f you find you are out of taco seasoning while cooking dinner, you don’t have to run to the store. Instead, you can make homemade taco seasoning mix using this recipe.
My taco seasoning mix recipe was born out of necessity. Years ago, I had started preparing dinner when I realized I didn’t have a packet of seasoning mix. I didn’t want to risk icy roads to buy one, so I made do with what I had on hand. I started smelling spices in my cupboard looking for ingredients. Once I identified the spices, I added them to my recipe, tasted, and added more spices until I achieved the desired results. The next time I went to the store, I looked at the back of a seasoning packet to see if I had forgotten anything. The only things I had forgotten were the fillers and the excess salt.
Doing without store-bought spice mixes is not much of a sacrifice. They may seem like a convenience, but you pay quite a bit to tear and pour spices that you probably already have in your cupboard. If you examine the cost they are probably one of the most expensive items per ounce that you buy. If you make a batch of seasoning mix in advance you can still enjoy the convenience, but for a fraction of the price.
One of the great things about making your own seasonings is that you can make it to suit your tastes. I prefer my taco seasoning with less heat and no extra salt (Although chili powder may have some salt depending on the brand you use, so read the label).
Start by making a small batch on the taco seasoning and then alter it to make it your own. Once you know exactly what you like, make a double or triple batch.
Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
You can use this taco seasoning on hamburger, chicken, steak, fish, and shrimp.
Ingredients:
- 4½ teaspoons chili powder
- 4½ teaspoons cumin
- 3 teaspoons paprika (I prefer smoked paprika)
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Store in an airtight container.
Since this recipe does not contain fillers and salt it is stronger than a store bought seasoning packet. I usually use 2 teaspoons per pound of meat.
Printable Recipe for Taco Seasoning Mix
Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 4½ teaspoons chili powder
- 4½ teaspoons cumin
- 3 teaspoons paprika I prefer smoked paprika
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Since this recipe does not contain fillers and salt it is stronger than a store bought seasoning packet. I usually use 2 teaspoons per pound of meat.
Notes
More Spice Mix Recipes:
Julia says
will look into the poultry seasoning recipe. so many good ideas, so little time.
Stacie says
Ah, I love this. I also agree the pre-packaged seasoning and super expensive! I just never thought to try out some spices in the cupboard until I got it right. I have bookmarked this post and will definitely return on a taco night. Thanks for posting!
A Cooks Quest says
Hi Alea, I added my homestyle ranch mix that I use all the time. I started using it to get away from the store stuff and can't believe how much better it tastes. Thanks for the post, it reminds me to find alternatives to store mixes.
deniseathome says
@A Cooks Quest,
I now it’s been along tome since your post, but do you happen to have the homemade ranch mix recipe? I would be extremely grateful.
Denise
[email protected]
Alea says
Is this the Ranch Dressing recipe you were looking for? http://www.5dollardinners.com/2011/04/homemade-ranch-dressing-mix.html
Alea Milham says
Grace, now I regret not doing a picture linky because your photos are so good!
Grace says
Hey Alea, I like the DIY taco mix idea. Reduce waste and spend less. By chance I did a post today on grilling and threw in my husband's homemade BBQ sauce recipe. Maybe it counts (a little bit) with your Monday DIY theme. 🙂