Taco Seasoning
Making your own taco seasoning is simple and gives you control over the spice/heat level. This recipe yields a much more flavorful seasoning than the store-bought packets, and you can customize it to your liking.
When we were in college, Eric and I had tacos once a week. We called it “Taco Tuesday.” We’d eat tacos, obviously, and watch Bones. I looked forward to it every week. It’s funny to think how different we are now than we were back then, especially in terms of our eating habits. We were dependent on those taco kits, which seems pretty ridiculous now considering how easy it is to make tacos without them. I didn’t even know it at the time that I had everything I needed to make taco seasoning right in my pantry.
Long gone are the days when we picked up a taco kit (or two, since Publix always had them by one get one) every week. We still watch Bones, though, so not everything has changed. This seasoning has become a pantry staple for us, and we use it on more than just tacos. You can use it for grilled chicken or even to spice up your macaroni and cheese.
¼ cup chili powder (I like the ancho variety.)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons paprika
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and store in an air-tight container. Use 2½ tablespoons in place of any recipe that calls for a packet of taco seasoning.
- 2
For tacos, brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in 1 cup of water and add it, along with the seasoning, to the skillet. Simmer over low heat until the liquid has thickened.
