Make your taco Tuesday a breeze with this easy one stop one jar seasoning mix, which is cheaper and tastier than one from the store, as well as totally adaptable to your taste.
Easy taco seasoning
I love tacos but I when it comes to the seasoning mixture, I don’t like having to get umpteen jars of spice out of the cupboard, measure out each individual spice and then put everything away again.
My one stop seasoning mix is the perfect way to make taco Tuesday – or any other day of the week for that matter – easy. Just grab that one jar from the cupboard: job done!
See also
- My fry seasoning will elevate your fries to the next level – perfect for oven chips.
- The easiest way to add interest to fish or seafood is my easy seafood seasoning.
- Fajita seasoning is an easy one step giving tasty Tex-Mexican inspired flavours.
- For more seasoning ideas to keep in your cupboard see my homemade seasoning blend recipes
Tacos are always a popular crowd pleaser; so adaptable and perfect for using up leftover roasts or vegetables. My one stops seasoning mix will make it even easier to whip up a batch of tacos for your supper.
This seasoning is not just for tacos – try using this seasoning with fries, rice or refried beans.
It’s easy to personalise to your taste – simply tweak the herbs and spices, or ramp up or lower the heat by adjusting the amount of chilli.
I cook for two, so this batch of seasoning makes enough for 4-6 batches of tacos – which is perfect for a small household – but it is so easy to make a bigger batch if needed.
Why make homemade taco seasoning
- Homemade seasoning blends make cooking easy. They’re a a one jar solution for flavouring your favourite dish, saving time and effort.
- Easy to customize to your taste, feel free to amp up the chilli heat, make it super smokey, make it herby! The world is your oyster (or, indeed taco)
- UPF free! If you read the label on a commercial blend you will never ever buy it again – there are so many ingredients that have no place in a seasoning mix!
- A mix means it is easy to add a small quantity of the more powerful ingredients without overwhelming the whole dish. You simply cannot measure less than 1/4 tsp accurately!
Taco seasoning ingredients
- Cayenne pepper & crushed chillies – The chilli you use is key to the flavour of your taco seasoning and is your most important ingredient choice – I like to use several different chillies for a really great flavour profile. A little cayenne pepper for heat (more if you like it hot) and some smoked crushed chilies.
- Smoked paprika – Smoked paprika adds another layer of delicious flavour, so it’s well worth seeking out the smoked rather than the regular.
- Cumin – Adds earthy notes and depth of flavour and that distinctive Mexican-stye taste
- Crushed black pepper – Freshly ground is always so much better and has more flavour, it only takes a few seconds with a pepper grinder.
- Onion powder – just a little for the flavour.
- Garlic granules – I far prefer the larger golden garlic granules to white garlic powder, which I think is very one dimensional.
- Oregano – Along with the cumin it adds more of a Tex Mex style of flavour
- Sea salt – flavour enhancer
How to make taco seasoning
Before you start, read these step-by-step instructions, with photos, hints and tips so you can make this recipe perfectly every time.
Scroll down for the recipe card with quantities and more tips at the bottom of the page.
Step One – Add everything to a small bowl.
Stir well (I like to use a small whisk).
Transfer to an airtight storage jar.
Helen’s Pro Tip
I use a jam funnel when filling the jar to avoid any spills.
Seal your fresh taco seasoning tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Label and date.
How to use your taco seasoning
Simply add the mixed seasoning to your taco fillings before cooking. Or toast the mixture in a dry frying pan for a few minutes before adding the meat to intensify the flavour.
Work out the total amount of spices added to a recipe and add the same quantity of your mix!
This mix is perfect for my leftover chicken tacos and turkey tacos recipes.
You can also use this mix to season crispy fried gnocchi.
The depth of flavour of spices can vary enormously depending on brand and freshness, so always start by using less the first time you make this.
Storage
Store your homemade taco seasoning sealed in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard.
Your ‘best before’ date will be the shortest date of out of all the herbs and spices you used, so make a note of this.
‘Best before’ is a guide, it doesn’t mean you have to throw your mix away once you reach it. if you keep it longer the flavour might fade – so just use a little more!
Hints and tips
- The most important thing is your choice of chilli. As you can vary both the heat and the flavour – I like a dash of cayenne pepper for heat, then chipotle chilli flakes and smoked paprika for the flavour.
- Always give the jar a good shake before using as the contents can settle.
Variations
- Try using habanero chilli, or chipotle chilli. Or one of: garlic powder, smoked salt, lime zest or smoke flavour. Experiment! I love having a house blend of spices.
More seasoning blends
- The rich, earthy aromas of Spain come together in my Spanish seasoning blend that gives meats, fish and rice that robust, punchy Mediterranean flavours.
- My all purpose seasoning is your secret weapon to boost any savoury dish in need of an extra flourish
- Chili seasoning mix saves both time and effort. It’s the absolute best chilli con carne spice mix
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp mild chilli powder (1)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (1)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chipotle chilli flakes (1)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (1 optional)
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into a bowl1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp garlic granules, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp chipotle chilli flakes, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp mild chilli powder
- Mix briefly until well combined.
- Transfer to an airtight storage jar (I usually use a jam funnel to stop anything spilling). Seal and store in the spice drawer / cupboard.
Notes
- The most important thing is the mix of chilli to balance heat and flavour – I like a mild chilli powder, a little cayenne for heat, then smoked paprika and smoky chipotle chilli flake. Vary for your taste and heat preference.
- Shake the sealed jar before using as the contents can settle.
- I cook for two – if you make tacos for a crowd on a regular basis then simple double or triple up the recipe.
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