From scratch · Seasonings and stand-ins
Taco seasoning
The packet’s worth of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion and oregano, without fillers.
✋ 3 min hands-on
⏱ 3 min start to finish
🍽 About 3 tablespoons, the same job as one 1-oz packet: seasons 1 lb of meat.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 4½ g table salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Time
Hands-on time is when you’re busy; the rest is rising, simmering, chilling or cooling, when you can do something else.
| Step | Hands-on | Waiting |
|---|---|---|
| Mix | 3 min | – |
| In all | 3 min | 0 min |
How long it keeps
- Pantry: airtight, away from heat and light, about 6 months (NDSU’s figure for herb and spice blends).
Nutrition
Estimated from the ingredients’ USDA FoodData Central numbers.
Steps
You’ll need: small jar.
- Stir everything together.
- To use: brown 1 lb of meat, drain, then stir in the seasoning with ⅔ cup water and simmer until thick, about 5 minutes.
⚖️ ScalingScales evenly. Mix a big jar and use 3 tablespoons per pound of meat.
Good to knowChili powder is itself a blend that varies by brand; adjust the cayenne to your family.
Sources
- Food Storage Guide (FN579), NDSU Extension, reviewed January 2023. Accessed 2026-10-25.