It has been several years since I switched from those little packets of taco seasoning to making my own. I found this recipe in The Complete Tightwad Gazette
I recently bought one of those little packets of brand name taco seasoning because it was a loss leader and I had a coupon so it was basically free. I made tacos with it. Nope. Give me the homemade mix every time. Once you try it from scratch, you won’t want anything else.
I mix mine in a small glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 6 tsp chili powder
- 4 and 1/2 tsp cumin
- 5 tsp paprika
- 3 tsp onion powder
- 2 and 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Directions
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator.
Use the seasoning mix according to taste when adding to the cooked ground beef. Start with a few teaspoons and add more as needed. I always add salt to mine as well since there is no salt in the mix. As with other seasoning mixes, you also add water to achieve the sauce consistency you desire.
Enjoy!
If you need forms and printables to help you with your meal planning, don’t miss these I created:
- Grocery Lists (two styles)
- Weekly Menu Planner
About Sallie’s Favorite Comfort Food Recipes
These are recipes I have enjoyed throughout my life – as a child, as a young woman, and now as a wife and mom. I am sharing them because they taste good and are relatively easy to make. They only require basic ingredients that most women will be able to easily find and afford. I encourage you to use the best ingredients your can afford for the best results. It really does make a tremendous difference in the quality of the final product.
For example, I only use King Arthur Unbleached Flour for regular baking. After some inexplicable failed results at long-time favorites, I no longer use store brand butter for any baking. I only use Land O’Lakes. The difference is substantial and can mean the difference between a high quality end product and a mess.
You can see all of Sallie’s Favorite Comfort Food Recipes here. I continue to add to this collection so please subscribe or check back often!
And, please, if you do try one of my recipes and like it, come back and let me know in a comment. I truly do appreciate it when people do so!
Categories: Sallie’s Favorite Comfort Food Recipes
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oh, Thanks for this! I don’t like the packets either, and just shake in a little chili powder, a little cumin. I am glad to have a real recipe to use now!
I’m excited to try this! These are all spices I have on hand. Thanks!
Thanks for the recipe! I’m definitely going to try this. I’m curious – how much seasoning do you use per pounds of meat?
Thank you thank you thank you! I have been looking for a good taco seasoning recipe since my son has developed an allergy to one of the additives in most brands that come in the little envelopes. I truly appreciate it. Yum…
I *have* this book. I use Ortega taco seasoning *all the time*. And it has *never* occurred to me to make my own. I’m a tightwad flunky!
So… Thank you!
I agree with Jenny. I have always just used cumin and chili powder. I will definitely be using this recipe from now on. Thank you!
Ashley – I’m not sure. I never measure – I just start adding it until it tastes right. 🙂
Brandy – You’re welcome, you’re welcome, you’re welcome!
Renae – It is much better than the packets, but I don’t necessarily think it is less expensive. It really depends on where you buy your spices. If you buy your spices in bulk, it is reasonable.
That’s fabulous! Thanks.
I make my own pancake mix, and it’s so much better than Bisquick or some of the other options. I’m a big fan of making my own mixes. 🙂
This taco seasoning recipe is awesome!!! I would recommend 3 tbs. per 1 pound beef and add approximately 1/2 tsp salt to the recipe. If you want it spicier, add another tbs for an extra kick. I’m planning on making a big container of this and found a good use for all my big restaurant size containers of spices. Thanks!!!