Beef Taco Seasoning For One Pound
Give your tacos a flavorful upgrade with this easy homemade beef taco seasoning. It is designed to season one pound of ground beef and combines chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt for a balanced Tex-Mex flavor.
Making your own seasoning is also a practical alternative to store-bought packets. You can prepare a larger batch, keep it in your pantry, and use it whenever you make tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chili Powder: Adds the main spicy and savory flavor to the seasoning. American-style chili powder is typically a blend of dried chiles, cumin, garlic, paprika, oregano, and onion powder.
Cumin: Provides an earthy, warm, and slightly smoky flavor that works especially well with beef.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and a mild garlic kick.
Onion Powder: Brings additional flavor and helps round out the seasoning blend.
Smoked Paprika: Gives the mixture a vibrant color along with a subtle smoky taste. Regular paprika can be used if smoked paprika is unavailable.
Oregano: Mexican oregano is a great choice if you want a more traditional flavor, although other varieties can also work.
Table Salt: Start with about half a teaspoon and add more to the finished dish if needed.
How to Make Beef Taco Seasoning
Combine all of the spices in a small bowl and mix thoroughly until evenly blended. Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
Use about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground beef. The blend can also be used to season shredded chicken before making tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas.
Want More Homemade Seasonings?
- Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning
- Ground Turkey Taco Seasoning
- Chicken Quesadilla Seasoning
More Tex-Mex Recipes
- Crunchy Beef Tacos
- Ground Turkey Quesadillas
- Slow Cooker Beef Enchiladas
- Crispy Chicken Tacos
Recipe Questions
What’s the difference between Mexican Oregano and Greek Oregano?
Mexican oregano tends to have a stronger, more citrusy and pungent flavor. Greek oregano is generally milder and has more earthy and mint-like notes.
How much seasoning do I use for 1 pound of ground beef?
Use approximately 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for each pound of ground beef. This recipe makes about 2¼ tablespoons, giving you enough for one pound of beef with a small amount left over.
