How Much Homemade Taco Seasoning Do You Need for 1 Pound of Ground Beef?

Tacos are a quick, easy, and tasty weeknight dinner. But buying those little packets of taco seasoning from the store can get expensive. Luckily, it’s easy to make your own homemade taco seasoning from common spices and pantry ingredients. But how much homemade seasoning do you actually need for 1 pound of ground beef? Let’s break it down.

Typical Taco Seasoning Packet Size

First, it helps to understand how much taco seasoning comes in a typical store-bought packet. Most commercial taco seasoning packets contain around 1-1.5 ounces or about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning mix. This is the pre-measured amount designed to flavor 1 pound of ground beef or protein.

So when making homemade taco seasoning to replace packets, you’ll want to make about 2-3 tablespoons worth of seasoning blend for each pound of meat.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients

A basic homemade taco seasoning recipe includes spices like

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

You can also add extras like cayenne pepper, coriander, or red pepper flakes. Combine the spices to equal about 2-3 tablespoons total.

How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

To use homemade taco seasoning

1. Brown 1 pound of ground beef and drain fat

2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning blend.

3. Stir in 1/4 cup water.

4. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

This allows the spices to evenly coat the meat and become absorbed in the moisture. Then it’s ready for tacos!

Adjusting Homemade Taco Seasoning to Taste

One of the benefits of making your own taco seasoning is customize the flavor. Want it spicier? Add extra cayenne or chili powder. Don’t like cumin? Leave it out.

Start with less seasoning and add more to taste. You can always amp up the flavor, but you can’t take it away once over-seasoned.

Make a Big Batch for Meal Prep

Consider making a big batch of homemade taco seasoning to have on hand for easy dinner prep.

For a one quart jar, mix together:

• 1 cup chili powder
• 1/4 cup cumin
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon each garlic powder, onion powder, oregano
• 2 teaspoons each salt and pepper

This makes about 2 cups, enough for 8-10 pounds of ground beef. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Now you’ll always have taco seasoning ready when taco night calls!

Other Uses for Homemade Taco Seasoning

While perfect in tacos, homemade taco seasoning has many uses:

• Chili
• Nachos
• Fajitas
• Burritos
• Quesadillas
• Rice or veggie bowls
• Casseroles
• Soups and chilis

Anywhere you want a Tex-Mex kick of flavor, this versatile spice blend does the job deliciously.

Make Tacos More Healthy

While tasty, tacos made with highly seasoned beef and cheese-laden shells can be heavy. Try these healthier ideas:

• Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef

• Swap soft shells for crunchy taco salads

• Load up on veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, peppers

• Use just a sprinkle of cheese rather than heaping portions

• Salsa, guacamole, and Greek yogurt make great toppings

With smart tweaks, tacos can be a balanced and wholesome family favorite.

Save Money with Homemade

Taco seasoning packets may seem cheap but costs add up. Making your own only takes a few basic spices that you likely have already.

And purchasing larger containers of spices is cheaper in the long run compared to small packs. With just a bit of prep work, you can flavor pounds of ground beef for pennies.

When making homemade taco seasoning to replace store-bought packets, the general rule of thumb is 2-3 tablespoons of spice blend per pound of ground beef.

This provides the same amount of flavoring as commercial mixes. Follow basic seasoning instructions to allow the spices to properly permeate the meat before serving.

With the ability to customize flavors and save money, homemade taco seasoning is a winner. Keep a batch in the pantry for effortless Tex-Mex meals any night of the week.