The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Acidity and fresh toppings provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of taco meat, cheese, and sour cream, and a bit of fresh lime juice squeezed over the top goes a long way.

Mexican seasoning typically consists of a blend of traditional herbs and spices while taco seasoning is a specific blend of spices that may not be used as much in traditional Mexican dishes.

Ground cumin – Next to chili powder, cumin is the most important ingredient in taco seasoning. It adds an earthy flavor and aroma.

Allow one side to brown for 3 to 5 minutes without touching it (you can stir around the onions during this process so they don't burn). Flip the meat and allow the other side to brown 3 to 5 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller chunks. Sprinkle all of the taco seasoning over the meat.

It's all about the tortilla

A restaurant-quality taco starts with a great tortilla — and that means one made from scratch. More than a vessel to hold the goodness inside, the tortilla is essential to the taste and texture of the taco.

While some restaurant-style salsas may be prepared in large batches to meet demand, the emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients remains a constant, no matter the quantity. A unique blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice contributes to the vibrant, lively taste of restaurant-style salsa.

With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Taco Seasoning

You can also control ingredient amounts, which is especially helpful if you're watching your sodium intake. Making your own taco seasoning is actually much cheaper in the long-run, even if you don't already have all the ingredients on your spice rack.

For example, cumin has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter taste. Pairing it with sweeter spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can help counterbalance its bitterness and create a more well-rounded flavor profile.

What do Mexicans call cumin? ›

el comino. Hear how a local says it.

Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.

Once the meat is seasoned, add about 1 1/2 cups of beef broth and stir well. Bring this to a quick boil, reduce the heat, and cover with a lid. This will simmer on low for about 20 minutes or until the liquid has started to reduce.

What you're doing when you add water is helping the cornstarch create a smooth sauce flavored with the spices. The heat then activates the cornstarch, thickening the mixture.

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

We like pickled jalapenos and red onions, chopped canned green chiles, shredded romaine, and even chopped, par-boiled baby carrots. If you prefer hard taco shells, fill your shells with cooked taco meat and bake them in the oven for 7-10 mins at 350 deg to give them the perfect crunch.