How To: Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Skip the store-bought taco seasoning packets and make your own at home with this simple recipe!

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Those of you who read the Menu Plan posts I share on Taste As You Go know that I plan a Taco Night every few weeks or so. With the two of us prepping the meat filling -- either ground beef or ground turkey -- and vegetable toppings, Stephen and I can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

But with each passing Taco Night, I became increasingly displeased with our reliance on store-bought "taco kits" that, let's be honest,  exist merely for convenience sake. At first, I appreciated having all the taco components -- the shells, the seasoning, and the sauce -- in once place. But then I allowed myself to really think about all the sodium in those seasoning packets, and I started doing some research online and looking for recipes for Homemade Taco Seasoning.

Thankfully, I didn't have to look farther than the websites of my favorite food bloggers. Aly from Cooking in Stilettos had posted her recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning back in August, so, using Aly's recipe as inspiration, I created a mixture of spices and seasonings that fit our personal tastes and preferred heat level. And, because I knew Stephen and I would have no problem going through our supply, I doubled the quantities listed in Aly's recipe so there'd be plenty of taco seasoning in the pantry the next time we get a craving for tacos.

I chose to mix up our Homemade Taco Seasoning in a 4-ounce jelly jar. Once I screwed on the lid, all I had to do was give the jar a solid shake, and the jar was short/small enough to store with the rest of the spices in our cabinet.

Making this Homemade Taco Seasoning was ridiculously easy, and I have a feeling this is just the first step in my journey of choosing to make more things "from scratch" in our kitchen over buying pre-made or pre-packaged items from the grocery store.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Recipe by Taste As You Go // adapted from Cooking in Stilettos | Printable Recipe

Skip the store-bought taco seasoning packets and make your own at home with this simple recipe!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Note: I use about 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning per 1 pound of ground meat and add a little bit of water to distribute the seasoning a little more evenly. Adjust this proportion to suit your personal tastes.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons + 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Measure all of the ingredients into a 4-ounce jelly jar. Place the lid on the jar and shake until all of the spices and seasonings are well-mixed.
2. Store the jar in your pantry or your cabinet for up to 1 year. Chances are, it won't last that long!
3. If you're not using a jelly jar for mixing and storage, then measure all of the ingredients into a small bowl. Stir the ingredients with a spoon until well-mixed and then store the taco seasoning in an air-tight container in your pantry or your cabinet for up to 1 year.

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One year ago: Taste of Aruba: An Evening of Aruban Artistry, Culture, and Cuisine

Two years ago: Barbecue Chicken Pizza

Three years ago: Featured Friday, Volume 1.17

Four years ago: Sushi Siam Lunch Special Menu

Five years ago: Eggplant-Stuffed Mushrooms

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