In my last post for the Spanish Rice and Chicken Soup, I mentioned that I use my own homemade taco seasoning. Well, I had so many people ask for the recipe in the comments and through email that I decided I’d just go ahead and post it. I needed to make up some to replenish my supply anyway :-)
I think this mix contains just about the same spices as most of those packets you can pick up at the grocery store. The difference is that I can pronounce all the ingredients in my mix. Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t use a purchased mix – I do use them occasionally and they’re very good. But I do know that there are people who have sensitivities to some of the preservatives and anti-caking agents that pre-mixed seasonings might contain. Plus, it’s just more economical. True, the purchase of the several jars of spices costs more up front, but they’re pretty common things that you’ll use in daily cooking. If you do a lot of Mexican or southwestern style cooking, you’ll find that having this homemade taco seasoning mix on hand is very convenient.
Be sure to also check the links at the bottom of this post. I found lots of other homemade seasoning mixes for you online! I haven’t tried all of them so I can’t vouch for each one, but they sure do look interesting! I’ll be adding several of those to my pantry soon.
I love all the colors of the spices in the mix! Aren’t they pretty?
You can mix it all up in a jar, a plastic storage container…whatever you have that can be tightly sealed. I usually just measure it through a funnel straight into my jar. Simply mix it all together thoroughly and store it tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
When making tacos or burritos, I normally use about two tablespoons of seasoning mix per pound of ground beef. You might want to add a little less at first and adjust according to your taste.
Enjoy!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 2 tblsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tblsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix together thoroughly. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
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Other homemade seasoning mixes you might enjoy from around the internet:
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix from Gimme Some Oven
- Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix from bell’alimento
- Apple and Pumpkin Pie Spice Mixes from Baking Bites
- Southern Spice Blend from Eclectic Recipes
- Cajun Spice Mix from Tide and Thyme
- Homemade Curry Powder from Veggie Belly
- Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning from Simply Scratch
- Herbes de Provence from About.com
- Homemade Five Spice Powder from Foodie with Family
What I was up to…
- One year ago: Irish Spiced Fruitcake
- Two years ago: Oatmeal-Blueberry Pancakes
- Three years ago: Baked Catfish
- Four years ago: Lime Cupcakes
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
atI swear – the more I learn about how easy it is to make my own seasoning mixes, the less I’m inclined to buy the packets. Thankfully I have the Italian Market and Penzeys locally if I want to buy a larger quantity of spices. Plus – they make fabulous gifts for the holidays. :) Love the layering of the spices in your photo Lana!
Lana Stuart says
atIt really is so easy, isn’t it Aly? I’m anxious to try some of the other recipes for seasoning mixes that I found on the internet.
Peg H says
atLana, thank you so much!
Lana Stuart says
atYou’re so welcome, Peg!
Karo says
atThank you so much for this wonderful recipe. Now..make one for chili so I can have a homemade one one for that also. Making a mix with ingredients you know is so important and usually a lot tastier. Again thank you.
Lana Stuart says
atKaro, I use this same seasoning mix for chili. Maybe add just a bit of extra chili powder to the pot. I also sometimes add a little more oregano, but this mix is always my starting base for chili. You can see how I used it in my recipe for Not Texas Chili http://www.lanascooking.com/2013/03/19/not-texas-chili/
Paula - bell'alimento says
atLove this Lana! Thanks so much for including our Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix xoxo
Lana Stuart says
atYou’re welcome, Paula. You know I buy the bottled Italian seasoning all the time. Well, no more! I’ll be using yours from now on.
Shaina says
atSuch a wonderful blend to keep on hand!
Lana Stuart says
atThanks, Shaina. Having it on hand makes a quick taco or burrito dinner even quicker!
Miss P says
atIf you are shy about investing in the different spices, find a buddy and split the cost and the finished product!
Miss P
Lana Stuart says
atGreat idea!
Drick says
atYup, I too like to make my own mixes… and I like the chili flakes in yours, might have to steal that idea.. I do not use it in my recipe.
It was good to hear from you, take care.