There’s something satisfying about turning a few jars from the spice cupboard into a useful little kitchen staple. Homemade taco seasoning is exactly that sort of project: quick to mix, easy to store and ready when dinner needs a flavour boost.
I love the idea of making meal planning a little easier with simple pantry preparations. A jar of seasoning won’t chop the vegetables or wash the dishes, unfortunately, but it does put you one step closer to dinner.
The recipe featured here is from Gimme Delicious. Find the full homemade taco seasoning recipe and ingredient quantities here.
Ingredients and Materials
The featured blend uses chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, dried onion, oregano, salt and black pepper, with optional cornstarch.
You’ll also need:
- Measuring spoons
- A small mixing bowl and spoon
- A clean, completely dry jar with a tight-fitting lid
- A label for the blend name and date
Use the linked recipe for the exact measurements.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Measure the spices using the quantities in the Gimme Delicious recipe.
- Combine them in a bowl, breaking up any clumps.
- Transfer the mixture to your dry jar.
- Secure the lid and shake to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Label the jar and keep it in your spice cupboard.
Give it another shake before measuring out a portion. The featured recipe suggests about two tablespoons as a starting equivalent to a packet of taco seasoning; packet sizes and seasoning strengths vary.
An Important Note for Australian Readers
Check your chili powder carefully before following an American recipe. American chili powder commonly means a spice blend, while Australian chilli powder can be pure ground chilli and considerably hotter.
Don’t substitute a large quantity of pure chilli powder for an American blend. Check the ingredients on your jar and use a recipe designed for the product you have.
Ways to Use Your Homemade Blend
Tacos are the obvious place to start, but there are plenty of other possibilities. Try a little seasoning on roasted vegetables, stir it into beans, or use it to flavour a burrito bowl.
For taco mince, sprinkle seasoning into browned mince, add a little water and simmer until the mixture coats the meat. Start modestly, then taste and adjust before serving.
If you’re planning a meat-free taco night, our black bean and sweet potato taco feature offers another dinner idea.
Keeping Your Seasoning Fresh
Store the jar tightly closed in a cool, dry cupboard away from sunlight and the stove. Use a dry spoon each time, and avoid shaking the jar directly over a steaming pan.
Check the dates on your individual spices before mixing. Making a new blend doesn’t refresh older ingredients, so a small batch is a sensible place to start.
A Useful Homemade Gift
A small jar of seasoning could make a lovely addition to a practical food hamper. Add a handwritten label and a note directing the recipient to the recipe, then pair it with taco shells or tortillas.
It’s a simple kitchen project with a purpose—and sometimes those are the homemade ideas we end up using most.
Meatless Mondays, free for all Friday (for left overs or dining out)
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