How Many Tablespoons in McCormick Taco Seasoning? (Answered 2023)

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Are you looking for a delicious taco seasoning recipe? If so, McCormick Taco Seasoning is the perfect choice. Loaded with chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders, paprika, and oregano – this flavorful blend will instantly spruce up any Mexican dish.

But how many tablespoons are in each packet of McCormick’s taco seasoning mix? In this article, we’ll answer that question as well as discuss homemade vs.

Store-Bought Taco Seasoning Vs. Homemade Taco Seasoning

You don’t need to count tablespoons or packets when you have your own handcrafted blend bursting with vibrant spice and flavor. Homemade seasoning allows you to control the quality and balance of ingredients, so you can taste the fresh, complex flavors of cumin, paprika, and chili powder instead of mysterious natural flavors.

A homemade blend only requires common spices and herbs already in your pantry, making it cheaper per ounce.

Finally, a homemade mix stored properly in an airtight jar retains its potency for up to a year, much longer than a store-bought packet. So skip McCormick’s dusty packets. Blend your own signature spice mix and make tacos pop with the flavors you love.

What is the Measurement of a McCormick Taco Seasoning Packet?

One tablespoon’s worth of the homemade seasoning equals a store-bought packet. If you check the back of a McCormick taco seasoning packet, you’ll notice it contains about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning blend.

The typical 1 oz packet holds approximately 3 tablespoons of the mix. Some packets may list approximately 1 1/4 tablespoons. So when making homemade taco seasoning, you can use a 1:1 ratio and substitute one tablespoon of your version for the store-bought packet contents.

This handy measurement conversion allows you to recreate the McCormick flavor profile while controlling the quality of ingredients. Understanding how much seasoning is in those little packets also helps you determine the right amounts when doubling or halving taco recipes.

With this useful seasoning intel, you can easily swap homemade and McCormick mixes without skipping a beat on taco night.

How Many Tablespoons of McCormick Taco Seasoning Are in a Packet?

Let’s just say your homemade blend needs a boost of convenience with 12 tablespoons of zesty McCormick taco seasoning per packet. A single McCormick packet contains the perfect ratio of spices like chili pepper, cumin, onion, and garlic to add bold Mexican flavor to ground beef or chicken in a flash.

Compared to making your own seasoning from scratch, the pre-measured packet takes the guesswork out of getting the balance of flavors just right.

While homemade blends allow you to control the ingredients, McCormick’s pre-mixed packets provide a quick shortcut to flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine. So next Taco Tuesday, you can feel confident adding two packets of McCormick’s Original Taco Seasoning when the clock is ticking.

With just a dash of taco goodness, you’ll have a fast weeknight dinner the whole family will devour.

How Much Taco Seasoning Do I Need for a Pound of Meat?

Okay, let’s move on from how many tablespoons are in a packet of McCormick taco seasoning to a closely related topic – how much taco seasoning you need for a pound of meat.

When it comes to seasoning meat for tacos, it’s important to use the right ratio of seasoning to meat. This ensures your tacos are packed with flavor without being overly salty or spicy.

The exact amount can vary based on your personal taste preferences, how strongly flavored your taco seasoning is, and how lean your meat is (fattier meats need more seasoning).

Start with less seasoning and adjust to taste as you cook. Properly seasoned meat is key to making tacos with an authentic, Tex-Mex flavor. Whether using homemade seasoning or a store-bought packet, use this handy ratio to get perfectly flavored meat for Taco Tuesdays.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning?

You can easily make your own homemade taco seasoning. To make it, simply combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and optional cornstarch in a jar or zip-seal bag.

After mixing the spices thoroughly, you’ll have a flavorful homemade seasoning ready to enhance tacos, chicken, beef, and more.

Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning

You can make your own taco seasoning with just a few staple spices you likely have on hand. All it takes is chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper. Adjust the measurements to your desired spice level. Store it in an airtight container.

Two tablespoons of this homemade blend equals one store-bought McCormick packet. Explore recipes like Taco Popcorn or Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls. With a customized blend using common ingredients, homemade taco seasoning saves money and enhances flavor.

Mixing Homemade Taco Seasoning

blend the spices thoroughly in a jar for the ultimate homemade taco seasoning. Combining all the spices in an airtight container allows you to mix and shake until fully incorporated.

Feel free to customize and adjust the quantities to your taste. Add more cumin for a deeper, earthy flavor or increase the chili powder for extra heat.

