Ground Beef Taco Seasoning

There’s nothing more satisfying than using a homemade taco mix and thankfully it couldn’t be easier to create. This ground beef taco seasoning is definitely a keeper!

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
• Cornstarch/Cornflour
• Salt & Black Pepper

What is the difference between fajita and taco seasoning?

This article on the differences between fajita and taco seasoning sums things up perfectly. 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
• Burritos
• Soup
• Salads
• Roasted Veg
• Pasta

How to make Ground Beef for Tacos (quick summary)

1. Brown off the mince and add seasoning.
2. Fry tomato puree for a minute or so.
3. Pour in beef stock or water.
4. Add cornstarch and simmer to thicken.

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).

If you’re looking for recipes to use this ground beef taco seasoning then do check out my Ground Beef Tacos, Taco Pasta Bake and Ground Beef Gnocchi Nachos.

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

There's nothing more satisfying than using a homemade taco mix and thankfully it couldn't be easier to create. This ground beef taco seasoning is definitely a keeper!

5 from 5 votes

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Servings (click & slide): 3 tbsp

Course: Seasoning

Cuisine: Mexican / Tex Mex

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes minutes

Calories per serving: 68kcal

Author: Chris Collins

Cost per serving: £1.50 / $2

Cook Mode(prevent your screen from going dark)

Equipment:

• Small Pot
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients (check list):

• ▢ 2 tsp Paprika
• ▢ 2 tsp Cumin
• ▢ 1 tsp Oregano
• ▢ 1 tsp Onion Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Cornflour/Cornstarch (see notes)
• ▢ 1/2 - 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper, or to taste
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Sugar
• ▢ 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions:

• Combine and store in an airtight jar until needed. This should produce ~3 tbsp of seasoning which I use for 1lb/500g of ground beef.

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Taco seasoning with Cornstarch - if you're like me, there's nothing worse than dry taco meat. So what I tend to do is add some liquid and a little cornstarch to create a glossy kind of gravy to coat the mince. 

b) For recipes to use this spice mix check out my Ground Beef Gnocchi Nachos, Taco Pasta Bake and Homemade Ground Beef Tacos!

c) Calories - based on the whole amount (using cornstarch and sugar)

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Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts

Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef

Amount Per Serving (3 tbsp)

Calories 68 Calories from Fat 16

% Daily Value*

Fat 1.8g3%

Saturated Fat 0.231g1%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.604g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.713g

Sodium 2341mg98%

Potassium 284mg8%

Carbohydrates 13.58g5%

Fiber 3.5g14%

Sugar 3.17g4%

Protein 2.44g5%

Vitamin A 5800IU116%

Vitamin C 1.7mg2%

Calcium 90mg9%

Iron 4.5mg25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.

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