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Homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat is easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly! Skip the packet and make this! If you love the texture of taco meat from a seasoning packet that is slightly saucy yet a bit thickened, this version is for you. The secret? A little bit of cornstarch! This helps the seasoning cling to the me at when you simmer it with water, resulting in slightly thickened, perfect taco meat!
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Pin It NowPacket-Style Homemade Taco Seasoning (with cornstarch)
Taco night happens at least once a week in my house, and as much as I love kitchen shortcuts (like a packet of taco seasoning!), there are times when I go to grab a packet of seasoning only to realize we’re out.
That’s exactly why I started making this homemade taco seasoning. It’s the perfect solution because it comes together in minutes with spices you probably already have in your pantry and it delivers a very similar result to a packet of taco seasoning.
Why you’ll love this seasoning mix:
- Customizable – love it spicy? Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes. Want it mild? Keep it simple? Don’t have cumin? No worries! Just use what you have. It’ll be fine! :)
- No fillers – if this is important to you, you’ll love this. You know exactly what’s going in this seasoning mix.
- Budget friendly – especially when you already have the seasonings on hand!
This seasoning mix is enough for one pound of ground beef or ground turkey. Feel free to double or triple the recipe and keep it on hand . Store it in an air-tight container.
While the taco seasoning packet from the grocery store is convenient, this is a great option when you don’t have one, or you simply prefer making all of your own seasoning blends at home.
❤️ Ashley
ingredients for homemade taco seasoning
Here’s a list of the ingredients that you’ll need for homemade taco seasoning. Remember – it’s versatile – use what you have on hand and adjust to taste.
- Chili powder
- Ground Cumin
- Smoked Paprika
- Ground Coriander
- Cayenne Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Dried Oregano
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Cornstarch *optionial
Cornstarch in Taco Seasoning
Cornstarch is NOT required when making homemade taco seasoning. However, if you like the saucy, slightly thickened texture of meat made from a store-bought packet, you will want to add cornstarch. You’ll need about ½ teaspoon of cornstarch per pound of meat.
how to use homemade taco seasoning (so it tastes like the packet!)
Here’s the secret — it’s not just the spices that you use, it’s how you cook the meat. Here’s how to use homemade taco seasoning packet so that your taco meat tastes just like you made taco meat with a packet of store-bought taco seasoning.
- Brown the meat: cook 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease is needed.
- Add the seasoning and water – just like the packet, stir in your homemade taco seasoning (with cornstarch) and ⅔ cup of water. Bring it to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the liquid reduces and the meat looks seasoned and saucy!
Make a Big Batch
Make a big batch of this homemade taco seasoning. Store it in an airtight container and store in a cool dry place for 3-4 months. To make a big batch (enough for 10 pounds of ground beef):
- 10 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 t tablespoons + 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Uses for Taco Seasoning
This seasoning is a game-changer, perfect for classic beef tacos, oven tacos, flatbread pizza, or even my taco stuffed shells, taco pasta salad, and taco dip! Here are some recipes where you can put this homemade taco seasoning to good use!
If you try this homemade taco seasoning, let me know what you think. I love to hear from you!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon corn starch
Instructions
- Combine all seasonings and mix well.
- Cook the meat – in a large skillet brown 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey) until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the seasoning – sprinkle the seasoning over the meat. Stir in ⅔ cup water. Stir to combine.
- Simmer – bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring until the liquid reduces and coats the meat in a saucy texture.
