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Welcome to your go-to guide for making small batch taco seasoning at home! You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this flavor-packed blend. No more running to the store last minute or settling for bland tacos. Let’s spice things up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient: All you need are a few pantry staples.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Cost-effective: Way cheaper than store-bought mixes.
- Doubles Well: Need more? Just double or triple the amounts easily!
What Is Taco Seasoning?
Taco seasoning is far more versatile than the name suggests; it’s not just for tacos! This multi-purpose spice blend is fantastic on chicken, steak, seafood, and even elevates vegetables to the next level. Think of it as a universal flavor enhancer in your pantry that can add a rich, spicy dimension to a wide variety of dishes.
This small batch recipe produces a little over 2 tablespoons of the seasoning, giving you enough to jazz up two to three different meals. If you’re looking to make just the right amount for a single meal, be sure to check out our one-meal taco seasoning recipe below. Whether you use a pinch or a tablespoon, the robust flavors will make any dish unforgettable.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
See below for other recipes using these spices.
- Chili powder: Often mistaken for spicier blends, American-style chili powder is typically mild and incorporates a variety of spices. Keep in mind, heat levels can differ among brands, so adjust to your taste. This is not the same as cayenne pepper, which is much hotter.
- Ground cumin: This spice brings a unique blend of warm and earthy flavors, tinged with both sweetness and a bit of bitterness. It’s a must-have for achieving that authentic taco seasoning vibe.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika is my go-to for a richer depth of flavor, but regular paprika will work well too. The choice is yours based on your flavor preferences.
- Garlic powder: Derived from dried garlic cloves, garlic powder is indispensable in taco seasoning, lending that familiar kick we all crave.
- Onion powder: Made from ground, dehydrated onions, this ingredient complements the garlic powder and adds a layer of complex flavor to the mix.
- Dried oregano: Though commonly associated with Italian or Mediterranean dishes, dried oregano works beautifully in taco seasoning. If you’re out, dried basil can be a decent substitute.
- Salt: It brings all the individual flavors together. Adjust the amount according to your dietary needs or taste preferences.
Feel free to get creative and make this blend your own! These notes should help guide you in crafting the perfect taco seasoning for your kitchen.
How To Make A Small Batch Of Taco Seasoning
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and blend thoroughly with a fork or a wire whisk.
- Transfer to a small jar or container, cover and store.
Expert Tips
- Even Mixing: Use a fork or a whisk to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Storage: Keep your seasoning in an airtight jar to maintain freshness.
- Freshness Test: If your spices are older than a year, they may have lost potency, so you may need to use more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, just double or triple the recipe.
If you store your taco seasoning in an airtight container, it should stay good for 6 months. However, this is a very small amount and I’m sure you’ll use it up much faster than that.
Yes, as long as your individual spices are gluten-free.
Absolutely, you can tailor this recipe to meet low-sodium requirements. A simple way to start is by halving the salt amount. For those on a strict low-sodium diet, feel free to omit the salt altogether. This way, you can still enjoy all the robust flavors without the added sodium.
The main recipe provides around 2.5 tablespoons of taco seasoning, ideal for multiple dishes. But if you’re looking to prepare just enough seasoning for one meal, here’s a scaled-down version. It’s the perfect quantity for recipes like a single serving Taco Casserole recipe.
½ tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
This single serving option allows you to experience the rich flavors without any leftovers.
RELATED: Easy Garam Masala Spice Recipe
Serving Suggestions
You’ve got your homemade taco seasoning on hand—now what? This versatile spice blend can elevate a wide range of dishes, transforming everyday recipes into culinary masterpieces. Let’s explore some delicious ways to put your taco seasoning to good use.
- Spiced Popcorn: Toss air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a movie night snack with a spicy kick.
- Seasoned Fries: Before baking or frying, coat your potato wedges or sweet potato fries with taco seasoning.
- Vegetable Medley: Sauté a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, and finish with a dash of taco seasoning for added zest.
- Grilled Seafood: Season shrimp or fish fillets with taco seasoning before cooking, and serve with a side of lime wedges.
- Spiced Yogurt Dip: Mix taco seasoning into Greek yogurt for an instant, creamy dip that pairs well with raw veggies or tortilla chips.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
- Chili powder: Chili, Zuppa Toscana, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Curried Carrot Soup
- Cumin: Broccoli Cheese Soup, Beef Tacos, Butter Chicken, Baba Ganoush
- Paprika: Sweet Potato Fries, Cheese Grits, Baked Pork Chop, Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Garlic powder: Hash Browns, Baked Shrimp, Ranch Dressing, Tuna Salad
- Onion powder: Turkey Roast
- Dried oregano: Meat Sauce, Twice Baked Eggplant, Portobello Mushroom Pizza, Ratatouille
If you’ve tried this taco seasoning or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Recipe
Small Batch Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- Jar
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and blend thoroughly with a fork or a wire whisk.
- Transfer to a small jar or container, cover and store.
Notes
- Even Mixing: Use a fork or a whisk to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Storage: Keep your seasoning in an airtight jar to maintain freshness.
- Freshness Test: If your spices are older than a year, they may have lost potency, so you may need to use more.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I love this recipe! I like making my own, they can be customized to your tastes and needs.
Thanks Joanie.
Looking forward to your version of pumpkin and apple pie spice mixes.
Hi Joanie, have been using your recipes a little while now and can’t thank you enough for making them available. I use them all the time and have many I use again and again. I have just made your Pumpkin Coffee cake and it was delicious. Thank you for the recipes for spice rubs etc., they add a new dimension to the recipes. I look foward to receiving your weekly e-mail recipes and I have purchased your book for myself and my son who also appreciates your wonderful recipes. Thank you so much and stay safe in these difficult times with Covid.
Joy, Thank you so much for your support, it means the world to me. I’m so happy to know that you and your son are enjoying our recipes and I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to let me know.
Joanie
Hi Joanie. Keep the recipes coming I have tried several for my husband and me. And they are just the right amount and delicious as well. Thanks Maureen