A couple years ago, we started cleaning up our pantry and paying more attention to the ingredients in our food. Don’t get me wrong, we still eat junk food on occasion, but in general I like to keep processed foods and chemicals to a minimum. One of the first things in my kitchen to go was the prepackaged spice packets. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated to create my own spice mixes in the beginning, but now that I’ve tried it I’ll never go back to store bought packets!
Taco seasoning is one of my favorite homemade spice mixes to make. I like to make up a big batch at once and keep it in an air tight container in the pantry so I always have it on hand. This recipe makes about 3/4 cup of spice mix, and I use approximately 1 Tablespoon to replace one packet of store bought seasoning mix.
Recipe Source: Adapted from this recipe from Allrecipes.com
If using this to make tacos, brown and drain the beef, then add approximately 1 Tablespoon of seasoning per 1 lb of meat. Add 1/3-1/2 cup water, stir, and simmer on low for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it hang out the better the flavor gets.
A couple side notes: If you want it a little spicier, you can add some red pepper flakes. The seasoning mix doesn’t always have enough salt in it for my taste, and I often add more as I’m cooking. I like being able to add it myself to taste instead of mixing more into the seasoning. If you’re limiting your salt intake, feel free to completely eliminate it from the seasoning mix.
Also, if you want to make a smaller batch the first time to make sure you like it, just add 1/4 of each ingredient listed. It’ll make enough for a couple meals so you can see if you need to make any adjustments for your own taste.
Next week I’m sharing my favorite recipe using our homemade taco seasoning: Tacos with black beans and quinoa! I hope you’ll come back and check it out. It’s on the regular dinner rotation in our house :).
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I need to do this. I have made my own taco seasoning before when I didn’t have any. This is a change I would like to make in my house. I don’t like buying prepacked foods and try not to but I need to get better at it.
I hear you about avoiding prepackaged foods! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to (or want to) avoid ALL of them, but this one is so simple to make yourself!
Amy I love this!! I am going to make this later this week. I have an empty taco seasoning container just waiting to get filled back up.. Thanks for the great recipe!!
You’ll love this Sydney! Glad you’re going to try it!
What a great idea to make your own seasoning. I have to admit that I have never tried it. But I should….I bet they taste way better than the packaged ones.
Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning 🙂
We too try to eliminate pre-packaged and processed food from our homes, but never thought about where our spices and seasonings come from. Thanks for the recipe…definitely making a batch 🙂
I am going to make a batch of this! Thanks for sharing… Will be perfect for fall/winter when we eat lotsa casseroles and tacos and dishes that call for taco seasoning! And I totally hear you… I am more aware than ever of packaged and premade things that I can easily make at home! Pinning 🙂
This is great! I had a seasoning recipe I used to use that I really liked. Unfortunately, I lost it and the ones I have tried since were never as good. Pinning this one to try next time!
I’ve been wanting to make my own taco seasoning, too, but have also been intimidated. Thanks for the easy recipe 🙂
Thanks Emily!! This recipe is so easy, I think you’ll be really happy if you try it!
Thanks so much for linking up to Teach Me Tuesday. You are very much appreciated!! Hope to see you again this week!!
Have a great day!
I love making my own spice blends! Thanks for linking up. I’ve pinned your recipe to the Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesday pinterest board.
I have so many of these spices lying around in my cupboard – this is a great way to use them up for something delicious!