Have you ever looked at the back of a taco seasoning packet? Some of them have corn maltodextrin, silicone dioxide, natural flavors… and other ingredients that are not necessary in such a simple blend of seasonings. It’s the convenience that keeps the packets in our spice cabinets, but my Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is not only a healthier alternative, it is just as simple as any off the shelf product.
Still need the convenience but prefer to skip the added fillers and preservatives that don’t even make my food taste any better? Me too, that is why I always have a jar of this handy in my pantry. Once you taste your own spice mixes, you will realize that all of the extra ingredients in commercial blends don’t make any difference in the flavor. In fact, I prefer having control of the final outcome. More heat, less heat… more salt, less salt. It’s up to you, just follow the recipe and make adjustments as you like.
What You’ll Need:
Storage Container– I use mason jars, but you could even recycle an old spaghetti sauce jar. An 8 ounce jar works perfectly, but larger will work just fine too.
Chili Powder
Dried Oregano
Cayenne Powder
Paprika
Cumin
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Salt
Labels– Be sure to label your jar with the name and date. If this is kept in a cool, dark, and dry environment it will last up to a year.
The Best Ingredients: Fresh Spices
Buy them in bulk if you can, they tend to be fresh and more cost effective that way. I have several grocery stores near me that carry bulk foods with a great spice section. If that is not an option where you live, just look for something affordable. It doesn’t take anything special to make your own spice blends as long as it’s fresh. The most important thing you are doing is skipping all of the additives.
Ways to use your Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix!
- Use this to make my Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken! It makes great tacos or bowls. Perfect for meal prepping or simply cooking ahead.
- Need a quick & easy appetizer? Whip up a batch of Creamy Taco Dip. Combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 8 ounces French onion dip, and 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix. Pour into a 12 inch serving dish and top with shredded iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and diced fresh tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips.
- Want to switch up that traditional Taco Tuesday? Try Taco Burgers. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix to 1.5 pounds of 80/20 ground beef. Mix in 1 beaten egg and a tablespoon of finely diced onion. Cook on the stove or grill as you would any other burger. Use your favorite hamburger buns, add the cooked patty. Top them off with cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. Skip the ketchup and go for a chunky salsa instead. This will make about 6 burgers.
- Love tamales but don’t have time to make the real deal? Try my Tamale Pie! With simple ingredients including this taco mix, you will have dinner in the oven in no time!
Looking for more SPICE MIX recipes? Check these out!
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix for Dips, Dressings, & More
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Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Equipment
- 1 8 ounce Glass Jar with lid, or other air-tight container
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder, or to taste
- 1-1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1-1/2 tablespoons salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Measure all of your spices into a medium bowl. Whisk them together and pour into a clean, labeled 8 ounce jar. Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to one year.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons of this mix (to taste) per 1 pound of ground beef or shredded chicken just as you would any store-bought packet mix.
How to cook taco meat:
- Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding a touch of oil or non-stick spray. Then add your choice of ground meat—beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives.
- Break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly.
- When it is almost cooked through, add the homemade taco seasoning mix, stir to coat the meat with the spices. Adding splash of water can help to bind the seasoning and create a sauce.
- Once the meat is fully cooked and seasoned, you're ready to assemble your tacos.
Creamy Taco Dip:
- Combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 8 ounces French onion dip, and 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix.
- Pour into a 12 inch serving dish and top with shredded iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and diced fresh tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips.
Taco Burgers:
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix to 1.5 pounds of 80/20 ground beef.
- Mix in 1 beaten egg and a tablespoon of finely diced onion. Cook on the stove or grill as you would any other burger.
- Use your favorite hamburger buns, add the cooked patty. Top them off with cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. Skip the ketchup and go for a chunky salsa instead. This will make about 6 burgers.
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