Last Updated on 13 September, 2026 by Elby | The Tasteful Pantry
Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday? This homemade taco seasoning is a quick combination of warm spices, dried herbs and a little cornflour, ready to turn plain mince, chicken or vegetables into an easy Mexican-inspired dinner. It’s mild enough for family taco night, but the cayenne can be increased when everyone at the table is open to a little more heat. Keeping a jar in the cupboard also means no half-used seasoning packets multiplying in the cupboard.
What is in Homemade Taco Seasoning?
Cornflour helps thicken the cooking liquid so the seasoning clings to the meat rather than collecting at the bottom of the pan. Ground cumin, coriander, paprika and oregano create the main savoury flavour, while garlic and onion powders add depth without requiring any chopping. Sugar balances the tomato paste, and cayenne provides a gentle amount of heat.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
- Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir with a small whisk or fork until evenly combined and no lumps of cornflour remain.
- Transfer the seasoning to a clean, dry airtight jar. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard until needed.
Use the Mexican Spice Mix for Beef Tacos
- Heat a little oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 500 grams of beef mince and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer a lightly seasoned mixture or are cooking for spice-sensitive eaters.
- Add ¾ cup water and stir well. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the sauce coats the mince.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favourite toppings.
Other Ways to Use the Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe
The seasoning isn’t limited to beef tacos. Try it with:
- Chicken strips for tacos, fajitas or burrito bowls
- Turkey, chicken or pork mince
- Black beans, lentils or crumbled tofu
- Roasted sweet potato, cauliflower or pumpkin
- Taco soup or chilli
- Nachos, quesadillas or loaded potato wedges
- Corn, capsicum and zucchini for a quick vegetable filling
For chicken or vegetables, start with a smaller amount and add more after tasting. They generally need less seasoning than 500 grams of beef mince.
Want More Easy Mexican Recipes?
- Crispy Chicken Tacos with Corn Salsa
- Spicy Corn Salsa
- Corn Salsa with Creamy Lime Dressing
- Mexican Beef Bowls
- Lime Coriander Dressing
FAQ
How much taco seasoning should I use for 500 grams of mince?
Use 1–2 tablespoons. One tablespoon gives you a lighter flavour, while two tablespoons produces a more strongly seasoned and slightly thicker taco mixture.
Why does this taco seasoning contain cornflour?
Cornflour thickens the water, tomato paste and meat juices as the mixture simmers. It creates the saucy texture commonly associated with packet taco seasoning.
Is this taco seasoning spicy?
It has a small amount of cayenne but remains fairly mild. Leave out the cayenne for an even gentler version or increase it if you prefer more heat.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning with chicken?
Yes. Sprinkle it over diced or sliced chicken while cooking, then add a splash of water and simmer briefly so the seasoning coats the meat.
Can I make the seasoning without cornflour?
Yes, although the finished taco mixture will be looser. Leave it out for a spice-only blend, then simmer the cooking liquid for longer or thicken the mixture separately if needed.
Is homemade taco seasoning gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the packaging of the cornflour and spices if you need to avoid possible cross-contamination.
How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
Stored in a dry, airtight jar away from heat and sunlight, it should retain good flavour for around six months.
Feedback and More: Have you given the Mexican spice mix recipe a go? I’d love to know how it was with the star ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or comments below. Cheers, Elby!
Also check out some of my other tasty Mexican dishes and follow The Tasteful Pantry on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for all the latest recipes and info.
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Mexican Spice Mix)
*Note: Adjusting servings will not adjust the ‘light grey’ quantities
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1½ tbsp fine salt
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 3 tsp dried oregano
- 1¼ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp black pepper - freshly ground
Instructions
Make the seasoning
- Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir with a small whisk or fork until evenly combined and no lumps of cornflour remain.
- Transfer the seasoning to a clean, dry airtight jar. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard until needed.
Use it for beef tacos
- Heat a little oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 500 grams of beef mince and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer a lightly seasoned mixture or are cooking for spice-sensitive eaters.
- Add ¾ cup water and stir well. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the sauce coats the mince.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favourite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition and calorie figures are estimates only.
