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DIY Taco Seasoning

4/17/2012

 
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Up until the last few months, I always have made tacos with a seasoning packet. And, let's be real...I'm cheap and I buy the store brand. Therefore, taco meat was fine but never great. I ate it, but I certainly wasn't in love and craving beef tacos every week. I still don't crave beef tacos every week, but I'm a lot more willing to put them on the dinner menu now.

The hubs actually had the idea to make our own taco seasoning. He found a recipe, measured everything out, and made it. And he's been doing it ever sense. I made it in a large quantity so that it's an easier weeknight meal. Next time, he can measure out what he needs, and we'll be having tacos before you know it! Since he found this recipe, I have no clue where it came from. If it's yours, please let me know. I'd love to credit you!

This recipe has some strange measurements since I multiplied it from one serving, so the heaping means don't level off your measuring cup/spoon and the scant means a little less. This is to avoid making you measure out an additional teaspoon or tablespoon on every ingredient. Also, I know that 1/4 cup of salt is a lot, but it's getting spread throughout, and you only use two tablespoons of the entire mixture in your hamburger. This is less than the actual recipe, so add more to your hamburger meat if you think it needs it. The heaping/scant measurements are a little unconventional, but I hope you'll make it anyway. It'll last a long time and no more packets or processed seasonings! You'll know exactly what's going into your beef tacos now.  
 
Taco Seasoning
Print this recipe
Makes about 12 servings

Heaping 3/4 cup dried minced onion
1/4 cup salt (can add more to taste in hamburger)
Scant 1/2 cup chili powder
Heaping 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Heaping 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes
Heaping 3 tablespoons garlic powder
Heaping 3 tablespoons ground cumin
Scant 2 tablespoons dried oregano

Mix all of the ingredients together and stir/shake to combine. Seal and store at room temperature.

Brown one pound of hamburger and drain any grease. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning mix over your cooked hamburger, add 1/3 cup water, stir and cook for 5-10 minutes over medium low heat until there is no water left and the meat tastes great! 
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Jen link
4/17/2012 10:18:14 pm

I love tacos. I discovered them when I lived in America. We didn't have them in England then, so I was forced to make my own. Your seasoning looks great! Have you tried a bit of paprika in it. :-)

She Makes and Bakes
4/18/2012 11:12:30 am

Great idea! I'll try the paprika next time!

The Mom Chef: Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time link
4/17/2012 11:57:34 pm

We must be on the same cooking schedule because we just had beef tacos this week also. I do love making my own seasoning and agree, I'll never go back to the store-bought variety. Your version looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing!

Jennie @themessybakerblog link
4/18/2012 12:32:11 am

I never thought to make my own. Brilliant! I feel the same way about the store bought packets. They're okay, but I don't love the flavor. Thanks for sharing.

Karen
4/18/2012 01:33:50 am

Thanks. I copied it and will try it next time we have tacos.

Choc Chip Uru link
4/18/2012 05:42:20 am

This seasoning looks wonderful - totally resourceful :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Eileen link
4/18/2012 05:53:45 am

Sounds like a great idea to me! Small packets would make great gifts too!

She Makes and Bakes
4/18/2012 11:21:25 am

That's a great idea!! Putting that on Christmas list. :) Thanks!

laurat-wyldethyme link
4/18/2012 07:20:47 am

I just made this for dinner tonight! I didn't use cornstarch, what a great idea. Does it pull everything together like i'm suspecting it does?

She Makes and Bakes
4/18/2012 11:22:56 am

Yep, that's the job of the cornstarch. It brings everything together and thickens it up. Definitely use it next time. :)

Missy link
4/18/2012 08:56:16 am

I have never made my own herb blends, but I love this! I may try it! Love the cornstarch...great idea!

Debra Kapellakis
4/19/2012 01:04:46 am

I can get everything but the dried onion :(! bummer It sure looks and sounds good.

She Makes and Bakes
4/19/2012 10:53:45 pm

I think you could sub onion powder (I would use as much as the garlic powder) or you could finely dice an onion and cook that with your hamburger.

Debra
10/23/2012 03:32:50 pm

I get onion powder here. FANtastic idea, thank you! :D

Jenn and Seth link
4/19/2012 01:58:14 am

i love this idea, definitely doing this next time we make tacos!

New Bedford adult link
10/23/2012 09:50:19 am

Your blog looked so simple to design that I decided to create one, thanks!


Comments are closed.

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    Cooking is fun and easy at high altitude, but baking can be frustrating. About 90% of my recipes work everywhere, but some are adjusted so us mountain dwellers can enjoy baked goods from scratch. I hope you find great recipes on here for your family, and I'll let you know if any are adjusted for high altitude. 

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