There are so many ways to cut costs in the kitchen. This homemade taco seasoning is one of the easiest ways I do it!
When I first got started with this homesteading journey, 5 years ago, I had to do a mind shift. Instead of thinking “I need to grab that from the store”, I started thinking “Can I make this at home?”
This new way of thinking completely changed how I ran my kitchen…. which completely changed what I was spending on my grocery bill.
When you start thinking about how you can make things in your own home, with the ingredients that you have, you stop being a slave to the grocery store. You no longer have to run out to grab the store-bought packets of taco seasoning every time you want to have a taco night!
You are able to whip up a big batch, store it in a mason jar, and use it for weeks or even months to come for merely pennies. In fact, I like to make all my own seasoning blends.
Making your own spice blends is so easy when you buy in bulk. I buy my spices in bulk on Azure Standard, at my local Mennonite store, or I grow what I can in my garden. I then make up any seasoning blend like Italian seasoning, this taco seasoning, or even a no salt seasoning blend. The possibilities are endless when you start experimenting!
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The best way to store homemade taco seasoning.
The best way to store this homemade version of taco seasoning is in an airtight container, such as a mason jar with a lid and ring. I store mine on my shelves right above my stove with all my other spices.
Some suggest keeping all your spices in a dark place such as your pantry, spice cupboard, or spice drawer, but I have not had a problem storing mine in my kitchen on a shelf.
You do want to make sure whatever you do store it in, that it’s airtight so that no moisture can get in. Otherwise it will all stick together and clump up.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Chili Powder
- 3 TBSP Ground Cumin
- 3 TBSP Paprika, I like regular paprika not smoked
- 2 TBSP Onion Flakes or Onion Powder
- 4 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Parsley
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
How to make a batch of this homemade taco seasoning.
- Add all ingredients to a quart size mason jar. Use a lid and ring to cap it and give it a thorough shake so everything is mixed evenly.
- Use 3 TBSP of your homemade taco seasoning per pound of ground beef. This will give you the same measurement as the taco seasoning packets. According to the store-bought taco seasoning you add 1/4 cup of water with the seasoning, which you can do with this homemade blend as well. I usually don’t measure at all and just sprinkle in the taco seasoning to taste without the water.
- This recipe is perfect to double or even triple so you can have it made up in bulk, ready to use for taco Tuesday or for any Mexican dish!
Different variations of this homemade taco seasoning recipe.
Adjust the measurements above to your personal taste. If it is too spicy, you can reduce the chili powder or omit the red pepper flakes and the pinch of cayenne.
Another variation is you can change the amount of salt. Add more or less salt to your taste.
Everyone’s spice level is different, so experiment and tweak to what works for your family. My girls don’t like a lot of spice, so the measurements above are not super spicy.
The great thing about making your own spice blends is that you can change/add what you want to make it fit your family. Everyone has different tastes and likes and this gives you so much more freedom in the kitchen to make the best dish for your family!
We love to make beef tacos with this homemade seasoning blend, however another family favorite is crockpot chicken tacos. On busy days and nights, where you are going to get home barely at dinner time, this is my go-to meal. You can throw you chicken breasts in frozen or thawed and it only takes 4 ingredients!
This blend is naturally gluten free.
This blend is naturally gluten free, since it’s just spices. The biggest thing you will have to make sure is that your chili powder and all other spices aren’t processed in a factory with wheat.
If you have to eat gluten free and are sensitive to that, then you will want to check the labels of your spices. Of course if you are growing a lot of your own, you won’t have to worry about it.
The next time you are out of something think to yourself, “Can I make this at home?” If the answer is yes, or even maybe, I challenge you to give it a try! You will be amazed at how many things you use on a regular basis, that you can make right in your own kitchen at little to no cost!
Love this! I have been looking for recipes for making my own store bought seasonings. How long will this last in the pantry?
Since it is just made up of spices it can last as long as any other spice you would buy from the store. I keep mine for years, depending on how big of a batch I make up and how long it takes us to use it.