A McCormick taco seasoning copycat is a jar of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion, garlic and salt, and the two blends we read use very different amounts. They also disagree about whether to add cornstarch. Here’s what one retailer’s packet listing says, how the two homemade versions compare, and how much of each to use per pound of meat.
McCormick doesn’t publish its amounts, so no homemade blend can be matched to the packet by the gram. We haven’t made either blend, and the “tastes like the packet” claims on the pages below belong to their authors!
What’s actually in a McCormick taco seasoning packet?
The label lists ingredients but not amounts. A Food Lion product page for the 1 oz Original packet reads: “Spices (Including Chili Pepper, Paprika, Oregano), Corn Starch, Salt, Onion & Garlic.” Its directions use 1 pound of ground meat and ¾ cup of water per packet.
That’s one retailer’s listing, and labels can change, so check the packet you buy. Notice what’s missing from the list: it doesn’t name cumin, sugar or black pepper, though “spices” could cover them. It does name corn starch.
How do the two homemade McCormick taco seasoning recipes compare?
They agree on the base and split on the amounts. Kitchprep (November 2025) gives a one-packet blend of about 2 tablespoons. SideChef (no date shown) gives amounts that add up to about 5 tablespoons and never says how many servings that makes.
| Packet listing | Kitchprep | SideChef | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chili | Chili pepper, in “spices” | 2 tsp chili powder | 2 tbsp chili powder |
| Cumin | Not named | 1 tsp | 1 tbsp |
| Paprika | Paprika | 1 tsp sweet | 1 tsp smoked |
| Onion and garlic | Onion and garlic | ¾ tsp each powder | 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder |
| Oregano | Oregano | ½ tsp | ½ tsp |
| Salt | Salt | ¾ tsp fine kosher | 1 tsp fine salt |
| Sugar, pepper, heat | Not named | ¼ tsp sugar, ¼ tsp pepper; optional pepper flakes | ½ tsp sugar, 1 tsp pepper, ½ tsp cayenne |
| Thickener | Corn starch | Optional, 1 tsp cornstarch | None |
| Keeps | 3 to 4 months | Up to 6 months |
The two agree on the proportions of the main spices: chili to cumin is 2 to 1 in both. They differ on the extras. SideChef adds cayenne and a full teaspoon of pepper, while Kitchprep keeps those light and offers cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The packet lists corn starch too.
How much do you use per pound of meat?
Use about 2 tablespoons of the mix for 1 pound of meat, if you follow Kitchprep. It browns the meat, stirs in 2 tablespoons of the blend for about 30 seconds, then adds ⅔ cup of water and simmers 2 to 3 minutes. The packet’s directions use ¾ cup of water instead.
SideChef doesn’t say how much to use. Its spices add up to about 5 tablespoons, so we wouldn’t treat the batch as one packet’s worth.
Kitchprep’s own numbers don’t match either: its listed spices total about 7¼ teaspoons, which is roughly 2.4 tablespoons, not the 2 it states. Weigh your first batch against a real packet before you trust it.
How do you store the blend?
Keep it in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. Kitchprep suggests using it within 3 to 4 months, away from stove steam, and shaking the jar before each use. SideChef says up to 6 months, and the two don’t explain the difference.
For ways to use it, our Pizza Hut taco pizza recipe and Taco Time hot sauce recipe both pair with taco night. Another house blend worth a look is the Lawry’s French fry seasoning recipe.
Taco seasoning questions people ask
How much seasoning equals one packet?
Kitchprep says about 2 tablespoons per packet, enough for 1 pound of meat. The packet itself is 1 ounce, per the retailer listing.
Does the packet contain dairy?
The Food Lion page says no dairy ingredients, but that it’s processed in a facility that also processes dairy. Check your own label.
Do you need cornstarch?
Only for a thicker sauce. Kitchprep lists it as optional, SideChef leaves it out, and the packet lists corn starch.