Easy Healthy and Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend

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Healthy taco seasoning is the perfect mix of simple spices that are tossed together for a Tex-Mex spice blend. It’s loaded with flavor and takes just minutes to make.

Taco seasoning mix spilling out of a jar onto a plate

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Taco seasoning packets are convenient, but homemade is much better for you and it’s more economical too. Once you make your own homemade taco seasoning, you won’t want to use those store-bought packets.

In addition to tacos, homemade taco seasoning blend tastes great sprinkled on veggies or as a rub for steak or chicken and more.

Why you will 🤍this recipe

It’s a healthy recipe that is made with fresh spices without any additives and fillers that are found in store-bought taco seasoning.
Since it’s homemade, you control the flavor. If you don’t like spicy, use less pepper.
Sugar-free – most taco seasonings have added sugar, but homemade does not unless you want to add it.

Here is What You Will Need

This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this recipe, scroll down to see ingredient notes and substitutions as well as a printable recipe card with exact measurements and complete cooking instructions.

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🛒Ingredients

Chili powder
Ground cumin
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Sea salt
Cayenne pepper (optional)

🥄Equipment

A small jar to store the spice mix in

How to make this taco seasoning recipe

Homemade taco seasoning blend is so easy to make with just a few steps.

Step 1. Measure the spices.

spices mixed together on a white plate with a wooden spoon

Step 2. Mix all of the spices together.

an overhead view of a jar with the mixed taco seasoning

Step 3. Spoon the spice blend into a jar.

How to use homemade taco seasoning for tacos

To make tacos, you will need 1 1 /2 tablespoons of the taco spice mix per lb of meat. Start by browning a pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken in a heavy skillet.

Add taco the seasoning blend as the meat is cooking. Stir in up to 1/4 cup of water to add moisture and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

Try my healthy beef tacos made with a secret healthy ingredient!

Ingredient notes & substitutions

This is a recipe that I don’t typically change around. Ground cumin and chili powder are the base of this recipe as long as they are in the mix, you can play around with other ingredients to come up with your own special blend.

If you prefer a milder healthy homemade taco seasoning mix, leave out the cayenne pepper.

More ways to use healthy taco seasoning

This DIY taco seasoning blend is not only for taco Tuesday, it’s also perfect for sprinkling on your favorite Mexican recipes. Here are some suggestions

ground meat, shredded chicken tacos, shredded beef or shredded pork
rub it onto boneless chicken breasts or pork chops before grilling
sprinkle it on top of roasted or grilled veggies
add it to a salad
taco soup
sprinkle it into scrambled eggs

a jar spilling the taco seasoning with a spoon

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How to Store It

This recipe makes about 5 tablespoons or close to 1/3 cup of taco seasoning which is enough to season approximately 3 pounds of taco meat.

Sometimes I make up a big batch of homemade taco seasoning and store it in an airtight container (a small mason jar works well for this) and when it’s time to use it, it’s ready to go.

Taco spice blend will last for 6 to 8 months at room temperature in your spice cabinet.

💡Tips

Save time and add all of the spices directly to a small jar and shake it up.

What is the best type of chili powder to use to make your own taco seasoning mix?

I like to use ancho chili powder which is made with ancho chili peppers. Regular chili powder is a blend made from various ground spices and is typically not as spicy as ancho chili powder and can be swapped evenly with ancho chili powder to make a taco seasoning mix.