We eat Mexican food a lot. I mean A LOT!!! And this homemade taco seasoning is a crucial ingredient in recipes like crock-pot refried beans, spicy fried chicken, enchiladas, and potato tacos. Sooooo, I always like to have a large batch of taco seasoning in a jar.
I have tried many versions, but this is the one I settled on. It has much more flavor, and it’s closer to the packets you buy at the store.
It is just the basic spices. Unlike the standard “Old El Paso” taco seasoning packets.
INGREDIENTS: Sugar, maize flour, salt, garlic (8%), paprika, cumin (6.5%), tomato (6%), onion, food acid (330), oregano, chilli, anti caking agent (551), paprika extract, ground bay leaves.
Ummm……WHAT?!?! The first ingredient is SUGAR!!! I’m sorry, but I don’t really care for sweet beef in my tacos. There is also anti-caking agent and food acid, which I am not comfortable feeding to my family. So the homemade sort is the way to go for me.
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika (Hungarian is best)
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like it really spicy)
Instructions:
- Put all of the ingredients in a spice grinder or use a mortar and pestle to combine. Store in an small jar for up to 1 month.
- Adapted from Alton Brown
Thanks for linking up to Natural Living Monday! I love homemade taco seasoning.
This is exactly what I am looking for! I have decided to grow a lot of my own herbs and spices, and also compile recipes for spice mixes and such. This recipe is great and looks pretty simple!
Isn’t it amazing how much “stuff” is put into our food that isn’t necessary? I mean, honestly, I would much rather buy a taco sauce that doesn’t have sugar and a bunch of fillers and stuff – and wouldn’t it be cheaper for the company anyway? Seriously! What are they thinking? Unfortunately there are a lot of consumers who aren’t thinking either. Ah well, we can only educate those that want to be taught! Again – thanks!
I sooo need to try this! We eat Mexican a lot at our house too..and I totally agree with you! Sugar should not be the first ingredient! Thanks for the simple recipe!
I’m totally with you on the unnecessary ingredients! I usually just pour a bunch of spices in my taco meat– sometimes it’s awesome, sometimes it’s not. I’m pinning so I remember to try this next time! And I just bought tortillas today 🙂
Can’t wait to try it! How much seasonings do you use per pound of ground turkey or meat?
Thanks!
Hi Nancy! I add 2/3 cup water and 1/4 cup seasoning mix. 🙂