Bulk Mild Taco Seasoning

Name: Bulk Mild Taco Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 6 tbsp chili powder; 3 tbsp ground cumin; 2 tbsp sea salt; 1 tbsp black pepper; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 2 tsp dried oregano; ½ tbsp dried red pepper flakes (optional); 4 tbsp cornstarch (optional, see note 1); 3 tbsp homemade taco seasoning mix; 1 lb lean ground beef (see note 2); ¾ cup water

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Homemade mild taco seasoning is an easy alternative to store-bought taco seasoning packets. This taco mix is a blend of spices you probably already have in your spice cabinet: mild chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

I prefer to make this easy homemade taco seasoning in bulk, so the default quantity in the recipe card is equivalent to eight taco seasoning packets (about 24 tablespoons of seasoning). That's enough to make 8 pounds of taco meat. 🥳

⭐️ Substitute three tablespoons of your own homemade taco seasoning for one store-bought packet, which is enough for one pound of ground beef (or ground turkey). ⭐️

It's very easy to make and customize your own spice blends, like this Lebanese 7 spice recipe. They come in handy if you are living abroad or can't find pre-mixed spices at the grocery store.

What You Will Love

Taco night could not get any easier with your own taco seasoning, made with real ingredients. DIY taco seasoning is a spice blend with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. You can adjust the original recipe to your personal preference- like adding less salt or extra garlic powder.

This homemade taco seasoning recipe does not contain silicon dioxide, an anti-caking agent used in store-bought stuff. Basically, you control everything you put into your own spice mix- yay!

Ingredient Notes

ingredients to make homemade mild taco seasoning.

Mild chili powder: This is the same as chili seasoning.
Ground cumin
Paprika: Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika if that's what you have on hand.
Onion powder and garlic powder: I prefer finely ground onion powder and finely ground garlic powder. Substitute granulated garlic or onion if that's what you have.
Red pepper flakes: Although this is a mild taco seasoning, I do recommend using red pepper flakes. It's not enough to add heat.
Dried oregano: Don't substitute any other dried herb.
Salt and pepper: I like kosher salt (or sea salt) and ground black pepper.
Cornstarch (optional): You can mix cornstarch with the taco seasoning or omit it. Cornstarch thickens up the taco meat sauce, and it can be added when you cook the meat.

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for quantities.

How To Make Mild Taco Seasoning

In a medium bowl, add the spices.

Mix the spices together well.

storing the taco seasoning in an airtight container

Pour the big batch of homemade taco seasoning mix into an airtight container. Label the contents and date. Store the taco seasoning mix in a dry place.

How To Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

adding the lean ground meat to a skillet.

In a large skillet on medium to medium-high heat, add the ground meat.

Cook the meat breaking up the clumps.

A good rule of thumb is 3 tablespoons of mild taco seasoning for every pound of taco meat. Mix well.

simmering the beef with taco seasoning, cornstarch, and water.

Pour the water into the ground meat. Simmer the taco meat for about 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat.

Tips and Tricks

Turn this mild taco seasoning mix into something spicier by adding extra red pepper flakes, spicy chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
Make a big batch of taco meat for taco Tuesday, then use the meat for meal prep taco salad.

ground beef taco salad with tortilla chips.

Variations and Substitutions

Mix cornstarch into your own taco seasoning mix to thicken up the taco meat sauce. It will change the color of the mild taco seasoning mix. Alternatively, mix corn starch into the water when cooking the taco meat.
Change the type of meat. Substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef. Try using this seasoning for lean ground turkey tacos!

Storage

Store this large batch of taco seasoning in a mason jar, large spice jar, glass container, or sandwich storage bag. Label the container or bag with the contents and date. Store for up to a year in a cool dark place (the pantry or spice cabinet).

FAQs

Why is silicon dioxide in taco seasoning packets?

Silicone dioxide acts as an anti-caking agent for taco seasoning spices.

How much taco seasoning for 2 lbs of meat?

For homemade taco seasoning, use 6 tablespoons of taco mix. For store-bought taco seasoning packets, use 2 packets.

What is taco seasoning mix made of?

Taco seasoning mix is made of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and chili flakes.

How much bulk taco seasoning per pound of meat?

Use 3 tablespoons of bulk taco seasoning for every pound of meat.

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