This beef taco seasoning is an easy blend of dried herbs and spices that is perfect for making ground beef taco meat! You aren't limited to just beef however, it's also delicious on pork and chicken! For truly tasty tacos without all the preservatives, this homemade taco seasoning is the way to go!
Homemade Beef Taco Seasoning
I'm a firm believer that the best tacos are made with homemade taco seasoning. This blend of herbs and spices is meant for ground beef tacos in particular, but it can still be used on pork, chicken, turkey, and more with equally tasty results!
Storebought seasoning packets are fine in a pinch, but they are full of preservatives and usually very high in sodium. By making your taco seasoning at home, you can tweak all the ingredients until you get it just right for you!
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Check out my full collection of homemade seasoning mixes and spice blends to ditch the store-bought stuff for good!
🥘 Beef Taco Seasoning Ingredients
These are all pretty standard herbs and spices that I typically keep on hand. You can always add more cayenne pepper to increase the heat if you like things really spicy!
- Paprika - 1 ½ tablespoons of paprika (or smoked paprika).
- Garlic Powder - 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- Onion Powder - 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
- Lemon Pepper - 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper.
- Black Pepper - 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Cumin - ½ teaspoon of ground cumin.
- Oregano - ½ teaspoon of oregano.
- Cayenne Pepper - ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Salt - salt (to taste).
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Beef Taco Seasoning
This recipe is as simple as combining all the ingredients! Grab measuring spoons, a mixing bowl, a whisk or spoon, and an airtight container or spice jar.
One batch makes 3 tablespoons of seasoning which can season up to 3 pounds of meat!
- Measure. Measure out all of the ingredients (1 ½ tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of oregano, ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and salt to taste) and add them to a small mixing bowl.
- Stir. Whisk or stir to combine.
- Use or store. Use right away, or place in a spice jar or airtight container for later use.
Use 1 tablespoon per pound of meat to season your ground beef tacos! You could also try it on these crispy tacos dorados! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- I recommend using 1 tablespoon of this beef taco seasoning per pound of meat.
- For a rich smokey flavor, swap the paprika for smoked paprika.
- Always shake your seasoning before using it to redistribute any spices that may have sunk to the bottom of the jar.
🥡 Storing
Keep your beef taco seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar and place it somewhere dark and cool like a cabinet or pantry. For the best flavor, use it within 6 months (though it will last much longer).
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❓ Recipe FAQs
My beef taco seasoning is a robust blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, and salt.
First, cook and brown your ground beef over medium. Drain the excess fat and return the beef to the skillet with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning per pound of meat and increase the heat to medium-high. Add ¾ cup of water (per pound of meat) and simmer until the water reduces fully. Then, assemble your tacos with your favorite toppings and condiments!
I recommend seasoning your ground beef after draining it so that none of the flavors go down the drain! If you aren't draining your ground beef, you can add the seasoning when you first put the beef in the pan. I do suggest draining the grease for the best-tasting tacos, though!
😋 More DIY Seasonings
- All-Purpose Seasoning - If there's one seasoning you should always have on hand, it's this one!
- Burger Seasoning - A specific blend of herbs and spices for making the most delicious burgers!
- Blackened Seasoning - A robust spice blend that tastes great on fish and chicken!
- Italian Seasoning - Italian seasoning is a pantry staple, and now you can make your own at home!
- Meatloaf Seasoning - Your homemade meatloaf will have never tasted better!
- Chicken Seasoning - Baked, roasted, or fried, this chicken seasoning will improve all of your chicken dinner recipes!
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📖 Recipe Card
Beef Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt (to taste)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Measure out all of the ingredients and add them to a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk or stir to combine.
- Use right away, or place in a spice jar or airtight container for later use.
Notes
- I recommend using 1 tablespoon of this beef taco seasoning per pound of meat.
- For a rich smokey flavor, swap the paprika for smoked paprika.
- Always shake your seasoning before using it to redistribute any spices that may have sunk to the bottom of the jar.
- To store: Keep your beef taco seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar and place it somewhere dark and cool like a cabinet or pantry. For the best flavor, use it within 6 months (though it will last much longer).
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