Inside: This homemade mild taco seasoning mix is fast to mix up, uses basic pantry spices, and is easy to adjust based on what everyone likes. Perfect for taco night!
Featured review:
I just made this today & I loved it!
Taco seasoning mix is firmly in the category of Things I Used To Buy But Now Make.
It’s so simple to mix up using basic pantry staples–and you avoid ingredients like added preservatives and thickeners that are in store-bought taco seasoning.
Some folks around your table might be sensitive to spice. If so, this simple recipe for mild seasoning is just what you need. It gives your recipes that classic taco flavor without being spicy.
Mix up a batch and have your own mild taco seasoning for your next taco night!
You might also like: 12 Tasty Things to Make From Scratch and Save Money
Ingredients you need for mild taco seasoning
- chili powder
- paprika
- ground cumin
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt: feel free to use table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt
How to make this seasoning mix
In a small bowl or jar, combine all of the ingredients. Either keep for later or use in a recipe right away.
How to customize this mix
- Want less sodium? Simply add less salt.
- Not mild enough? Cut back on the chili powder.
- Like a little heat? The spice levels are easy to change. For more spice, increase the chili powder or add a dash of black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.
- Want more of the mix? Double or triple the ingredients for a big batch of homemade taco seasoning.
How to use this mild taco seasoning mix to make taco meat
Cook a pound of ground meat (such as ground beef or ground turkey) over medium-high heat and pour off excess fat. Or if doing meatless tacos, drain and rinse a can of black beans and heat on the stove.
For a lot of flavor, add the entire batch of this mix per pound of meat. Or mix it in one teaspoon at a time until you get the flavor you like best.
Store-bought taco seasoning contains thickeners that react with water–which is why they typically call for adding water. You don’t need water with this DIY taco seasoning, but feel free to sprinkle on a few teaspoons of water if the taco meat seems dry.
Set out soft and hard taco shells plus toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, lettuce, and tomato and let your whole family build their own dinner.
How to store this spice blend
Store this mix in an airtight container or small mason jar and keep with your spices.
Make a double or triple batch of this homemade taco seasoning mix and keep it stashed in a cool, dry place (such as your spice cabinet) so it’s ready for taco night!
Recipe Card for Mild Taco Seasoning Mix
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
This mild taco seasoning mix is perfect for picky eaters or other spice-averse folks around your table. Use in your favorite recipes.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix all spices together in a small bowl. Store leftovers in an airtight container or jar.
Other Recipes for Taco Tuesday
Easy and Kid-Friendly Fish Tacos
Beef & Bean Burritos
Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Meat
Baked Turkey Tacos
Do you have a similar recipe for fajita seasoning?
Hi Karen–I treat this as my all-purpose Mexican seasoning, so I don’t have a separate recipe.
Yum! I love this! Tacos are definitely a once a week thing in our household 🙂
Does the chili powder make it spicy? And with store bought seasoning it calls for some water. How about with your recipe?
Yes, chili powder adds some spice but it’s pretty mild in the amount called for here. I think taco seasoning in the pouch calls for water because it includes thickeners. Mine doesn’t, but if your meat is looking dry you could certainly drizzle in a bit of water. Depends on the fat/lean ratio of your meat and whether you drain it as well. Hope that helps!
This turned out great! A lot of the premade ones have way in them and we have a dairy allergy in our house.
Whey*
This might be stupid but this seasoning mix is for how many pounds of hamburger?
Hi Deb–That is somewhat to taste, depending how strong you like the flavor. I typically sprinkle it on and then taste as I go. But I’d say a rough estimate is about 1-2 teaspoons per pound of meat.
Any liquid?
No, you sprinkle this onto cooked ground meat/poultry, fish, or veggies.
Omg, I use the whole recipe in 1 lb. Of meat!!
Hi! I just made this today & I loved it! Do you happen to have any nutritional info on this recipe? Thank you
Flagging this for later use. My kid just discovered turkey tacos, but is spice averse. My daughter can just add her favorite taco sauce to anp up the heat to her liking!