Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe

Name: Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
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))

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

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!