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Homemade Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef and More

Homemade taco seasoning for ground beef (and tons of other things) is one of the easiest ways to save money and cut unnecessary additives like sugar, gluten, and preservatives from your favorite Taco Tuesday. Make a big batch and use it on everything!

a glass jar of taco seasoning on a table with a blue striped napkin

The journey to real food looks different for everyone. Some of us cling to familiar convenience items–unsure if we can really make something that’s as good at home.

Taco seasoning was that thing for me.

Even after making the decision to cut MSG, colors, and as many preservatives as we logically could, taco seasoning in the packet was one thing I couldn’t let go of.

But when I finally did?

Good grief! What was I worried about?!

Because this homemade taco seasoning for ground beef is going to make you really happy.

What’s in homemade taco seasoning for ground beef?

In my version, there are only spices. Some people want cornstarch or flour (packets from the store usually contain a wheat-based synthetic food starch) to thicken theirs. But I have to say, I don’t miss it here. The flavor is all there and you don’t really notice that your meat isn’t coated in a wet goop.

You won’t miss it.

If you don’t keep spices on hand for cooking, you may have to invest a bit more up front to make this homemade taco seasoning for ground beef, but rest assured, those bottles will make you many, many batches in the future.

You can whip this up in less than 5 minutes.

How to use homemade taco seasoning for ground beef and your other favorite recipes

Homemade taco seasoning is a snap to use! Simply add 2-3 tablespoons to your ground beef after it’s been cooked and drained. Pour in 2/3 cup water, stir well and bring the whole thing to a simmer and cook until the water reduces–maybe 5 to 7 minutes.

You can also sprinkle this seasoning on chicken before you cook it for quesadillas, in to your favorite Mexican-themed casseroles and anywhere you would normally reach for the regular old packet.

Use it to make my favorite Mexican Lasagna or 19 creative ways to use leftover taco meat.

homemade taco seasoning being sprinkled over ground beef

Homemade taco seasoning in a glass jar ready to be added to your ground beef.

Homemade Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef

Homemade taco seasoning for ground beef is a great way to save money and cut unnecessary additives like gluten, sugar and preservatives from your favorite taco dishes. 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
Author Rachel Ballard

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Transfer to a jar or airtight container for up to 6 months. 

To use:

  • Cook 1 pound ground beef. Drain.
    Add 2-3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Stir well and simmer until the water reduces. 

Notes

This recipe is based on a version by The Food Renegade: https://www.foodrenegade.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 1306mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 3gVitamin A: 3030IUCalcium: 48mgIron: 2.9mg
Tried this recipe?Tag us on Instagram @feastandfarm and hashtag it #feastandfarm
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade taco seasoning

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11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Excellent. Just the right amount of everything. Like you said. Don’t miss the fillers. Thanks. Wife loved it.

  2. 5 stars
    As we continue with the Quarentine I’m going out less but I’m stocked on my spices. So, when I needed taco seasoning I’m glad I was able to find this! I’ve made a big batch! Thanks! It’s delicious ?

  3. 5 stars
    Just mixed up a batch of this to have for an enchilada cups recipe (crescent roll dough in a cupcake pan then filled with enchilada beef and topped with cheese) I’m making for dinner tomorrow night. It smells awesome!

  4. Hello what do I do if I don’t have red crushed pepper flakes or no dried oregano, and
    cumin what do I do??!!

    1. Well, unfortunately Emily you won’t get to make it. 🙁 You could do without the red pepper flakes but not the rest. Better wait till you have those things and make a big batch so you don’t run out! –Rachel

    2. I didn’t use red pepper or cumin in mine. Used a Italian blend seasoning instead of oregano. Turned out great. Used onion powder. When you don’t something just do your best to sub it out. Make smaller batches. Mine turned out great. Made beef nachos.

  5. Hi Rachael, my grandson & I were making tacos and realized I didn’t have a packet of Taco Seasoning! I remembered seeing your recipe & saud let’s try making our own. We loved it & now I keep Homemade Taco Seasoning on hand. Thanks for your recipe!
    bb

    1. Hey Ms.Brenda–Patty told me that story and I giggled. I think it’s great! I always make mine now as well–as simple as it is to do (and it saves money if you have the spices on hand already) there’s no need to buy packets. Glad you enjoyed it, and I hope your tacos were good. –Rachel

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About the Author

Rachel Ballard, RN, BSN brings more than 20 years of professional nursing expertise to Feast and Farm. With a love for nutrient dense foods that support wellness, she works to distill complex health information and current trends into recipes that fuel the best version of yourself. Read more about Rachel here.