Ingredients
Tacos for dinner? Need the perfect taco seasoning? Pick the right mix of spices and herbs for full flavor. Here’s what you need for the best taco seasoning:
Chili powder
Chili powder is a blend of dried spices. It has chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic powder and salt. The flavor is savory, aromatic with a hint of heat from the chilies. The ratio of ingredients can change. Usually, it contains 50% chili pepper, 30% cumin and 20% other spices.
The milder version is great for tacos or enchiladas. The spicier version is good for chili con carne or spicy dishes such as fajitas. When using chili powder, adjust the quantity according to your preference. Too much chili powder can make a dish too spicy. Too little may not give enough heat and flavor.
Ground cumin
Ground cumin is a must-have for taco seasoning. It’s an earthy flavor popular in Latin American and Middle Eastern cooking. Mix cumin with chili powder, paprika, and other spices to make a tasty taco blend. Cumin works especially well with ground beef. You can also use it to add flavor to sauces and marinades. In short, it’s an all-purpose seasoning that should be kept in any kitchen!
Garlic powder
Garlic powder is a go-to for flavoring tacos. It is made from dried, ground garlic, so it adds a slight garlic taste without overpowering the dish. For centuries, garlic powder has been used for cooking and is said to offer many health advantages, like preventing cancer, helping immunity, and reducing cholesterol.
Sprinkling garlic powder on tacos is a simple way to make them tastier, without having to mince garlic.
Paprika
Paprika is a sweet-tasting powder made from grinding up dried red peppers, mostly Capsicum annuum. It has spread all around the world and is now a staple ingredient in many cuisines. It’s often used in salads, barbeque sauce and egg dishes.
As an ingredient in taco seasoning, Paprika adds different flavors. Sweet pimentón de la Vera and smoky Spanish paprika offer a milder flavor while hot Hungarian spices provide a more intense taste.
Other spices in taco seasoning are chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin and oregano. Plus coriander, clove or cayenne pepper. This mixture adds fragrant flavor to tacos with sweetness and chili pepper heat.
Paprika also has nutritional advantages. Two tablespoons contain 7% of your Vitamin A RDA and trace minerals like copper and magnesium.
Taco Seasoning featuring Paprika is an instant way to add savory complexity to your dish.
Salt
Salt is a must-have for seasoning blends. It enhances the more subtle flavors, and helps create balance. The best types of salt to choose are kosher or sea salt, because they contain less additives than table salt.
To get a classic taco flavor, go for coarse and flavorless kosher or sea salt. This way, you get a good salinity level without spoiling other flavors.
Pepper
When making taco seasoning, pepper is essential. The type of pepper affects flavor, heat and complexity. Common peppers used are ground black pepper, cayenne, chipotle powder, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika and New Mexico chili powder. Each offers a distinct balance of flavors and heat.
Fresh ground or whole peppers are better than pre-ground or canned. A pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder adds complexity and smokiness. Taste for desired flavor before adding extra pepper, else it may overpower the seasoning.
Directions
Taco flavor? No problem! With this simple recipe, you can make your meals burst with Mexican taste. Here’s what you need for the perfect taco seasoning:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
Wham bam, thank you ma’am!
Combine all ingredients in a bowl
Grab a medium bowl. Throw in the spices from the “Spice Blend” section of the recipe. Mix until everything is even. That’s your taco seasoning! Store in an airtight container.
Use 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground beef or turkey. Mix into meat before cooking. Discard the rest after that. Enjoy!
Mix well
Put all the ingredients into a small bowl. Mix it until everything is combined. This recipe makes enough taco seasoning mix to flavor 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. If you want it spicier, add a teaspoon of chili powder.
To store it, put the taco seasoning mix into an air-tight container. Store it in a cool and dry place for up to 6 months.
When ready to use it, add 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning mix to 1 pound of cooked and drained ground beef or turkey.
