TACO SEASONING
September 23, 2026
I like keeping a jar of homemade taco seasoning in the pantry for the nights we’re making tacos, burrito bowls, or another Mexican-inspired dinner. Having it mixed ahead of time makes it easy to add familiar, savory flavor to whatever I’m cooking.
Making my own is so easy, and I like knowing what’s in the jar. Some store-bought seasoning packets include added fillers or other ingredients I’d rather skip. This blend is mostly spices I already keep on hand, with a little arrowroot powder to help the seasoning coat the meat when I add water.
I’ve used it with ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, and chunks of chicken breast. Making a larger batch means it’s ready for all of them.
Recipe Ingredients
Chili powder: The base of the blend. Different brands vary in flavor and heat, so use one you enjoy.
Ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy flavor.
Paprika: Adds color and a mild pepper flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Bring savory flavor to the mix.
Dried oregano: Adds a little herbal flavor that balances the spices.
Salt and black pepper: Bring the other flavors together.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a little heat. You can reduce it or leave it out for a milder blend.
Arrowroot powder: Helps thicken the liquid added during cooking so the seasoning coats the meat.
How to Use It
Add the seasoning to cooked ground meat or bite-sized pieces of chicken breast with about 1/2 cup of water (sometimes I will also add a tbsp of tomato paste). Stir and cook for a few minutes, until the meat is coated and the liquid has thickened slightly.
I usually start with 3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat, then adjust based on how much I’m cooking and how strongly seasoned I want it. Add water a little at a time so it doesn’t become too saucy.
Adjusting the Heat
The heat will depend partly on your chili powder, but i would start by adjusting the cayenne pepper. For a milder jar, reduce or omit the cayenne. You can always add more heat to a finished dish.
Storage
Keep the seasoning in a clean, dry, airtight jar in a cool, dark pantry. Give it a shake before using it, since the ingredients may settle. For the best flavor, use it within about six months.
Why Use Arrowroot Powder
When I add a splash of water to the meat, the arrowroot powder thickens it into a light sauce. That helps the spices coat each bite instead of collecting at the bottom of the pan.
I prefer arrowroot over cornstarch because it comes from a root, and I try to limit corn since too much of it upsets my digestion. Arrowroot starch is commonly separated from the root using just water. But if cornstarch is all you have or what you prefer, you can use the same amount.
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Taco Seasoning
EQUITMENT
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight jar
- Shaker lid optional
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Add all the ingredients to a dry mixing bowl and stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight jar and label it. I like to use a shaker lid on a mason jar.
- Shake or stir before each use.
NUTRITION
I don’t count calories, but I do care about what goes into our food—and I want the ingredients I use to bring something good to the table. This taco seasoning adds bold flavor to simple meals, whether I’m making tacos, burrito bowls, or seasoned chicken.
Chili powder, cumin, and paprika give the blend its warm, rich flavor, while garlic, onion, and oregano add depth. These herbs and spices also contain naturally occurring plant compounds. I don’t think of a spoonful of seasoning as a major source of nutrients, but I do like using a variety of spices in our cooking. They make a meal satisfying without relying on salt alone for flavor.
The arrowroot powder helps the spices coat the meat when I add a little water, and making the blend myself lets me adjust the salt and heat to our taste. It’s a small pantry staple that makes the foods we already enjoy taste even better. Here’s more on why these nutrients matter →
