Coming up with homemade seasonings has taken a while. I don't know why; they're so easy to assemble and such a better choice than anything a supermarket has to offer. Be sure to purchase only organic spices as most conventional ones have been irradiated (not good). You can make this in big batches to have on hand, or just throw the spices on the beef as it cooks, which is what I find myself doing most of the time. Whenever possible, I like to use fresh garlic to benefit from it's many good properties, but obviously if you're wanting to make a big batch, it's better to go with dried/ground so it can be stored. A little jar of this is a great addition to a gift basket, or presented in a cute half-pint mason jar is a sweet (er, spicy) present on it's own. Here is our taco seasoning that my kids have decided is their favorite (they are my hardest critiques, you know):
Taco Seasoning
Makes enough to season 1 pound meat
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder or 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (only if you're using the whole batch right away)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (or more if you'd like it spicier)
- Mix all ingredients. Store in an airtight container (I used clean old spice jars or little mason jars)
- Use about 3 tablespoons mix with 1 pound browned ground beef (or meat of your choice. It's also great with chicken). Mix with about 1/3 cup water and let it simmer so the meat really absorbs the flavor without drying out.
I have been making my own taco seasoning for awhile now - it is so easy and so much better! I never think to put red pepper flakes in mine - I know they would make it even better! Yes, children can be the best critics.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is something I need to do more of as well. It's a great timesaver to have these mixes on hand. Plus they make great gifts!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great recipe.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie! This is gonna save us a ton of money in the long run rather than buying pre-made of most of all, it's gonna taste a lot better than the junk we've been using.
ReplyDeletemight have to try this. I've been looking for a taco seasoning mix that doesn't have maltodextrin in it.
ReplyDeleteMy onion powder was ruining this recipe for me. A friend shared her experience: Penzey's is the only brand she has consistently liked, for onion powder in particular. Others have contributed a bitter, even rotten, taste.
ReplyDelete