Big batch taco seasoning saves you from measuring spices every time the craving for tacos hits. One bowl, one stir, and you have enough homemade seasoning for about five pounds of meat, ready to scoop from a jar all season long.
This blend is built on chili powder, cumin, and paprika, with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne. It contains no salt, so you can season each dish exactly the way you like it, and it lasts for up to six months in the pantry.
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Why This Big Batch Taco Seasoning Recipe Works
Six tablespoons of chili powder make this blend bold and deeply colored, while four teaspoons of cumin give it the earthy taste that makes taco meat so good. Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder fill out the flavor without overwhelming it.
Leaving out salt is a deliberate choice. It lets you control the sodium by tasting as you cook, and it means the same jar works for tacos, chili, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken without ever tasting too salty.
Ingredients for Big Batch Taco Seasoning
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjusted for heat
Chili powder. This is the backbone of the mix. Choose a fresh, fragrant chili powder, because old spices give a flat flavor.
Cumin and paprika. Cumin adds earthy depth, and paprika adds sweetness and color. Smoked paprika can replace regular paprika for a smoky blend.
Garlic and onion powder. They add savory flavor that blends evenly with ground meat, beans, and vegetables.
Black pepper and cayenne. Pepper gives gentle warmth, and a tiny pinch of cayenne brings heat. Add more cayenne for a spicy batch, or skip it for a milder one.
How to Make Big Batch Taco Seasoning
1. Measure the spices. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and cayenne to a medium bowl.
2. Whisk until even. Whisk the spices for about a minute, breaking up any clumps, until the color looks uniform.
3. Jar the seasoning. Use a funnel or spoon to fill an airtight jar. Label it with the date and the usage amount.
4. Season your meat. Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat. Brown the meat, drain the fat, then stir in the seasoning with a splash of water and simmer until coated. Salt to taste.
How to Serve Big Batch Taco Seasoning
Use the seasoning on ground beef, turkey, chicken, or beans. It also adds depth to black bean taco pasta and taco salsa sloppy joes. For dinner ideas, sprinkle it into cheesy ground turkey taco pasta or stir it into the meat for crispy ground beef quesadillas.
How to Store and Reheat Big Batch Taco Seasoning
Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard for up to 6 months. Keep it away from the stove, where heat and steam can cause clumping. If the mix clumps, break it up with a fork before measuring.
Tips and Variations for Big Batch Taco Seasoning
Use a clean, dry spoon. Moisture is the enemy of any dried spice blend, so scoop with a dry spoon to prevent clumps.
Add salt at the table. This big batch taco seasoning contains no salt, so add salt to taste while cooking meat or beans.
Label the jar. Write the date and the measurement of 2 tablespoons per pound on the label for easy reuse.
Adjust the heat. Increase the cayenne for a spicy blend, or replace the paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky one.
Season more than meat. Toss roasted potatoes, cauliflower, or chickpeas with a spoonful of the blend. A University of Illinois Extension crunchy chickpea recipe is a good snack base to try it on.
Make small gift jars. Fill small jars with the mix for friends who love taco night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Batch Taco Seasoning
How much big batch taco seasoning do I use per pound of meat?
Use 2 tablespoons per pound of meat, then add a splash of water and simmer until the liquid reduces.
Does big batch taco seasoning contain salt?
No. The blend is salt free, so you can add salt while cooking to match your taste.
How long does big batch taco seasoning last?
Stored in a cool, dark pantry in an airtight jar, it stays flavorful for up to 6 months.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes. Cut each measurement in half for a smaller batch, using a small jar.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Omit the cayenne and use a mild chili powder for a gentler blend.
Big Batch Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Airtight Jar
- funnel
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 tbsp chili powder
- 4 tsp ground cumin
- 3 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat
Instructions
Cooking
- Measure. Add all the spices to a medium bowl.
- Whisk. Whisk about 1 minute until evenly combined.
- Jar. Fill an airtight jar and label it with the date.
- Use. Use 2 tbsp per pound of meat, adding salt to taste as you cook.
