Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
This Homemade Taco Seasoning blends cornmeal with a variety of chili powders, cumin, oregano, dried onion, garlic powder, salt, paprika, smoked paprika, and a touch of cocoa powder. The mixture creates a well-rounded, mildly smoky, and slightly textured spice blend ideal for seasoning ground beef. The use of cornmeal adds a unique grainy texture to the meat when cooked with taco seasoning and water, forming flavorful taco meat for tacos or other Mexican-inspired dishes. The recipe can be stored for future use and adjusted based on the quantity of meat prepared.
Ingredients
For the dry spice mix:
- 6 tablespoons cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons onion dried minced
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons salt or kosher salt, sea salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
When you make taco meat:
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning homemade
- 1 & 1/4 cups water for each single batch of taco meat
- 1 teaspoon beef base for each single batch of taco meat, better than bouillon
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons cornmeal, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder, 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder, 2 tablespoons cumin, 2 tablespoons oregano, 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, 4 teaspoons garlic powder, 4 teaspoons sea salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.
- Makes 1 cup taco seasoning. Store mixture in an airtight container (mason jar, tupperware, zipolock baggie, we not fancy)
- Use 2 tablespoons seasoning for 1/2 pound of ground beef.Use 1/4 cup seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef.Use 1/2 cup seasoning for 2 pounds of ground beef. Use 3/4 cup seasoning for 3 pounds of ground beef. Use 1 cup seasoning (all of it) for 4 pounds of ground beef.
To make 1 pound taco meat:
- Cook 1 pound ground beef in a pan over medium heat, crumbling. Drain the grease. (Or don't!!)
- Add 1/4 cup of taco seasoning to the meat. Add 1 and 1/4 cups water. If you love yourself even more, add in 1 teaspoon Better than Beef Bouillon. (this ingredient is optional but soo tasty. Adds great beefy flavor.)
- Stir well and cook over medium heat until liquid has reduced somewhat but for heavens sake, not all the way. JUICY tacos, please! Your sauce should be nice and thick. It shouldn't take more than a couple minutes.
Notes
- Use a mild chili powder blend typical in U.S. stores rather than pure cayenne powder to avoid excessive heat.
- If short on time, add 1½ tablespoons yellow cornmeal to a 1 oz store-bought taco seasoning packet to replicate the texture effect.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container for freshness and use as needed with ground beef.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 492
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 492kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 94g | 31% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Potassium | 1663mg | 35% |
| Fiber | 27g | 108% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 13753IU | 275% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 441mg | 44% |
| Iron | 22mg | 122% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.