Ever wondered why some tacos just taste better than others? The secret might be in the seasoning. Learn how to make taco seasoning and bring the best Tex-Mex flavors to your alpha-gal kitchen.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
For years, I spooned my go-to taco seasoning from a gigantic, 24-ounce container purchased at Costco. Then I noticed that cornmeal is the first ingredient. And it contains sugar. Why?!?
I had no idea these unnecessary ingredients lurked in a simple spice mix. To avoid these hidden fillers and unnecessary ingredients, I started perfecting my own blend of spices. Not only is it healthier, but it also tastes so much better. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with spices you probably already have in your pantry.
In This Article
What is Taco Seasoning?
Taco seasoning is a spice blend commonly used to flavor the filling in tacos, a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. It typically includes a mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, which transform ordinary browned ground meat (usually chicken in our alpha-gal friendly kitchen) into a rich, slightly smoky, slightly spicy filling.
What is in Taco Seasoning?
The typical ingredients in taco seasoning include:
- chili powder for heat,
- cumin for an earthy, nutty flavor, and
- paprika for a touch of smokiness.
It’s also common to add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Some blends may also include cornmeal as a thickener and red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
This homemade taco seasoning recipe is pretty mild — partly because my sister has a lower heat tolerance than a toddler, and we nearly always set up a taco bar at least one night for dinner when she and her family visit. If your family wants to spice things up, add cayenne pepper in ¼ teaspoon increments until you reach your desired heat level.
Is Taco Seasoning Gluten Free?
Most store-bought packets of taco seasoning are gluten-free, and the spices I use to make my seasoning are all naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to read the labels on your spices to confirm.
How Do You Make Taco Seasoning?
Whipping up a batch of taco seasoning at home is a snap. It’s as easy as combining the ingredients below. Because the most time-consuming part of this recipe is pulling all of the spices off of the spice rack, I usually make a triple batch so I have some made up for next time.
How to Store Your Seasoning Blend
Properly storing your seasoning mix ensures that it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are some helpful tips:
- Airtight Container: Store your taco seasoning in an airtight container. Spice jars or other types of glass or plastic jars designed for spices work well.
- Cool, Dark Place: Keep the container in a cool, dark place like your pantry or a spice drawer. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the spices over time.
- Labeling: Don’t forget to label your container with the date you made the seasoning. Spices can lose their potency over time, so it’s good to know how old your blend is.
- Avoid Moisture: Ensure the container is dry before adding the seasoning. Moisture can cause clumping and reduce the shelf life of your spices.
- Shelf Life: While your homemade seasoning blend doesn’t spoil, it will taste best if you use it within six months. After that, some of the spices might lose some of their intensity.
How Much Taco Seasoning per Pound of Meat?
This recipe makes 3 tablespoons of seasoning blend. That’s about one ounce, the same amount of seasoning you’ll typically find in a packet of taco seasoning if you buy it prepared at the store.
Ways to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
The most common way to use this spice blend is to season ground meat. For us alpha-gals, this typically means ground turkey or ground chicken. However, there are many other delicious ways to use homemade taco seasoning.
- Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables for an extra kick
- Mix it into soups or stews for added smoky flavor
- Use it as a dry rub for grilled fish or chicken
- Stir it into dips for a spicy twist
- Sprinkle it over popcorn for a zesty snack
- Add it to rice or quinoa for a flavorful side dish
- Mix it into scrambled eggs for a Tex-Mex breakfast
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chopped dried onion
- 1 teaspoon paprika (I like to use smoked paprika)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Pour them into an airtight container and shake to combine.
- Store your homemade taco seasoning in the airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place like your pantry where it will keep for up to six months.
Notes
- If your family likes a spicier taco seasoning blend, add ¼ cayenne pepper until the desired spiciness is reached.
- To make taco meat, cook and drain one pound of meat. Then add one serving of taco seasoning mix (about 3 tablespoons) and 3/4 cup of water to the meat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Because the most time-consuming part of this recipe is pulling all of the dried spices off the spice rack, I typically make a triple batch so I only have to make it every three pounds of meat.
