Making your own "taco seasoning"

[I_Know_You2!]

I always make my own - the packaged ones are SO salty! Here's what I use:

ground chile powder (not chili seasoning, this is just ground dried red chiles)
ground cumin
garlic powder (or salt is fine)
oregano

I just eyeball it, but I use probably 2 parts chile powder, 1 part cumin and generous shakes of the other 2. How's that for exact? Maybe a bit less of the chili powder actually.

You can also add paprika and onion powder. Or some cayenne pepper if you prefer it a bit more spicy. And definitely some salt is fine, I just try to avoid it where I can.


This one sounds good:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Taco-Seasoning-I/Detail.aspx

And the comments have some good suggestions too.

Mine is similar, except we do turmeric, rather that oregano.

 

[tzolkin]

I also do the chilli powder, cumin, and garlic combo. I often add a little cayenne and other spices depending on what I'm making. I just pour each spice into my hand and throw it in. I don't measure and I might vary the amount depending on the meat and what I'm using it for. I use the same basics for seasoning tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, and chilli. I don't pre-mix the seasonings because I'm never sure how much I'm going to use and then I'd have to store it in a separate container.

 

[mskayjay]

Just wanted to give a about the doing it yourself. I also do mine, by taste. Like above, I use Lawry's (is there anything Lawry's can't do, I swear I use it more than salt ), chile powder and cumin. Though since Lawrys is already a mixed seasoning, I can see how you'd find it just as simple to buy a large container of taco seasoning. I just like to do it myself so I can control it for taste (those taco seasonings can get SO salty tasting and since I'm the sort that normally goes for the full salt lick, that's saying a lot ).

Though one thing I would change about that allrecipes mix would be to add a small smidge of sugar. Sugar is added to a lot of mixed seasonings and rubs. I know that sounds weird, but it simply evens out all the salts rather than tasting sweet (though it can be quite a trial by error to get the right sugar/salt mix when doing it off the cuff...blech! LOL).

Hope you find one that hits the spot.

You use Lawry's what though? I love their season salt but which Lawry are you using please, I love taco or tex mex flavoring on so many things but the salt even in the lower sodium varieties of this stuff is awful!!!!!
TIA for any help. I agree Lawry's rocks.

 

[mskayjay]

Hope this helps. I've used it and it's very good!

Taco Seasoning Mix

2 tsp Instant Minced Onion
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Cornstarch
1/2 tsp Crushed Dried Red Pepper
1/2 tsp Instant Minced Garlic
1/4 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Ground Cumin

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well. Spoon mixture
onto a 6-inch square of aluminum foil (or into a Ziplock bag) and fold to
make airtight. Label as Taco Seasoning Mix. Store in a cool, dry place and
use within 6 months.
Makes 1 package (about 2 T) of mix. Using the above recipe as a guide (per
1 lb meat) you can increase the amounts to make any number of packages.
(Note: salt can be omitted from these altogether and then added later to
taste, if you find store-bought taco mix too salty. Or use salt substitute.)

Thank you very very very much!!!! That is what I needed. I have Salt Sense in the house if anyone wants to add it but otherwise I can just skip it and I'll do a multiple of that recipe and keep it in a shaker.

Off to shop online at Pensey's. They really are the bomb for spices.

 

[mom2allison01]

This is the recipe I use (I am on a low sodium, law fat diet). The only sodium in this recipe is from the chili powder and that is minimum.

6tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp paprika
3 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground red pepper

Makes a huge amount. Add 2 tablespoons per 1 pound meat.

 

[pearlieq]

I do chile powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can easily a bit of salt or sugar to taste.

When I'm feeling lazy I use the Aldi packets. I can't imagine paying $1.59 for a little packet of spices!

 

[wowsmom]

Hope this helps. I've used it and it's very good!

Taco Seasoning Mix

2 tsp Instant Minced Onion
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Cornstarch
1/2 tsp Crushed Dried Red Pepper
1/2 tsp Instant Minced Garlic
1/4 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Ground Cumin

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well. Spoon mixture
onto a 6-inch square of aluminum foil (or into a Ziplock bag) and fold to
make airtight. Label as Taco Seasoning Mix. Store in a cool, dry place and
use within 6 months.
Makes 1 package (about 2 T) of mix. Using the above recipe as a guide (per
1 lb meat) you can increase the amounts to make any number of packages.
(Note: salt can be omitted from these altogether and then added later to
taste, if you find store-bought taco mix too salty. Or use salt substitute.)

I was just going to post this exact recipe! I'm guessing you have the Make-A-Mix cookbook, too?

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

I was just going to post this exact recipe! I'm guessing you have the Make-A-Mix cookbook, too?

LoL I had a friend give the recipe to me a few years ago and have never bought store bought again!

 

[wowsmom]

LoL I had a friend give the recipe to me a few years ago and have never bought store bought again!

I don't remember if I ever made the taco seasoning mix (my boys aren't very into taco spices) but I've used the spaghetti seasoing mix many times over the years and actually just made it a couple of days ago!

 

[minniejack]

My Sams club sells a large container (23 oz.) for $3.88. Costco probably sells it too for around the same price.

And the kids and their friends love it. Kids request my tacos when they come to my house and mom's have called to find out my secret.

 

[allison443]

OP here! Thanks to everyone who responded and for taking the time to type actual recipes!
I really appreciate all of your responses and ideas!! My family will be having tacos very soon now!

 

[TammyNC]

These are great...I have been wanting to make tacos at home too but couldn't see buying those packets. Thanks for sharing.

 

[musical2]

Here is one I use at home.

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

I mix it all together in a small glass bowl. Then add it to 1 1/4 pound browned ground beef or ground turkey or ground chicken. I add about 2/3 cup water, stir, and cook for about 10 minutes.

It tastes great!

If you want, you can make up several batches and put them in small snack size ziplock bags and save some for later.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

My Sams club sells a large container (23 oz.) for $3.88. Costco probably sells it too for around the same price.

This is what we do too, only we buy ours from Costco. SO much cheaper than buying the packets, and it lasts for like a year.

 

[DMickey28]

This is the recipe that I use.

1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

I usually double or triple it and save it in a tupperware container.

A really yummy recipe that I use it with:

chicken breast
taco seasoning
salsa
mexican cheese blend

coat the chicken breast in taco seasoning, place in baking dish, cover with salsa and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes, add cheese on top of the chicken and bake another 10 minutes or melted and chicken cooked through.

it's amazing how good it is and how simple.