Taco Seasoning

Taco Tuesday is a real thing around here; it can be on any day, even Wednesday or Thursday, especially when I want an easy, no-hassle meal. There are so many store-bought options for seasoning packets, and I am sure everyone has their own personal favorite. I have noticed some are "saltier" tasting than others, some have a stronger cumin flavor, and others still have a bitter "too much chili powder" taste.

I am fortunate to be able to shop at one of those big warehouse stores where you can buy things in bulk. The last time I purchased Taco Seasoning there, you could get 10 individual name-brand packets or the store brand 23-ounce container for just under $7.00; they both yield approximately the same number of meals, which makes the cost around $.70 each. What if I told you that you can make a really good seasoning mix at home for less?

Here is a recipe that will yield approximately 16 meals for around $.43 per meal.

Ingredients:

**For a bulk batch*

~2 cups + 2 tbsp chili powder

~3/4 cup ground cumin

~3/4 cup smoked paprika

~3/4 cup garlic powder

~3/4 cup onion powder

~3/4 cup cornstarch

~1/3 cup dried oregano

~1/4 cup salt

~2.5 tbsp black pepper

~2.5 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes

~1.5 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Store: Transfer the mix to an airtight container or small jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Use: To season 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, or other protein, brown the meat in a skillet, drain excess fat, then add the 3 tbsp. of seasoning mix along with 2/3 cup of water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

**For an individual meal or one packet

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Optional: 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Use: To season 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, or other protein, brown the meat in a skillet, drain excess fat, then add the seasoning mix along with 2/3 cup water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Notes:

For mild seasoning: omit the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper

For medium seasoning: add just the red pepper flakes

For hot seasoning, add both the red pepper flakes and the cayenne pepper.

You can add up to 1/3 cup of salt in the bulk batch or omit altogether.

Shopping list and approximate (my local)

price:

Ingredient Required Amount Package Size & Price Cost for Required Amount

Chili powder 34 tbsp (~7.65 oz) 3 oz for $1.24 (41.3¢/oz) $0.32 (buy ~3 packages)

Ground cumin 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) 2.5 oz for $1.28 (51.2¢/oz) $0.20 (buy ~2 packages)

Smoked paprika 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) 2 oz for $1.98 (99¢/oz) $0.38 (buy ~2 packages)

Garlic powder 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) 3.4 oz for $1.24 (36.5¢/oz) $0.14 (buy ~2 packages)

Onion powder 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) 3.25 oz for $1.16 (35.7¢/oz) $0.14 (buy ~2 packages)

Cornstarch 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) 16 oz for $1.92 (12¢/oz) $0.05 (buy 1 package)

Dried oregano 5 tbsp + 2 tsp (~1.92 oz) 0.87 oz for $1.24 ($1.43/oz) $2.75 (buy ~3 packages)

Salt 5 tbsp + 2 tsp (~1.92 oz) 26 oz for $0.76 (2.9¢/oz) $0.06 (buy 1 package)

Black pepper 2 tbsp + 2.5 tsp (~0.96 oz) 3 oz for $3.92 ($1.31/oz) $1.26 (buy 1 package)

Crushed red pepper flakes

2 tbsp + 2.5 tsp (~0.96 oz) 1.75 oz for $1.44 (82.3¢/oz) $0.79 (buy 1 package)

Cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tbsp + 1.25 tsp (~0.48 oz) 2.25 oz for $3.77 ($1.68/oz) $0.81 (buy 1 package)

Total Estimated Cost: ~$6.90 (without cayenne: ~$6.09; includes buying full packages with ~70-80% excess for storage).