Homemade Taco Seasoning

I was up early this morning feeling pretty ambitious.  I had challenged myself to try a few homemade mixes after really studying the ingredient lists of some of our favorites. If you’ve never noticed some of the crazy stuff in these mixes, you really owe it to yourself and your family to at least be sure you can pronounce everything in the food you’re eating. 😉

DH and I had picked up some fresh ground chicken at one of our local farmer’s markets that was destined for tacos this evening, so Taco Seasoning is first up this morning.  (By the way, if you’re lucky enough to live in the Atlanta area and haven’t visited the DeKalb Farmers Market, you’re truly missing out on one of the BEST markets in the southeast.  Go. Run! Bring a sweater, though…it’s chilly in there.)

Coffee in hand, I start pulling out spices from my cabinet.

Homemade Taco Seasoning 2

Ingredients

1 T Chili Powder
1 T Ancho Chili Powder
2 T Cumin
1 t Onion Powder
1 T Dried Onion Flakes
3 t Garlic Powder
2 t  Celery Salt
1/4 t Cayenne Pepper
½ t Black Pepper
1/2 t  Salt

Then, it’s really just as simple as mixing it all up.  You can adjust the heat by increasing (or decreasing) the cayenne pepper, or adding some red chili flakes.  This particular blend reflects a little less heat, two kinds of chili powder and a bit more garlic. You can use whatever mix of chili powder you like, too.  Evidently I’m trying to be Bobby Flay and had Ancho Chile Powder on hand.  (Again – thank you, DeKalb Farmer’s Market for having the most amazing array of fresh, inexpensive spices.)

Homemade Taco Seasoning

I also doubled this recipe.  It lends itself quite well to multiples. My doubled recipe nearly filled a half-pint sized jar.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

To use the Taco Seasoning, after I browned the ground chicken (if you use ground meat, be sure to drain it, too) I started with 1 Tablespoon of the mixture per pound of meat. I also added 1/4 cup of water per pound and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered.  You can adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your family’s taste.

It was really flavorful and simple.  DH gave it a thumbs up.  Nothing in this stuff is hydrogenated, made with silicon or includes ethoxyquin.

6:45 a.m….Stay tuned for Onion Soup Mix, I’m on a roll!

Have you made any homemade mixes?  Is there anything you’ve been wanting to try?

 

 

61 thoughts on “Homemade Taco Seasoning – Easy, Flavorful and Frugal!”
    1. Hi Christy!

      This is the first time I tried, too. It was really easy. If you’re like me, you have everything you need right in your cabinet, but don’t know how to put it all together.

      If you make a different mix, please share your recipe. I’d like to add a few more to my recipe box!

      Tracy

  1. This is a fabulous idea. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to make Mexican food but didn’t have one of those dang envelopes! Now I know I don’t need one.

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