Taco Bell Seasoning

With its excellent blend of spices, this Taco Bell seasoning copycat recipe is incredible on everything from meats and tacos to salads and even pasta.

And it’s proof that homemade is so much better than store-bought.

Of course, it’s perfectly fine to buy taco seasoning packets from Taco Bell. Not only is it more convenient, but it’s such a time-saver.

That said, if you make a batch of this once, it’ll store for months in your pantry. And I guarantee the homemade stuff tastes better.

You see, while I wanted to recreate the classic Taco Bell seasoning flavors, I also wanted to make something extra delicious.

So, I’ve tweaked it a little. And though I may be biased, I think this stuff is the best around!

Taco Bell Seasoning Copycat Recipe

Season your ground beef with this Taco Bell seasoning for the perfect Tex-Mex dish!

Whether you’re making tacos, nachos, or burritos, this seasoning is just what you need.

It’s savory, sweet, spicy, and deliciously smoky. Together, the spices in this recipe combine to make a beautiful harmony of flavors.

Plus, as it’s homemade, you know there are no preservatives or hard-to-pronounce extras in the mix.

Hurray for all-natural recipes!

This is also easily customizable. So while I’ve provided a good ratio of measurements below, feel free to adjust them according to your taste buds’ desires.

So, the next time you feel a taco craving, ditch those store-bought seasoning packets and make your own instead. 

A few pantry staples and this recipe are all you’ll need.

Ingredients

You’d be surprised at how simple the ingredients in this taco seasoning are!

In fact, I’m pretty sure you already have them in your pantry.

• Dried Onion Flakes – for a subtle onion flavor. If you like it to be stronger, use onion powder instead.
• All-Purpose Flour – it keeps the spices from clumping together.
• Beef Bouillon Granules – for a beefy, meaty flavor.
• Garlic Salt – regular salt is fine, but garlic salt is divine! It adds a bright flavor to any dish. 
• Ground Cumin – for a mild nutty flavor and heat.
• Paprika – adds smokiness to the blend. It also gives the mix a vibrant red hue.
• Chili Powder – for a spicy kick.
• Cayenne Pepper – for an extra hot seasoning mix!
• Granulated Sugar – just a little bit to enhance the flavor of the spices.

How to Make Taco Bell Seasoning

It’s so easy you can do it with your eyes closed.

You ready? Here it goes:

Step 1: Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

Step 2: …just kidding. There is no step two!

How to Check for Fresh Spices

When buying spices, be sure to pick fresh ones.

Old or expired spices have already lost their punch and won’t add flavor!

Luckily, it’s easy to see if the spices are still good – just check the color. The hues should be brilliant and vibrant, not dull and muted.

Also, check the spices you have at home. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for over six months, it’s time to let them go.

Tips for the Best Taco Seasoning

The beauty of making anything from scratch is that you can control the finished product. So, here are some tips for making the best taco seasoning:

• Adjust the spices according to your taste. Though you can’t taste this as you go, you should know whether you like your tacos to blow your head off!
  • For mild tacos, skip the cayenne pepper and chili.
  • For hotter tacos, double the cayenne and chili.
• One batch of this recipe is enough to season a pound of meat. So, if you make a lot of Tex-Mex meals, go ahead and double or triple the recipe as needed.
• For the best results, add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasoning. This will make the meat extra moist.
• Store your spices in a cool, dark place – not near the stove! This little tip will help extend their shelf-life. 

How Do You Use Taco Bell Seasoning?

While, of course, it makes sense to use this seasoning to season tacos, it can do so much more than that.

If you’re looking for ideas, here are just some of the many dishes you can use your seasoning on.

• Roasted Vegetables. Whether it’s potatoes and carrots or cauliflower and broccoli, any veggie can do with a bit of taco seasoning. 
• Chicken Fajitas – pretty sure the first thing that comes to mind when you hear ‘taco seasoning’ is ground beef. But this can season any meat – chicken included. 
• Chili – it’s an easy way to give the classic dish a Tex-Mex twist!
• Pasta – add some spice to any pasta sauce with a pinch of this.
• Popcorn – instead of just salt, season your popcorn with this mix for a savory, smoky, and spicy snack.

How to Store Taco Bell Seasoning

Store Taco Bell seasoning in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. 

How Long Does Taco Bell Seasoning Last

It’ll keep well for up to six months, so feel free to make a big batch. 

More Taco Recipes You’ll Love

Taco Bell Diablo Sauce
Taco Bell Quesadillas
Walking Taco Casserole
Crockpot Taco Soup
Seven-Layer Taco Dip