Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Those little packs of taco seasoning are convenient and do the trick just fine, taste-wise. But, if you want to control your salt intake, increase the heat, save a few pennies, or just didn’t realized that you forgot to buy the seasoning pack until you have the meat cooked and ready for the spices, this recipe will work just as well, if not better.

TACO SEASONING MIX  from Cooks.com

2 tsp. instant minced onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. corn starch
1/2 tsp. crushed dried red pepper
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. instant minced garlic

Combine all ingredients and use immediately or seal and store. You can also double, triple or more the amounts so as to have plenty on hand as needed.

TACO FILLING:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. water
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning Mix

Brown beef, drain off excess grease. Add water and seasoning mix. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
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If you don’t have minced onion, chopped about 1/2 a medium onion and saute in the pan before browning the meat or add minced fresh onion before adding seasoning.  Also,  1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt works fine, and I often use cayenne powder  for the red pepper.

This recipe is great as is or as a basis for your own special combination of spices. Just make sure you keep chili powder and cumin in your spice cabinet and you will be good to go for anything Mexican.

And that’s it!  Just a spur of the moment post, here.  Nothing but the facts.  🙂