Say youve got a hungry crew at home clamoring for dinner.

Taco Tuesday (or any other day of the week) it is!

But what can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning, you wonder?

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Does taco seasoning contain cinnamon?

But the warm baking spiceistraditionally used in lots of Mexican dishes, from sweet horchata to savory chicken mole.

What Does Homemade Taco Seasoning Taste Like?

individual bowls of spices on marble table overhead

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Garlic and onion powders give some aromatics and depth.

What Should I Use if I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning Ingredients?

taco seasoning blend is flexible.

Beef Enchiladas out of the oven

Chili powder, salt, and cumin are all essential.

But if you dont have dried oregano on hand, dont stress about leaving it out of the mix.

Out of onion powder?

taco seasoning in a glass bowl overhead

Swap in dried chives instead, or just double the amount of garlic powder.

Is Homemade Taco Seasoning Healthier Than Store-Bought?

Do I Use the Same Amount as a Packet?

individual spices combined in a bowl overhead

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Most of the store-bought taco seasoning packets contain 1 ounce of seasoning, which is about 4 tablespoons.

This homemade version yields the same amount.

However, homemade taco seasoning is more potent in flavor and has fewer fillers (like cornstarch).

How Much Meat Does It Season?

Do You Season Taco Meat Before or After Browning?

Once your taco meat is browned, drain the fat from the meat.

“Bloom” the spices by adding it to the pan and stirring to distribute the spice evenly.

Cooking it for a minute or two in the remaining fat will help maximize the flavor of the spices.

Should You Add Water With Taco Seasoning?

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Once combined, transfer the seasoning mix to an air-tight container like a glass jar.

For the best flavor, use within two months.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.