Cilantro & Garlic Fiesta Taco Mix for Bold Flavor

Let’s be honest, how many times have you reached for a packet of store-bought taco seasoning only to find it’s either too salty or just, well, a little boring? This Cilantro & Garlic Fiesta Taco Mix is about to change your taco night forever. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it’s packed with a flavor that you just can’t get from a packet. You can whip it up in about five minutes with spices you probably already have in your pantry. And the best part? You control the salt and know exactly what’s going into your family’s food. So good.

What Is Cilantro & Garlic Fiesta Taco Mix?

This isn’t your average, dusty taco seasoning. This Cilantro & Garlic Fiesta Taco Mix is a celebration in a jar. It’s my personal twist on the classic blend, inspired by the bold flavors I grew up with in Texas. We’re taking the familiar foundation of chili powder and cumin and kicking it up with the bright, fresh notes of cilantro and the robust punch of garlic. The dried minced onion means you get that flavor without tears, and a sneaky bit of cornstarch helps create the most perfect, clingy sauce for your taco filling. It’s a homemade taco seasoning recipe that’s simple but makes a world of difference on your plate.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder: The base of our mix, providing that classic, earthy taco flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, smoky depth that’s essential for authentic taste.
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion: Gives a sweet, savory onion flavor without any chopping.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 2 teaspoons dried cilantro: Infuses that bright, citrusy note that makes this mix so special.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and a beautiful red color.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a touch of herbal, slightly bitter complexity.
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick of heat. Adjust to your family’s preference!
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: The secret weapon! It helps thicken the saucy goodness when you add it to meat.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a little extra sharpness and spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the other flavors. You can always add more later.

Step-By-Step Method

1. Combine the spices: Grab a medium-sized bowl. Add all of the ingredients—the chili powder, cumin, dried minced onion, garlic powder, dried cilantro, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt.
2. Whisk it together: Use a fork or a small whisk to blend everything together. You want to make sure that cornstarch is fully incorporated and there are no little clumps.
3. Store or use immediately: That’s it! Your homemade Cilantro & Garlic Fiesta Taco Mix is ready to use right away. To store it, pour it into a small glass jar or an airtight container.
4. To use for 1 lb of meat: Brown 1 lb of ground beef, turkey, or chicken in a skillet. Drain any excess fat. Sprinkle the entire batch of seasoning mix over the cooked meat. Add 2/3 cup of water, give it all a good stir, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens up beautifully.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this one, I promise. This is about keeping things simple and accessible.

• A medium mixing bowl
• A fork, small whisk, or spoon for combining
• A jar or airtight container with a lid for storage
• Measuring spoons

That’s the whole list! See? I told you it was easy.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of making your own mix is that you can make it perfectly yours. Here are a few easy swaps:

• No Cilantro? (The Soapy Gene Crew): I know, I know. For some folks, cilantro tastes like soap. Honestly, if that’s you, just leave it out! You can substitute it with an extra teaspoon of oregano or even a bit of dried parsley for color.
• Heat Level: Control the fire. For mild flavor, leave out the red pepper flakes entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with them.
• Dietary Needs: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. To keep it low-sodium, you can reduce or omit the salt—the other spices have so much flavor you might not even miss it.
• For Chicken Tacos: This mix is fantastic on ground beef, but it’s also my go-to chicken taco seasoning recipe. It works wonderfully with shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed chicken strips.

Storage Tips

Your homemade seasoning mix will stay fresh and potent for up to 6 months if you store it correctly. Keep it in a cool, dark place like your pantry or spice cabinet, sealed tightly in an airtight container. I like to use a small mason jar. Do not refrigerate it, as moisture is the enemy of dried spices. Because there’s no preservative, its vibrant color and flavor will be at their best if used within a few months.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Obviously, this mix is a star for taco night. But don’t stop there! This versatile Mexican seasoning recipe can do so much more.

• Classic Ground Beef Tacos: The perfect use for one pound of meat.
• Chicken Taco Bowls: Season and shred chicken breasts for a healthy lunch bowl over rice with all the fixings.
• Taco Salad: Sprinkle it over ground turkey for a hearty salad.
• Seasoning for Roasted Veggies: Toss cauliflower or sweet potatoes with a little oil and a sprinkle of this mix before roasting.
• Beef or Black Bean Soup: Stir a tablespoon into your favorite soup for an instant flavor boost.

Pair your creation with all the classic toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a good sprinkle of cheese. And if you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right at the end makes everything pop.

Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe For 1Lb Meat

This entire recipe makes the perfect amount of seasoning for one pound of meat—it’s literally a bulk taco seasoning recipe designed for a single use. But you can absolutely double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients to make a big batch to keep on hand. It’s such a timesaver. Just mix up a large quantity and store it in a bigger jar. Then, whenever taco night calls, you can just grab a heaping tablespoon or two (about 2-3 tbsp per pound of meat) and you’re halfway to dinner. It makes the easiest taco seasoning recipe for meal preppers!

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cilantro instead of dried? For the dried mix itself, you need to use dried cilantro to ensure it stores properly. But when you’re cooking your meat, absolutely! Stir in a handful of freshly chopped cilantro at the very end for an extra burst of flavor.
• Is this better than Old El Paso taco seasoning? In my totally biased opinion, yes! Homemade versions like this Cilantro & Garlic Fiesta Taco Mix allow you to control the sodium and skip any filler ingredients or preservatives. The flavor is fresher and more vibrant.
• How much of this mix equals one store-bought packet? This entire recipe is designed to season one pound of meat, just like a standard packet. Most store-bought packets contain about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning, so this recipe makes the perfect substitute.
• Can I make this into a liquid sauce? The method above where you add water to the meat and seasoning creates a saucy taco filling. If you want a more marinade-like consistency for chicken, you could mix the dry spices with a little olive oil and lime juice before coating your chicken.