How to Make an Easy Packet-Size Burrito Seasoning Mix Using Pantry Spices at Home – a step-by-step guide with video!

Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!

Now I have to admit something. When I first moved to the States, I genuinely thought a burrito was just anything you threw into a tortilla and rolled up like a wrap. I know, don’t come for me. That was my very limited understanding at the time.

It wasn’t until I started spending more time with my husband’s family that I realized there are actually some really simple, very specific Tex Mex meals that people make on repeat. Not fancy restaurant-style food, not overloaded plates, just straightforward comfort meals that work.

One of their go-to dinners was about as simple as it gets. Ground beef, a packet of Lawry’s burrito seasoning, and warm tortillas. That’s it. Roll it up, serve it, everyone’s happy.

And honestly, it’s delicious.

It’s not heavy like some taco fillings can be. It’s not overly spicy. It has this really balanced flavor that’s a little savory, slightly sweet, and much lighter on cumin than a lot of taco seasonings. If you didn’t grow up eating a lot of cumin like I didn’t, that makes a big difference. Some mixes can be really strong with it, and this just isn’t.

But here’s where this recipe comes in.

During Covid, those burrito seasoning packets basically disappeared. Stores shifted shelf space toward taco seasoning, and even now it’s really hit or miss whether you’ll find burrito seasoning at all.

Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not, and when you actually rely on something for a quick dinner, that gets frustrating fast.

We were lucky at first. My in-laws had stocked up and sent us a big stash. But once we worked our way through those, it became pretty obvious that if we wanted to keep burrito night as an easy option in our house, we needed to figure out a version we could make ourselves.

So I started playing around with it. A little less cumin than most Tex Mex dishes. A bit more sweetness to balance things out. Enough thickening agent to give that familiar packet flavor and consistency. And after a few tries, this is the version we landed on.

It’s simple, it works, and we use it all the time now!

Everything in it is made from basic pantry spices you can pick up anywhere, whether that’s your local grocery store, commissary, or online. It costs a fraction of the store packets, and it means we can throw together a quick dinner without needing to plan ahead or make an extra trip out.

And the best part is this makes exactly one packet. No waste, no bulk prep required unless you want to, just mix it, use it, and get dinner on the table.

As a military family working through baby step 2 of our debt free journey, these kinds of swaps matter. They don’t feel like a big deal in the moment, but over weeks and months, they really add up.

And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!

As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!

So let’s head into the kitchen together and mix up this simple homemade burrito seasoning that you’ll be glad to have on hand!

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Small bowl
• Measuring jug

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Ingredients

Makes equivalent to a 1 oz shop-bought packet of Burrito Seasoning (for 1 lb ground beef)

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked if you prefer)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 tsp sugar
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the seasoning

Add all of the spices and the cornstarch to a small bowl. Stir well until everything is evenly combined. That’s your seasoning done and ready to go.

Step 2: Cook the meat

Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a pan over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add seasoning and water

Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the cooked beef, then pour in 2/3 cup water. Stir well so everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Simmer

Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, giving you that familiar texture you’d expect from a store packet.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the filling into warm tortillas, roll up, and serve straight away.

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Notes and Troubleshooting

Notes

• This blend is intentionally lighter on cumin for a milder, more balanced flavor.
• The sugar helps recreate that slightly sweet, savory packet taste.
• Cornstarch is what gives the mixture that light sauce so it isn’t dry.

Troubleshooting

• Too thick? Add a small splash of water while it’s simmering and stir it through until it loosens up.
• Too thin? Let it simmer for another minute or two. It will thicken as it cooks and also a little more as it cools.
• Too spicy? Leave out the crushed red pepper next time or reduce it slightly. The base flavor will still be spot on without it.
• Not enough flavor? Add a pinch more salt at the end once it’s cooked. That usually brings everything together.

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Storage

• Store the dry seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• You can easily double or triple the recipe and keep it on hand. Just use about 2 to 2½ tablespoons per pound of meat.

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Serving Ideas

• Classic burritos with seasoned ground beef
• Spoon over rice for a quick bowl
• Use in wraps or quesadillas
• Add beans or vegetables to stretch it further

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect replacement for store packets
• Budget friendly and easy to scale
• Milder, more balanced flavor
• Naturally dairy-free burrito seasoning
• Quick to make and easy to use

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FAQ

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The Takeaway

A simple homemade burrito seasoning that saves you a trip to the store and still gives you that familiar, comforting flavor.

It’s quick, reliable, and one of those small kitchen habits that makes weeknight dinners feel a lot easier.

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What to Try Next?!

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Share & Rate This Recipe!

If this homemade burrito seasoning becomes part of your easy dinner routine, tap the stars on the recipe card and leave a quick comment below. And if you loved it, don’t forget to share it with friends and family too!

Last update on 2026-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API