How to Use Taco Seasoning (Besides Putting It in Tacos)

Chances are, you have between one and five packets of taco seasoning in your pantry right now. It’s one of those things you buy because it’s cheap and it lasts a long time and you can’t quite remember if you already have some, so you always go ahead and throw another packet in your cart (that’s not just us, right?).

What is taco seasoning anyway?

There’s no one correct recipe for taco seasoning. What you’ll find in the mix varies by brand, but there’s a good chance the taco seasoning in your pantry contains a blend of chile powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and (if you’re lucky) MSG. It’s savory and zesty and despite being pigeonholed by its name, taco seasoning is a great all-purpose seasoning.

Anyway, if you’re like us and have a surplus of taco seasoning but you don’t necessarily plan on eating tacos every night for the next several months, we’re here to help. Here’s how to use taco seasoning in the other things you make.

Veggies

It’s no secret that veggies kids can tend to be veggie averse. I mean, a lot of adults are, too, but that’s because they’re usually bland and uninspired. A little taco seasoning can fix that. Add a heavy crop dusting of taco seasoning to a tray of veggies that you’re about to roast and people will suddenly be in the mood for taco-flavored veggies. Promise.

Eggs

Whether you’re making a Mexican-inspired breakfast dish like chilaquiles or you’re making a basic cheese omelet that would benefit from a little salt and spice, taco seasoning is the cheat code. Truly, a plain ol’ American cheese omelet with taco seasoning sprinkled into the eggs before they hit the pan is so much more exciting (serve it with a side of tortilla chips and salsa to complete the theme).

Breakfast Hash

I’ve always been a breakfast guy, so I can’t help but concentrate on the first meal of the day—sue me! Actually, plz don’t—but do add taco seasoning to a skillet of hash. Pick your frozen hash brown potatoes of choice (we like Great Value for cubed and Ore-Ida for shredded), throw in some bell peppers and onions, and cook it all up with a tablespoon or two of taco seasoning. If you don’t have chronic heartburn, chorizo would be really good in this, too.

Soup

Soup is good for the soul—and taco-seasoned soup is even better. If you’re making something simple like chicken tortilla soup, step away from the spice rack because there’s no need to measure out individual doses cumin and chile powder. Just sprinkle some taco seasoning in your broth. Straight up taco soup kinda slaps, too—precisely the the sort of hot, delicious, cheesy slop you want on a cold night.

Chili

You’re obviously going to put chile powder in your chile. Duh. But … why not chile powder and a bunch of other spices that taste good? Your kitchen is your own domain. Don’t let anyone tell you how to make chili, dammit.