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    Home » Recipes » Kitchen Basics

    Published: Jul 18, 2022 · Modified: Jan 28, 2023 by Jen Talley · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    All the mixed spices in a small container with the text: mild taco seasoning.

    The Best Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe is a simple mild taco mix for ground beef tacos, chicken tacos, or ground turkey tacos!

    Taco seasoning in a small container on a wooden cutting board and towel next to it.
    Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe

    Do you have a "Taco Tuesday" family tradition? Or perhaps any day is fair game for taco night. This at home taco seasoning is easy and simple!

    No need to buy Mccormick, Old El Paso or Ortega taco seasoning at the store! This is a kid-friendly version of the old favorite and the best taco seasoning packet recipe!

    We use this taco seasoning in these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos and also to spice up our Instant Pot Black Beans!

    Another few made-from-scratch seasonings are Chili Seasoning Substitute and my Award Winning Dry Rub! I also have the Best Burger Seasoning!

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Homemade taco seasoning is customizable! You are in control of the ingredients and spiciness. Want it mild for your little kids? Leave out the crushed red pepper. Need a low sodium version? Reduce the amount of salt you add.
    • It is a great way to use up those bulk dried spices that have been sitting in your cabinet!
    • Save a little money! Buying little packets from the store aren't that expensive, but making taco seasoning from scratch is even cheaper! 

    Recipe Ingredients

    You'll need the following blend of spices for your own taco seasoning.

    The ingredients for mild taco seasoning on a plate with a wooden cutting board below it.

    Chili Powder is an essential part of the taco seasoning. It is the base for all the other spices to build on.

    Cumin This is that classic taco flavor.

    Garlic Powder (not garlic salt) adds so much flavor to the tacos.

    Onion Powder is also an important part of the seasoning. It will add to the mouthwatering flavor.

    Dried Oregano is not just for Italian cooking! It is also a piece of the taco seasoning puzzle.

    Salt brings all the flavors together.

    Black Pepper adds a little spice without making the seasoning spicy.

    Crushed Red Pepper is optional. Make your own taco seasoning mild by skipping the crushed red pepper.

    How to Make Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning

    Here are some quick visual instructions. The full recipe with ingredient measurements is below!

    Measure the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix the ingredients together.

    All the ingredients in a bowl with a measuring spoon to mix it.

    Use an air-tight container such as canisters or mason jars to store the taco mix. Use 1-2 tablespoons of mild mix for every pound of meat.

    Taco seasoning in a small black canister.

    Recipe Tips & Tricks

    • For best results with ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken, first cook the meat then add the taco seasoning. Mix it together and allow it to cook for 30 more seconds before adding a little water to the bottom of the meat to keep it from drying out or burning.
    • Adjust the spice levels to what your family likes. If you want mild seasoning then leave out the crushed red pepper. If you like spicier taco seasoning mix add up to a whole teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
    • Change the sodium level based on your diet restrictions. Use less salt if you need a low sodium taco seasoning.

    Storage

    • Storage: Make a big batch and store it in a small mason jar. Depending on the freshness of all the spices, this will stay fresh for several months.

    Additions and Substitutions

    • Paprika: many recipes use paprika in their taco seasoning. You can add 2 teaspoons of paprika to the recipe if desired.
    • Smoked Paprika: Add a bit of smokey flavor to your tacos by adding ½ teaspoon to the mix.
    • Cornstarch: Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mix to help the seasoning stick to the meat.
    • Beef Bouillon: Add 1 tablespoon of granulated beef bouillon for a richer savory flavor.

    Variations

    Forget the pre-made packets and use this taco seasoning blend on these different recipes.

