Taco Seasoning Mix
Preview: This taco seasoning mix is so simple to mix up with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It will also save you money. After trying this recipe, you’ll never buy the packets again.
If you’ve been following for me for long, you know I can’t handle two things…strong fragrances and MSG. That means that the majority of taco seasoning packets in the grocery store are a no-go for me since they usually contain the dreaded MSG.
Once I realized this, I decided to learn how to make my own and I’ve never looked back.
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This recipe is adapted from Merissa Alink’s book, Little House Living-The Make-Your-Own Guide to a Frugal, Simple, and Self-Sufficient Life. (As a side note-If you like DIY stuff this is great book to have on hand!)
This taco seasoning mix is very easy to mix up and keeps for a while in your pantry. Like most of my recipes, it is quite adaptable to your family’s tastes. I use it in any recipe that calls for a packet of taco seasoning.
This recipe is also very frugal. It won’t cost much more than a couple of packets of store-bought seasoning. This recipe makes 1 3/4 cups seasoning which is equal to about 14 packets.
You use 2 Tablespoons of taco seasoning in place of one packet, but since this is a mix you can use more or less depending on how seasoned you like your meat. If you like things hotter, you can also add some cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Feel free to alter this recipe to suit your tastes. You can add or take out any spices you choose.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried minced onion
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup oregano
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 3 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons salt
- 2 Tablespoons cumin
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a mason jar or other container in the pantry. Use 2 Tablespoons per pound of ground beef or chicken. You can also use 2 Tablespoons to replace each packet of store-bought taco seasoning in other recipes.
Taco Seasoning Makes a Great Gift
This taco seasoning mix is easy to package up in a jar to give as a gift. It would look great with several other seasoning mixes such as this Ranch dressing mix, and this basic spice rub (from An Oregon Cottage) all packaged together in a gift basket. This would be an ideal hostess gift to give during the holidays and it makes a great Mother’s Day gift for the cook.
A simple taco seasoning that you can mix up in minutes to replace those packets from the store.
- 1/2 cup dried minced onion
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup oregano
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 3 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons salt
- 2 Tablespoons cumin
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Mix all ingredients together. Store in a mason jar or other container in the pantry. Use 2 Tablespoons per pound of ground beef or chicken. You can also use 2 Tablespoons to replace each packet of store-bought taco seasoning in other recipes.
Do you make tacos often? What other seasoning mixes would you like to have on hand?
Why the cornstarch or arrowroot?
This taco seasoning is meant to replace the packets you buy at the store. Most contain a thickener of some sort. The cornstarch or arrowroot powder is used as the thickener in this recipe. Of course, you are welcome to leave it out if you would like. (I don’t usually add it myself.) However, if you are using a recipe that calls for a taco seasoning packet and additional liquid, you many need to add the thickener of your choice or your recipe may be too runny.