Mild Taco Seasoning
This mild taco seasoning is the perfect spice blend to use for quick weeknight dinners like this chicken tinga tacos recipe. It's a healthy homemade taco seasoning made with zero fillers or artificial flavorings, and it has a cleaner flavor than store-bought taco seasoning packets!
Make this homemade taco seasoning without chili powder - just a handful of spices you likely already have on hand.
Use it for ground beef tacos, in a taco salad, or even in this beef birria tacos recipe! For more easy homemade seasonings and sauces, try this Jamaican green seasoning, this jerk rub recipe, or this recipe for the perfect seafood boil sauce!
Recipe Overview: Mild Taco Seasoning
✅ Recipe Name: Mild Taco Seasoning
🕒 Ready in: 2 minutes!
👪 Yield: 8 ounces
🍽 Calories: 28 calories per 2 tablespoons (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: cumin, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
👌 Difficulty: Easy! Mix & use!
SUMMARIZE AND SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Why You'll Love This Cake!
- It's simple and uses staple seasonings probably already in your pantry.
- It's filler-free, plus there's no salt added, so it's the perfect low-sodium taco seasoning option.
- You can customize it to your liking. I personally enjoy more spice, so when I'm making a personal batch, I'll add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes!
Jump to:
Key Ingredients
Cumin. This is what gives tacos their unique flavor! No taco Tuesday meal would be right without it.
Oregano. Mexican oregano has a deeper and more earthy taste than regular (usually Italian) oregano, which tends to have a lighter taste. I opt for Mexican oregano, but either will work!
How to Make Mild Taco Seasoning
Step 1: Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl or directly in the storage well. Stir/shake well to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Transfer everything to an airtight container and store with other spices.
FAQs
Cumin and oregano are the primary spices in a good taco seasoning and are what give tacos their distinct flavor. Mexican oregano is typically what is used, but regular (Italian) oregano will also work.
Use 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade taco seasoning per pound of desired meat or protein. You can use this spice blend on chicken, beef, pork, or even veggies.
Dried seasoning blends can last anywhere from 1-4 years, but the shelf life depends on how well the ingredients have been dried. If you're drying your own spices at home, ensure that your vegetables and herbs are completely crisp before incorporating them into the seasoning blend.
To test, just bend a piece of the vegetable or the herb's stem. You're good to go if it is brittle & snaps or breaks apart immediately. If it is pliable, this means it still has some moisture, so return it to the oven until done.
Mexican oregano has a deeper, earthier taste than regular oregano with is usually Italian and tends to have a lighter flavor. It's okay to use Italian oregano in this taco seasoning recipe.
Ainseanlea's Top Tips
- Use dried herbs for the best results and for a longer shelf life.
- Wait to add salt until using the seasoning. I've purposefully omitted salt from this spice blend to truly make it the best homemade taco seasoning. You can use extra for a more robust flavor without making your dish salty, and you can cook confidently for guests with dietary considerations.
Recipes for Easy Dinners You'll Love!
Tried this recipe? Please leave a comment with a star rating. I love hearing your feedback, and it greatly helps me improve recipes for you!
Mild Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl or a jar and mix with a spoon or shake until evenly incorporated.¼ cup ground cumin, 2½ tablespoon dried mexican oregano, 2 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoon dried thyme, 1½ tablespoon onion powder, 2½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 2½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Transfer to a spice jar or other airtight container and store with other spices in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoning blend per pound of meat.
- Add salt as desired once using the seasoning blend.
Taco night is a weekly event in my home and this is my new “go to” seasoning.