers. It is quick, easy, and simple, but it makes all the difference in flavor — give it a try.
Simple Ways to Serve This
Use this homemade taco seasoning to make my Beef Taco Meat recipe for tacos, taco salad, nachos, burrito bowls, or an easy family taco night.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning is a savory, well-balanced blend of pantry spices that works perfectly with ground beef for easy taco night.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Seasoning for 1 pound ground beef 1x
- Category: Dressings & Seasonings, Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
For taco meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3/4 cup hot water
Instructions
- Combine all of the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- To make taco meat, brown 1 pound ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add the seasoning mix and 3/4 cup hot water to the cooked ground beef.
- Stir well, then simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and coats the beef.
Notes
- If you do not have beef bouillon granules, use 3 beef bouillon cubes instead. Dissolve the cubes in the ¾ cup hot water before adding it to the skillet with the seasoning mix. Alternatively, you can crush the cubes in a zip-top bag with a meat mallet, then add the crushed bouillon with the other dry ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch
- Calories: 29
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 328.2 mg
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.1 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
Handy Hints
- Dissolve bouillon cubes first: If you are using a beef bouillon cube instead of granules, dissolve it in the hot water before adding it to the skillet.
- Use enough water: The ¾ cup hot water helps the flour, cornstarch, and spices turn into a thick, seasoned coating for the ground beef. If the mixture gets too thick before the beef is fully coated, add a splash or two of extra water.
- Taste before adding extra salt: Beef bouillon add saltiness, so wait until the taco meat is cooked before deciding if it needs more.
- Make it mild or spicy: The cayenne gives the seasoning a little heat, but you can leave it out for a milder version or add a little more if your family likes spicy tacos.
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