This simple taco seasoning takes about ten minutes and uses nine pantry spices, with no packets and no mystery ingredients. Chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and a little heat blend into the savory taco flavor you expect, ready to use right away or store for later.
The recipe makes about two and a half tablespoons, enough for a pound of ground meat, and it is easy to double. You can stir the blend into beef, turkey, chicken, beans, or vegetables, so one small jar covers a whole week of dinners.
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Why This Simple Taco Seasoning Recipe Works
Chili powder leads the blend and provides the deep red color and mild heat, while cumin gives the earthy backbone. Paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes add a layered finish without any single spice taking over.
Because you make it yourself, you decide how much salt, pepper, and heat go into every batch. That makes this simple taco seasoning a good option for anyone who wants to cut back on salt or avoid the fillers that show up in some packaged mixes.
Ingredients for Simple Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Chili powder. This is the base of the blend. Check that your chili powder is a seasoning blend, not pure ground chile, so the heat stays moderate.
Cumin. Cumin is what makes taco meat taste like taco meat. Freshly opened ground cumin has the strongest aroma.
Garlic and onion powder. They blend smoothly into the meat juices and spread savory flavor without any texture.
Red pepper flakes. A quarter teaspoon adds gentle heat. Leave them out for a milder blend or add more if you want a spicy version.
How to Make Simple Taco Seasoning
1. Gather the spices. Measure the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes into a small bowl.
2. Stir to combine. Mix with a fork until the color is even and no clumps remain.
3. Season the meat. Brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey in a skillet, drain any fat, and stir in the full batch with 1/4 cup of water. Simmer a few minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is coated. Ground beef should reach 160 degrees F and ground turkey 165 degrees F.
4. Serve or store. Use the seasoned meat right away in tacos, or pour any unused dry mix into an airtight jar for later.
How to Serve Simple Taco Seasoning
Use the seasoned meat in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or nachos. A spoonful of the dry blend also boosts easy taco soup and layered taco casserole. For pasta night, try it in easy cheesy taco pasta, or season shredded chicken for crockpot chicken tacos.
How to Store and Reheat Simple Taco Seasoning
Keep the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will last for several months, though the flavor is brightest when used within a few months of mixing. Refrigerate cooked taco meat within 2 hours and use it within 3 to 4 days.
Tips and Variations for Simple Taco Seasoning
Double or triple the batch. This simple taco seasoning scales easily, so mix a larger batch and measure by the tablespoon when you cook.
Balance the salt. The blend contains a teaspoon of salt, so taste before adding more. Reduce the salt if you use salted broth or toppings like cheese.
Adjust the heat. Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy blend, or leave them out for a mild version.
Toast the spices. Stir the blend into the meat as it finishes browning so the spices bloom in the fat before the water goes in.
Use other proteins. Shredded chicken, black beans, and roasted cauliflower all take well to this blend.
Cook meat safely. Use a thermometer and follow the FDA safe minimum temperature chart for ground meat and poultry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Taco Seasoning
How much simple taco seasoning do I use per pound of meat?
The full batch, about 2 1/2 tablespoons, is meant for 1 pound of ground meat, along with a splash of water.
Can I make simple taco seasoning without salt?
Yes. Leave out the salt and add it to taste while the meat simmers, which gives you full control over the sodium.
What can I use simple taco seasoning on besides tacos?
Try it on roasted vegetables, in chili, on baked potatoes, or in rice and bean bowls.
How long does simple taco seasoning keep?
Stored in an airtight container away from heat and light, it lasts for several months.
Is this blend spicy?
It has mild to medium heat. Red pepper flakes and chili powder bring warmth, and you can adjust both.
Simple Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Fork
- Airtight Jar
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cooking
- Gather. Measure all the spices into a small bowl.
- Mix. Stir with a fork until evenly combined.
- Season meat. Brown 1 lb ground meat, drain the fat, and stir in the full batch with 1/4 cup water. Simmer until the liquid reduces.
- Store. Pour any unused mix into an airtight jar.
