Does your taco night routine need a little spark? Have you ever reached for that same packet of store-bought seasoning and wished for something with a bit more soul, a bit more warmth? I promise you, this Smoky Cocoa Chili Taco Blend is the answer. It’s a cozy little project that transforms simple spices from your pantry into something truly special. Just a few minutes of stirring, and you’ll have a jar of pure, flavor-packed magic ready to make any weeknight meal feel like a celebration.
Top Reasons To Make It
Well, first, you get to control exactly what goes into your food—no mystery ingredients or excess sodium. This homemade taco seasoning blend is a total flavor upgrade over anything you can buy. And the small batch size means it’s always fresh. It’s also incredibly cost-effective; making a big jar of this bulk taco seasoning recipe costs just pennies per serving. Plus, that hint of cocoa? It’s the secret weapon that adds a deep, rich complexity that makes your chili or tacos so, so good.
Ditch Dinner Stress — Cook Smart, Not Hard 🍽️
35 quick & budget-friendly 5-ingredient dinners to save your evenings. Simple. Delicious. Ready in 30 minutes or less.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chili powder: For that classic, earthy base flavor.
- 2 tbsp ground cumin: Brings a warm, toasty note that’s essential for any Mexican seasoning recipe.
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika: Gives the blend its signature smoky depth.
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: The secret ingredient that adds richness.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: For a savory, aromatic kick.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Adds a sweet, allium backbone.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Lends a subtle, herby complexity.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Provides a little bit of gentle heat.
- ¼-½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a spicy kick.
Instructions
- Grab a medium-sized bowl and a whisk. This is your mixing station.
- Add all of the ingredients: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Now, just whisk everything together until it’s completely uniform. You shouldn’t see any streaks of a single spice; it should be one beautifully blended, fragrant powder.
- That’s it! Your homemade seasoning mix is ready to use immediately. So easy.
- For the best flavor, transfer your blend to a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place like your spice cabinet.
Variations & Substitutions
If you’re out of something, don’t worry. No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika and add an extra ¼ tsp of the optional cayenne for a different kind of heat. For a gluten-free version, just double-check that your cocoa powder is certified GF, as some brands can be processed in facilities with wheat. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne entirely. This is your kitchen, your rules. You can even turn this into a fantastic chicken taco seasoning recipe by adding a extra teaspoon of oregano and a pinch of cinnamon for a different twist.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
The best part about this recipe is that it’s literally made ahead! This blend is designed to be prepped and stored for whenever taco inspiration strikes. A batch like this will stay potent and delicious in your spice cabinet for up to 3 months. I don’t recommend freezing the dry mix, as condensation can cause clumping. But you can absolutely mix up a double or triple batch—the ultimate bulk taco seasoning recipe—to always have it on hand.
Taco Seasoning For 1 Lb Ground Beef
Here’s the magic formula for a perfect taco night. For one pound of ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles, you’ll use about 2 to 3 tablespoons of this seasoning mix. Brown your meat in a skillet, draining any excess fat. Sprinkle the seasoning over the cooked meat, then add ½ cup of water or beef broth. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid reduces and creates a gorgeous, clingy sauce. So good.
Storage & Reheating
Store your dry seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. There’s no need to reheat the dry blend. Any leftover cooked and seasoned taco meat can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water to keep it from drying out, or microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use this as an Old El Paso taco seasoning recipe substitute?
A: Absolutely! This homemade mix will give you that familiar taco flavor but with a deeper, smokier taste you’ll absolutely love. - Q: Is this really an easy taco seasoning recipe?
A: It truly is. If you can measure and stir, you can make this. It comes together in under 5 minutes with spices you likely already own. - Q: How much of this homemade taco seasoning do I use for one pound of chicken?
A: The same rule applies! Use 2-3 tablespoons of this blend for a pound of diced or shredded chicken for a delicious chicken taco night.