Skip the packets and mix up this bold, versatile taco seasoning in bulk—perfect for taco night, meal prep, or even a zesty sour cream dip.
It’s In There!
So remember how I didn’t grow up eating “American” food? Well, that goes for Mexican food too. Over the years, though, I’ve adopted some South-of-the-Border favorites into our regular rotation—Cilantro Lime Chicken and Salsa Bean Dip, to name a couple—and none of them would be half as good without this cuminy goodness stirred in. This is so good, it usually lives right at the front of my spice cabinet!
Which is better?
I honestly don’t know which I reach for more often—this or my Italian seasoning—but both are pantry powerhouses in their own right. I use this taco seasoning in rice, to flavor taco meat, stir into my bean dip, or even add to some sour cream, and basically anywhere you’d normally use a commercial taco packet. This does the job better. Way better.
The recipe includes cornstarch, which helps thicken the juices when cooking meat, but it’s totally optional. Even without it, the flavor stays solid. Omnivores and vegetarians alike can customize it to their liking.
Completely customizable
Not into spicy food? No problem. This blend is completely customizable. I tend to add extra garlic and a bit more heat since both Marah and the Supreme Commander like things spicy, but I’ve made milder versions for friends and family with great results. That’s the beauty of homemade spice mixes—you’re in charge. Less salt? Easy. No onion? Done. Extra garlic? Bring on the zing.
Completely recognizable
And here’s the best part: every single ingredient in this blend is recognizable. No artificial junk. No hidden sugars. No MSG. Just a zesty, balanced mix to brighten up your Mexican-inspired meals in all the right ways.
Ingredients:
- dried minced onion
- salt (any kind you prefer)
- ground cumin
- flour or cornstarch
- chili powder
- garlic powder (or granulated garlic)
- dried oregano
- red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container.
Optional: Pulse the mix in a food processor or spice grinder if you prefer smaller onion bits or a finer texture overall. Or do 1/2 & 1/2. Your kitchen, your rules.
To Use for Taco Meat:
- Brown 1 lb of ground meat and drain the grease.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of seasoning mix and about 8 oz of water or tomato sauce.
- Simmer until thickened to your taste.
Bonus Use: Taco Dip
Mix together:
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 8 oz sour cream
- Optional: chopped cilantro or green onions
Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for nachos, tacos, or burrito bowls.
Forget the packets–this bulk blend makes taco night a breeze and keeps your pantry prepped for anything. Once you try this homemade taco seasoning, you might never go back to the packets again. Whether you’re spicing up meat, beans, rice, or dips, this blend has your back. Bonus: no weird ingredients you can’t pronounce. Real food. Real kitchens. Real love—and now, real good tacos.–The Food Civilian
BULK Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c dried minced onion
- ⅔ c Salt of your choice
- ½ c cumin
- ⅓ c +1 TBS flour/cornstarch
- ½ c chili powder
- 2 TBS + 2 tsp garlic powder or granulated
- 4 tsp oregano
- 4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and store in closed container.
- *You may want to grind up some or all of the mix, depending if you want the onions in big pieces or not. I use a spice grinder or food processor for this.*