Here’s a staple favourite recipe that I’ve made countless times, and I hope you will enjoy it as well!
I love all things taco, so I figured it was about time to share this recipe. It’s been the backbone of every great taco that has come out of my kitchen, and it’s so much cheaper to make yourself than to buy it pre-made!
This recipe is not spicy, although it does have a very warming affect with lots of pepper and chili powder. If you want a little extra kick, try adding a little cayenne pepper; although, personally I think that if you want some added heat, you should just add some hot salsa or Guatemalan Chile to top it off.
Try this recipe with ground beef or pork, or as a seasoning for taco soup. You can also add it to your favourite chili or as a seasoning for chicken fajitas. As a vegan/vegetarian option, try using this on beans instead of meat! It’s delicious, simple, and cost effective– the best!
Simple Homemade Taco Seasoning
This recipe is super simple & super delicious! Just add this to fried ground beef with some onion, garlic, and a bit of tomato juice (see recipe for details). 2 Tbsp. of this blend is equal to 1 pkg. of pre-made taco seasoning mix from the store (for use with 1lb. of ground beef).
Ingredients
- 1 cup chili powder see notes
- 5 Tbsp salt
- 3 Tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp dried oregano leaves
- 1-1/2 Tbsp cumin
Instructions
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Measure all ingredients in a bowl; whisk to combine thoroughly. Pour into a pint jar or another sealed bag or container for storage.
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For perfect taco meat: Fry one onion with 4 cloves of garlic and 2.5 lbs lean ground beef. Add 1/4 cup of this seasoning and 1 cup of tomato juice OR 1 can of tomato paste + 1c. water. Simmer 20-30 minutes.
Recipe Notes
RE: CHILI POWDER: I have made the mistake sometimes of purchasing HOT chili powder (it’s usually bright red, more like cayenne). This recipe calls for the more mild, dark coloured chili powder, more commonly used to make tomato based chili.
Confession before I go: I once made this recipe for company with cayenne pepper instead of chili powder (we bought it in bulk, and it was mislabeled in the store). Thankfully our guests enjoyed really hot/spicy food… although my eyes still water when I think back on it.
That said – Be warned. Hehe, not all chili powders are what they seem!
Thanks for stopping in!
–Naomi