For convenience, make a big batch and store it in a cool, dark place. Over time, the spices will meld together for even more amazing flavor.

Now you can mix up amazing tacos anytime using your own signature blend of spices that’s healthier and cheaper than store-bought packets.

Can I Adjust the Spice Level in Homemade Taco Seasoning?

Taco seasoning is so versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your tastes.

You’re in control of the flavor with DIY seasoning. Scale the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to adjust the intensity. More chili powder and red pepper flakes equals more heat. Start with less and add more next time if you want extra spice.

Consider these tips for customizing heat:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
• Balance out the heat with more cumin, paprika, or oregano.
• Use mild chili powder or ancho chile powder for less fire.
• Mix in a little brown sugar or cocoa powder to mellow things out.
• Top individual portions with hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.

Experiment to find your ideal blend of spices and heat. The beauty of homemade is that you can tweak it to match your preferences. Savor the flavor as you turn up or down the spice in your custom taco seasoning.

How Long Does Homemade Taco Seasoning Last?

Pridefully prepared seasoning endures. Homemade taco seasoning can last up to 2-3 years when properly stored.

With just a few precautions, you can feel confident repurposing leftovers and preventing waste. Your personalized blend stays pungent for multiple Taco Tuesdays to come. Though commercial packets promise convenience, nothing compares to the intimate satisfaction of spices mixed by hand.

How to Store Homemade Taco Seasoning?

You can store your homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container in your pantry for up to 6 months.

• Use a clean, dry glass jar or plastic container with an airtight lid. Mason jars work great.
• Make sure your container is clearly labeled with the contents and date.

Store in a cool, dark place like your pantry. Avoid storing seasoning near the stove or oven.

Only make what you will use in a few months. Whole spices keep their flavor longer than pre-ground.

If storing for over 6 months, consider freezing for maximum freshness.

With proper storage techniques, your homemade blend will stay fresh and flavorful. Follow these simple steps for storing seasoning and you’ll be ready to quickly add taco flavor to meats, veggies and more for home cooking.

Enjoy your homemade taco seasoning and savor the flavor and cost savings on store-bought packets full of preservatives and salt.

Recipe Ideas Using McCormick Taco Seasoning

Looking to spice up Taco Tuesday? Try using McCormick taco seasoning packets in creative new recipes. Whip up juicy Ground Beef Tacos, hearty Chicken Taco Bowls, or succulent Shrimp Tacos for flavorful weeknight dinners.

Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Brown the ground beef and season it with some homemade taco spice for a quick, flavorful filling for soft tacos. Swap in chicken or turkey for a lighter take. Layer on lettuce, tomato, cheese, and salsa for a tasty Tex-Mex meal.

Add beans, rice, or veggies for extra nutrition. Change up the spices – cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion powders make a tasty taco blend. For convenience, McCormick taco seasoning packets contain 2 tablespoons per packet.

Customize your taco night with homemade spice mixes or pre-made mixes for fast flavor.

Chicken Taco Bowls Recipe

Try this homemade taco seasoning in Instant Pot chicken taco bowls for a deliciously easy weeknight dinner. Sauté chicken breasts with onions, bell peppers, corn, and black beans. Shred the chicken and mix it with the veggies, beans, and taco seasoning.

Serve it over rice in bowls and top it with shredded lettuce, tomato, avocado, and cheese for a satisfying meal. Taco seasoning packs an explosion of flavor into this 30-minute dinner. Experiment with substitutions like turkey or shrimp.

Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Homemade seasonings make for tastier shrimp tacos than pre-mixed packets, just like grandma’s cookies are more delicious than store-bought. Embrace endless shrimp taco variations using your own customized taco seasoning, such as smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.

Avoid McCormick packets with unknown ingredients and make options like mango salsa, avocado, and spicy slaw instead. Shrimp tacos are a fun taco night pairing, so get creative with toppings and hot sauce.

With a DIY seasoning, you control the flavor and heat to complement the sweet shrimp.

Other Seasoning Recipes to Try

You’re better off making your own taco seasoning so you can control the flavors and skip the preservative-filled packets.

• Make a versatile Tandoori Spice Mix with garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garam masala.
• A homemade BBQ Rub with brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper is perfect for ribs, chicken, or pork.
• For tacos, fajitas, or Southwest-style dishes, blend together chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano to make a Fajita Seasoning Mix.
• An All-purpose Spice Mix with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary adds flavor to almost anything.

Experiment with herbs, spices, and seasonings to create your own signature blends.