Store in an airtight container
Store your taco seasoning in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or glass. Label it with ingredients and purchase date. When opening a tightly sealed container, discard any expired mixes and inspect for spoilage or contamination. If pests have gotten in, discard the mix. Lastly, store in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.
Use as desired
Gather these ingredients for taco seasoning: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, cumin and sea salt.
Mix 1 tablespoon chili powder with 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes.
Add 1 teaspoon each oregano, paprika and cumin.
Finish with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
Sprinkle on chicken or beef for tacos and fajitas.
For a burrito filling, cook ½ pound ground beef with 2 tablespoons taco seasoning.
For a dip, cook 1.5 pounds ground beef with ¼ cup water and 4 tablespoons taco seasoning in a slow cooker on low heat for 4 hours. Stir occasionally until fully cooked. Serve warm with chips or vegetables.
Variations
Taco seasoning? You can make it with loads of stuff! Change the amounts and you’ll have a flavor all your own. Variations on the classic recipe are great – try some! Here are a few to get you started. Experiment away!
Add cayenne pepper for an extra kick
For more flavor and heat in tacos, add cayenne pepper! Less than 1/4 teaspoon should do the trick. Spice it up even more by adjusting chili powder or paprika in taco seasoning. Top with diced jalapeños for an extra spicy flavor. Enjoy!
Add oregano for an herbal flavor
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of oregano into your taco seasoning mix for a herbal flavor. Oregano is often used in Mexican cuisine and gives a savory, earthy taste. Add it early in the process, so it has time to blend with the other herbs and spices. For maximum flavor potential, choose freshly dried or fresh oregano.
Make tacos with your own unique takes!
Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
Smoked paprika is a yummy way to give your taco seasoning a smoky taste. The peppers are dried, smoked over an oak or hickory fire, and have a mild heat. You can either get it alone or with other spices added. When added to taco seasoning, it can enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika (or smoked Spanish paprika) to your taco seasoning. If you want more smoky flavor, add 1 tsp of chipotle chili powder, which is made from ground smoked jalapeno peppers! The combination of both will make a unique taste and make your tacos delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Taco seasoning blend? Awesome! Now what? Many possibilities. Tacos, burrito bowls…you pick. But, what’s the most creative way to use the seasoning? Read on for great serving suggestions for your taco seasoning. Now let’s get cooking!
Use as a seasoning for tacos
For some amazing taco seasoning, begin with:
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of paprika
Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and leave aside. To finish the seasoning for tacos, include:
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon of black pepper or salt.
Taco seasoning is a must-have recipe for any taco lover. Sprinkle it on beef or chicken before cooking, or add it to your preferred seasoning blend for an extra flavor that will make your guests wonder what’s in the tacos! Make sure to adjust the levels of each spice according to your desired taste intensity. Add more cumin for a smoky flavor, more garlic powder for a spicier taste, or more oregano for a tangy flavor. Whatever combination you come up with will be tasty!
Use as a rub for grilled meats
The Best Taco Seasoning Recipe is ideal for tasty grilled meats. You can use it as a rub for chicken, pork, steak or fish before grilling. Let the seasoning sit on the meats for at least an hour before grilling. This ensures that the spices go through and won’t wash off. Cook the meats over moderate heat to get a nice char and keep the flavor.
This seasoning also makes amazing marinades when combined with lime juice and olive oil. If you’re feeling daring, try tacos! Mouthwatering!
Use as a seasoning for roasted vegetables
Homemade taco seasoning is the key to amazing roasted veggies!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Toss together raw veggies and olive oil in a bowl.
- Mix in the taco seasoning until everything is coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly over parchment paper on one or two baking trays.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cheese (optional).
- Serve with condiments like salsa.
- Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What ingredients do I need for taco seasoning?
A1: You will need chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper.
Q2: How much of each ingredient should I use?
A2: You can adjust the quantities to your taste, but a good starting point is 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
Q3: How do I make the taco seasoning?
A3: Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl, and then store the seasoning in an airtight container for future use.
