Once you’ve made your own taco seasoning, there’s no going back. Made with simple pantry staples, this easy spice blend is perfect for ground beef tacos and so much more!
And that’s what’s so perfect about this spice blend. It only requires simple, store-bought seasoning. Better still, you’ll probably already have all of them on hand! Follow me…
Homemade Ground Beef Taco Seasoning
9/10 times if I’m having tacos, it’s gonna be ground beef. It’s all too tempting to pick up one of those DIY taco kits you find in the supermarkets for beef tacos, but I’m here today to offer my two cents on why homemade is the best way.
First things first…
Ground Beef Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Sugar
- Salt & Black Pepper
What is the difference between fajita and taco seasoning?
In essence, they’re both very similar, but fajita seasoning tends to be more acidic (to mimic the taste of lime) and taco seasoning tends to have more of a tomato flavour.
The differences I have made between the two is firstly to add slightly more onion powder in the taco seasoning. This is because I’ll almost always add fried onions to my fajitas and quesadillas, but rarely add them to my ground beef for tacos.
Secondly I add a little sugar, just to make a sweeter distinction from the fajita seasoning, which like I said tends to be more acidic.
Lastly, I add a little cornstarch/cornflour to my ground beef taco seasoning. I don’t know about you, but for me there’s nothing worse than dry beef taco meat. As such, adding a little liquid and a bit of cornstarch will create a glossy gravy, which’ll coat the beef and keep it saucy.
How to use Taco Seasoning with Ground Beef
Taco Seasoning with Cornstarch
If I’m adding cornstarch I’ll pour in about 1/2 cup of liquid to 1 tsp cornstarch. You can actually use the seasoning without cornstarch, in which case I’d just use your liquid as needed. Around 1/4 cup should stop the beef from drying out.
What to use Taco Seasoning for besides tacos?
- Potato Wedges
- Pasta
- Burritos
- Steak rub
- Soup
- Salads
- Roasted Veg
Process shots: brown beef and stir in seasoning (photo 1), stir in tomato paste (photo 2), stir in liquid and cornstarch (photo 3), simmer to thicken (photo 4).
How much taco seasoning does it take to make a pound of meat?
For 1lb/500g ground beef, I use 3 tbsp taco seasoning, which is how much this recipe makes.
Can you use fajita seasoning for tacos?
For all intents and purposes you can, but there are small differences, so do check out my Homemade Fajita Seasoning!
Can Taco Seasoning be used on chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re using shredded chicken just mix through the seasoning and follow the recipe for ground beef (just fry the chicken for 1-2mins to lock in the spices and heat through). If you’re using breast I recommend either making a marinade or rubbing straight on the breast (both of which I address in my Chicken Quesadillas).
Recipes using Ground Beef Taco Seasoning
- Ground Beef Tacos
- Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Taco Pasta Bake
- One Pot Taco Spaghetti
- Taco Pockets
- Turkey Tacos
- Upside Down Puff Pastry Tacos
Alrighty, let’s check out the taco seasoning quantities shall we?!
How to make Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef (Full Recipe & Video)
Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef
Equipment
- Small Pot
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Taco Seasoning
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 – 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Taco Beef
- 1lb / 500g Ground/Minced Beef (see notes)
- 1 heaped tbsp Tomato Paste (Tomato Puree in UK)
- 1/2 cup / 120ml Water or Beef Stock
- 1 tsp Cornflour/Cornstarch (see notes)
- Olive Oil, as needed
Instructions
- Combine and store in an airtight jar until needed.
To use with ground beef
- Add a drizzle of oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and break up with a wooden spoon until fully browned. Stir in the seasoning and fry for a minute or so, then stir in the tomato paste and fry for a minute or so.
- Add the liquid, then stir in the cornstarch until blended. Simmer and stir until the liquid gets soaked up and the beef is nice and juicy (but not watery at all).
Video
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition
Looking for more?
You’ll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook ‘Comfy’
The seasoning was okay to me, needed some chili powder.
You can always add chili powder next time or up the cayenne pepper for more spice 🙂
Hi, is the x1 x2 x3 button indicate x1 for 500g of mince? and x2 for 1kg and x3 1.5kg? I am going to try this seasoning over the weekend expecting some guests lets see how it turns out! Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Yes, that’s correct. If you 2x you’ll need to double the beef (i.e 1kg). C
going to try it
So easy and more budget friendly to make your own. Love it!
Thanks Demeter 🙂
This seasoning sounds like the best blend, I can imagine the spices and the aroma, wow! Sign me up for this one 😉
Haha, it is rather tasty if I do say so myself
Wow, this sounds like such a delicious seasoning! Definitely going to be trying this.
Thanks Bintu! 🙂
Yum! This sounds like a perfect blend of seasoning. I’ll definitely try this next Taco Tuesday!
Enjoy! 🙂
i totally would like to try making this. I need to start making my own spice blends and this is the perfect place to start!
It’s so great to have on hand!