Taco seasoning is relatively inexpensive, but I prefer the satisfaction of mixing up my own homemade taco seasoning, knowing that I can control the quality of the ingredients -- and the ingredients themselves.
One look at the ingredients list on the back of a package sitting in my cabinet and saw partially hydrogenated soybean oil, silicon dioxide, ethoxyquin, to name just a few, and that was enough for me! I got to work figuring out a homemade alternative without all of the icky additives.
Chances are the ingredients are already sitting in your spice cabinet. It's just a matter of measuring them out and whisking them together.
We took our spices outside to our patio table for ease in cleanup, and I sat back and watched my lovely assistant do all the hard work. Then I transferred the taco seasoning spice mix to a clean container for storage.
Incidentally, I love these little 200-gram Le Parfait jars for my spice mixtures, but they can be a bit pricey. I scored an entire box of 12 for $8.99 plus shipping on eBay though!
Use about two tablespoons of the homemade taco seasoning per pound of meat, or substitute it 1:1 in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk all of the ingredients together.
- Transfer to a clean container for storage. Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
- We like spicy meals here, but if you prefer a less spicy version, simply leave out the cayenne pepper.
- Substitute this homemade taco seasoning spice mix 1:1 in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning. I typically use about 2 tablespoons per pound of ground beef.
Now I'll warn you that my family loves spicy food. If you prefer a milder flavor, you may want to omit the cayenne pepper to tone it down a bit. That's the great thing about creating custom spice mixes -- you control every aspect!
Do you make your own spice mixtures at home? What's your favorite blend?
I'm participating in 31 Days of 2012 this October with Nesting Place and a whole lot of other bloggers. Find all of my 31 Days of Homemade posts right here!
Tara Kuczykowski is a married mom of three boys and two girls, ages 4 to 10 years, living in Columbus, OH.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
We make this all the time. Love it!
Paula – bell’alimento recently posted… How to Make Chocolate Ravioli
I make my own too…it’s all about awareness. I couldn’t believe that crazy list of ingredients!
Cassie recently posted… Corn Cookies
Thanks for the recipe. I was thinking about making my own mix just this morning! It came at the perfect time.
This is a great recipe. I eat wheat free and it can be difficult to find many seasoning mixes without some silly addition of wheat.
Love this series…and what a great helper you have.
great post :) thanks!
Elizabeth @Food Ramblings recently posted… Zebra Bundt Cake
I love those little jars & what a bargain! Taco seasoning is something I never remember to buy and you are so right, making your own is so much better!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen recently posted… Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Dumplings
Why the cornstarch? Also, add some ground coriander for a more complex flavor.
The cornstarch keeps the mixture from getting clumpy, and it also helps create a saucier texture if you add a little water when mixing it with ground beef like the store bought packets do. Coriander sounds like a great addition though!
always have a homemade version of this in my cabinet. so nice knowing what the ingredients are.
Nancy recently posted… Dinner…it’s in the bowl
Thanks for the recipe, I’ve always wanted to try to do it myself. Now I don’t have excuses anymore!
Rick recently posted… Everyday Sushi Review
Thanks for this recipe. I use taco seasonings in many recipes. Once I open the packet I try to use the rest of it up quickly. Now I don’t have to open a packet to use a little bit.
Your assistant is adorable!!!