The ingredients: (starting at 8 o'clock and going clockwise) Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper.
Take a look at your taco seasoning mix label.
Does it have ingredients you can't pronounce?
Does it have sugar?
This empty jar of Costco size taco seasoning that I've had for about ... um ... let me see ... three years? prompted me to find a recipe and make it my own. This particular brand of taco seasoning that you see above it just a touch too spicy for the kids, another reason to make your own seasoning.
So let's ditch the packets (or Costco sized jar) and make our own!
You can adjust the heat levels by adding more chili powder or red pepper flakes. If you don't have red pepper flakes, you can substitute cayenne pepper.
It took me about 10 minutes to throw all the ingredients together. Let's watch my 18 year old son make taco meat!
To the cooked and drained one pound of ground beef, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Stir to coat the cooked beef. Cornstarch is totally optional, but my family likes their taco meat "saucy."
Then add 2-3 Tablespoons of the taco seasoning. We started with 2 T. and my family loved it. Perfect.
Give the seasonings a stir over medium heat to allow the spices to "bloom" or become more flavorful.
You won't believe what a difference this little step makes...
Add 2/3 cup water and stir over medium heat until thickened.
He's a quick chef, isn't he?
See the pan next to him? That's homestyle flour tortillas being cooked up by one of his friends.
Isn't this great?
Homemade tacos were enjoyed in no time flat ...
The recipe I have provided will make 3 Tablespoons of seasoning, which is approximately one packet of commercial seasoning mix. Feel free to do the math to make a large batch!
Want to make a taco dip? Mix the seasoning with sour cream or cream cheese...
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Use simple spices that you can easily find in your cupboard to make this easy taco seasoning! Perfect for tacos, spaghetti, mac & cheese, or added to sour cream or cream cheese for a taco dip. This recipe makes 3 Tablespoons, which is the equivalent of 1 packet of commercial seasoning mix. You can easily triple this recipe and store it in your favorite spice jar.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder (increase to 2 Tablespoons for more heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (cut down for mild or sub 1/8 teaspoon cayenne)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (no substitute!)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together chili, garlic, onion powders, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.2. Store combined seasonings in an airtight container.
To use as taco seasoning for ground beef, add:1.1 teaspoon cornstarch to cooked and drained ground beef and stir over medium heat.2. Add 2-3 Tablespoons of Taco Seasoning Mix and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to allow spices to 'bloom'.3. Add 2/3 cup water, mix and simmer till thickened.
To use as taco seasoning for ground beef, add:1.1 teaspoon cornstarch to cooked and drained ground beef and stir over medium heat.2. Add 2-3 Tablespoons of Taco Seasoning Mix and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to allow spices to 'bloom'.3. Add 2/3 cup water, mix and simmer till thickened.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 3 Tablespoons seasoning