This is a new recipe for me. I haven’t used it yet. But, seriously, I just shared my favorite tortilla recipe. How could I not share this as well? Today’s experiment: Homemade Taco Seasoning.
This recipe was shared with me by my sister in law, Caitlin. She learned the recipe from her mom and was gracious enough to share it with me. Now everyone benefits!
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp cumin
- 1 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you want your seasoning to be!)
Simply throw everything into a small freezer bag or storage container. Mix the ingredients together. So easy!
This recipe makes almost 8 tablespoons worth of seasoning. That equals four seasoning packets. Score!
And seriously, how much effort is it to throw this together? It’s as easy as throwing a taco seasoning packet into your grocery cart. And I already keep these spices on hand for all my recipes, which makes it even easier.
Is this a cheaper option than buying a seasoning packet? I really don’t know. I thought about trying to do the math, but math is not my forte and there were way too many figures involved to get the answer. If someone wants to figure this out, please do it and share with us your findings.
So how do you use this spice blend? Just as you would a seasoning packet. After you’ve browned your pound of ground beef or chicken, drain off the fat and add two (not heaping) tablespoons of your seasoning mix, along with 3/4 cup water. Let it simmer for five minutes.
Caitlin tells me that, having used seasoning packets in the past, this homemade seasoning blend is much better. I checked a seasoning packet I had in the cabinet to compare ingredients. They were mostly the same, except that “Sugar” was listed toward the beginning and there were also some preservatives thrown in there. Use this recipe, and you don’t have any added sugar, and less, if any, preservatives. Better flavor is always good in my book, but no added sugar and knowing exactly what I’m putting into it always makes a recipe more appealing to me.
Anyone else feeling hungry right about now?
What’s your favorite Mexican inspired main dish? How will you be using this seasoning blend?
I have all the spices in the cabinet, so I am going to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks for always commenting on my articles!!
Thanks,from Texas.
Thanks for the recipes, here is one for home made spaghetti sauce seasoning mix;
Spaghetti Sauce Mix
Ingredients
1/4 cup celery salt
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
1 tablespoon pepper
Instructions
Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container. Shake before using. Mix will keep on the shelf for up to 6 months.
To use, combine 1/4 cup mix with 1 (8 ounce) can tomatoes or tomato sauce. Cover and Simmer for 30 minutes.
I mixed this with tomato sauce and used it on enchiladas instead of buying enchilada sauce–it was awesome! We are going to store the mixture in an empty parmesan cheese shaker with the recipe taped on.
What a great idea to put it in a parm container. I may have to swipe that idea from you.
I’m sorry to ask but who really doesn’t know what’s in their taco seasoning packet when they make taco’s, and they are they eating it if they don’t know what’s in it?
The only difference between yours and mine is I also add crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano. Love that stuff. Most packets use Onion flakes and my husband hates them. The onion powder works great. I make a large batch of it and leave it on my stove for when I need a little kick in my recipes.