    • Ground Beef: Add a little of the homemade spice blends to the taco meat for perfect tacos.
    • Ground Chicken: Make it a healthy recipe by adding your own taco seasoning mix to low-fat ground chicken.
    • Ground Turkey: Using your own seasonings on ground turkey adds great flavor!
    • Shredded Chicken Tacos: Cook chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins in a slow cooker or instant pot with salsa and your own seasoning mix for delicious shredded chicken tacos.
    • Taco Soup: Make your favorite homemade beef or chicken taco soup even better with this easy homemade seasoning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning?

    You can make your own homemade taco seasoning with some of the commonly found spices in your home such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.

    How do you make tacos less spicy?

    If you make your own homemade mild taco seasoning you can easily control how mild and spicy the taco mix is. Do not add spices such as crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. Both of those spices will make the taco seasoning very spicy.

    What spices does taco seasoning contain?

    Typical taco seasoning contains chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or cayenne for spiciness.

    More From Thyme for the Table

    Watch on YouTube at Youtube.com/thymeforthetable! Follow on Instagram at @thymeforthetable or on Facebook at facebook.com/thymeforthetable! See you there!

    • Chili, Burger and Taco seasonings in three small mason jars.
      Best Burger Seasoning Recipe
    • Chili seasoning in a small white bowl with a spoon next to it.
      The Best Chili Seasoning Substitute
    • A dry rub mixture of brown sugar and spices spilling out of a glass jar with a small wooden spoon next to it.
      Award Winning Dry Rub For Ribs
    • Close up picture of the chicken tacos with red onion, cilantro and avocado on them.
      Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe
    Mild taco seasoning mixed in a small black canister.

    Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe

    The Best Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe is a simple mild taco mix for ground beef tacos, chicken tacos, or ground turkey tacos!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: taco seasoning
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 batches
    Author: Jen Talley
    Cost: $2

    Equipment

    • 1 air-tight container
    • measuring spoons

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons cumin
    • 1½ teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional- leave this out for mild seasoning)

    Instructions

    • Measure all the ingredients into a mason jar or air-tight container.
    • Mix them together very well.
    • Add 1-2 tablespoons (to taste) per pound of cooked ground beef, chicken or turkey.
    • Store remaining seasoning in the air-tight container.

    Notes

    • For best results with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken, first cook the meat then add the taco seasoning. Mix it together and allow it to cook for 30 more seconds before adding a little water to the bottom of the meat to keep it from drying out or burning.
    • Adjust the spice levels to what your family likes. If you want mild seasoning then leave out the crushed red pepper. If you like spicier taco seasoning mix add up to a whole teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
    • Change the sodium level based on your diet restrictions. Use less salt if you need a low sodium taco seasoning.
    • This seasoning can be added to soups, slow cooker meals or instant pot dinners.

    Shop It

    • Mason Jars
    • Measuring Spoons

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat.
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Geri says

      July 18, 2022 at 4:23 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for a taco seasoning without paprika (I don't care for it) and came across yours. It worked perfectly.

      Reply
    2. Elena says

      July 18, 2022 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      This is definitely a keeper! Love how well the spices are balanced. I used it for chicken tacos and it was absolutely finger-licking good. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        July 18, 2022 at 1:15 pm

        Hi Elena! I'm glad you used it for chicken tacos! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    3. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      July 18, 2022 at 7:24 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great idea, to use spices you already have, rather than buy something else.

      Reply
    4. Beth says

      July 18, 2022 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      Such a versatile taco seasoning and so tasty too! Much better than store-bought.

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        July 18, 2022 at 1:14 pm

        I'm glad you like it!

        Reply
    5. Kate says

      July 18, 2022 at 10:56 am

      5 stars
      I love that this version is mild, so the kids can enjoy it! Perfection.

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        July 18, 2022 at 1:14 pm

        My kids like everything mild too!

        Reply
    6. Natalie says

      July 18, 2022 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      I made your taco seasoning blend as soon as I read your article. I love homemade spice mixes. Can`t wait to try it out, thanks!

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        July 18, 2022 at 1:14 pm

        That's great Natalie!

        Reply

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