This week, I’m tying in my favorite, easy, homemade taco seasoning recipe. I’ve been using this simple blend for over a decade – in fact, it’s a well-loved gem in my book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. I also shared it many years ago on my old blog (time to migrate it to my main website!). To note, I have seen versions of my homemade taco seasoning recipe posted on some other blogs since, but I assure you it’s one that I whipped up and posted many, many years ago!
Why Make Homemade Taco Seasoning?
- Many brands contain milk. Yes, seriously. Whey is a fairly common ingredient in seasoning packets. You may also spot nonfat milk powder or straight up lactose.
- You control the quality. There are no fillers needed when making it at home, and you can use good quality spices. My spice rack is almost completely Simply Organic now – I love the freshness and sourcing of their spices and for what you get, the price is pretty darn competitive.
- It can be adapted to taste. Sometimes I want it a little spicier, while other times I want garlic-free. I’ve twisted and turned this homemade taco seasoning recipe numerous ways to fit meals and heat preferences.
- You can use a little, or a lot. No awkward packet to fold up if you only want to use half. I often make a double batch of this homemade taco seasoning and store it in a spice shaker for use on popcorn, veggies, or when I just need a teaspoon or two for our meal.
365 Dairy-Free Recipe Challenge Update
With the 365 New Dairy-Free Recipe Challenge, my goal is to trial at least 365 new-to-me recipes this year, and that doesn’t even count all of the retesting I am doing to perfect many of those dishes.
This week, I was on track and as you can tell, whipped up MANY batches of oatmeal. I’ve definitely got tasty oatmeal for days going on around here.
My New Dairy-Free Recipe Trials for January 28th through February 3rd:
- Apple Cinnamon Dutch Baby (update – the recipe is here!)
- Cajun Chicken & Potatoes (a throw together that turned out recipe-worthy – I’ll be making again!)
- Deconstructed Wonton Soup (mistakes galore, but I’m on the right track)
- Banana Bread, PB & J, Almond Joy, and Cinnamon Roll Instant Oatmeal – yes, 4 recipes in 1! (2018 update – these recipes are in the new Go Dairy Free!)
- Southwestern Bowls with Sweet & Spicy Marinade (more salt!)
- White Chocolate Crispy Bars (update – the recipe is here!)
- Taco Tater Wedges … simply made with this homemade taco seasoning recipe …
Special Diet Notes: Homemade Taco Seasoning
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, sugar-free, vegan / plant-based, vegetarian, paleo, and generally top food allergy-friendly.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (see Heat Note below)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (increase if you like spicier)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (I use the full amount)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional, I often omit)
- Stir all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. If not using immediately, store in an airtight container.
Heat Note: We use a mild to medium heat chili powder, as we prefer to control the spice of our meals after the fact, with hot sauce or salsa to taste, but you can use a hot chili powder if preferred.
Get Your Copy of Go Dairy Free for Hundreds of Recipes:
13 Comments
If I were to make up a larger batch to have more on-hand all the time, how much would I use per # of meat?
2 1/2 tablespoons
I love homemade spice rubs and combinations – so much better than the store-bought ones. The latter are almost always too salty for my taste and never seem to hit the right spice notes. This one looks perfect. I think it would make a great gift too.
So you don’t add any water like you do with the taco seasoning packets?
I don’t, but you can add some if you like. It depends on your recipe. When making taco meat, I use a little oil. There is no starch in this like the packets though.
Nothing beats homemade seasonings!
I love making homemade spice mixes too! A lot of the store-bought ones can have hidden sodium and homemade always tastes better anyway 🙂
I’m with you Sonali, something is so great about homemade blends! Still working on the perfect cajun mix 🙂
I have been using simply organic spices for year and love them! This homemade taco seasoning is even better!
Seriously, nothing beats homemade spice and seasoning blends for flavor! This taco seasoning sounds terrific!
I always buy taco seasoning even though I know it is so easy to make. I finally have a great recipe from you and no more excuses to make my own. I really like your simple and delicious take on taco seasoning.
I promise, you’ll never go back!
I love making my own taco seasoning! So much better than those weird little envelopes.