This homemade Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning is a savory and easy recipe, which is made with classic chili powder, smoky paprika, and earthy cumin. It’s the perfect healthy alternative to store-bought packets, a simple blend ready in just 5 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHomemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients
A simple, classic list for the perfect taco night seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly simple and versatile spice blend.
- Combine Spices: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Mix and Store: Whisk everything together until the blend is uniform in color. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container or a small jar for storage.
To Use:
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Drain off the excess fat.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the homemade taco seasoning over the meat.
- Add about 2/3 cup of water or broth, stir to combine, and let it simmer until the liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened around the meat.
Recipe Tips
For the most flavorful, perfectly balanced taco seasoning.
- Why make your own taco seasoning? Making your own is incredibly easy and allows you to control the ingredients. You can adjust the salt level to your liking, control the spice, and avoid the fillers and anti-caking agents often found in store-bought packets.
- How can I make it spicier or smokier? For a spicier blend, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chipotle powder. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular sweet paprika.
- Can I make a big batch? Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for scaling up. Simply double, triple, or quadruple all the ingredients to make a larger batch. Store it in a well-sealed jar, and you’ll always have taco seasoning ready to go.
- What’s the best way to store homemade spices? To keep your homemade seasoning blend fresh and potent for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container (like a small glass jar) in a cool, dark place like your pantry or a spice drawer.
How To Use Your Taco Seasoning
Perfect pairings for this versatile, classic blend.
This all-purpose seasoning is fantastic for much more than just ground beef tacos. Try it for:
- Seasoning grilled chicken or shrimp for fajitas
- Sprinkling over roasted vegetables or potatoes
- Stirring into a pot of chili or black bean soup
- Mixing with sour cream for a quick taco dip
How To Store Homemade Taco Seasoning
Keeping your blend fresh and flavorful.
- Room Temperature: Store the seasoning mix in a well-sealed, airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a year.
Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per 2-tablespoon serving.
- Calories: 46kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
A general rule of thumb is to use 2 tablespoons of this homemade seasoning mix for every 1 pound of ground meat.
Yes, easily! If you are watching your sodium intake, you can simply omit the salt from the recipe entirely and then salt your finished dish to taste. This is one of the biggest advantages of making your own blend.
Yes. As the original recipe note suggests, 1 teaspoon of onion powder would be a great addition if you aren’t already cooking with fresh onions.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy31
servings5
minutes46
kcalAn easy, 5-minute homemade copycat recipe for Trader Joe’s style taco seasoning. This simple blend is perfect for tacos, fajitas, and more, and lets you control the salt and spice level.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine all the spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Whisk until the mixture is well blended and uniform in color.
- Use 2 tablespoons of the mix per 1 pound of ground meat.
- Store any remaining seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for making in a large batch to have on hand for quick weeknight dinners.
- To make it smokier, use smoked paprika. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Making your own seasoning is a great way to create a low-sodium alternative to store-bought packets.
- This blend is incredibly versatile and is delicious on chicken, shrimp, and roasted vegetables.
