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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

This delightful recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 492 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

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 dried minced onion
  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 4 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
When you make taco meat:
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1/4 cup homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 & 1/4 cups water for each single batch of taco meat
  • 1 teaspoon better than bouillon beef base for each single batch of taco meat

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Makes 1 cup taco seasoning. Store mixture in an airtight container (mason jar, tupperware, zipolock baggie, we not fancy)
  3. 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:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook 1 pound ground beef in a pan over medium heat, crumbling. Drain the grease. (Or don't!!)
  2. 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.)
  3. 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

  • *"Chili powder" sold in the United States is actually a blend of chili powders and is pretty mild. Do not replace it with straight up cayenne pepper or any other straight chili powder. If you can't get this style of chili powder, use whatever chili powder you have but start with a much lower amount and taste as you go, to make sure it's not crazy spicy.
  • If you don't have time to make your own taco seasoning, use any 1 oz taco seasoning packet and add 1 and 1/2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal into your taco meat in addition. I'm telling you! It's so good! 

Nutrition Information

Calories 492kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 94g (31%) Protein 17g (34%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Potassium 1663mg (48%) Fiber 27g (108%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 13753IU (275%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 441mg (44%) Iron 22mg (122%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1cup

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.