Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend Recipe

Introduction

If you’re tired of store-bought taco seasoning blends that are loaded with preservatives, sugar, or extra sodium, this Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend is the perfect solution! It’s made with common spices that are likely already in your pantry, offering a fresher, healthier, and more flavorful option. This recipe is specifically measured to season 1 pound of meat, whether you’re making ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based taco fillings.

By creating your own seasoning, you have full control over the salt and spice levels, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes beyond tacos—think fajitas, burritos, or even sprinkled over roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for spice level)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Preparation:

Step 1: Measure the Ingredients

1. Gather the Spices: In a small bowl or jar, measure out all the spices—chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning

2. Combine the Spices: Whisk or stir the spices together until they are evenly mixed. Make sure all the ingredients are well-incorporated so that each spoonful will have the same flavor balance.

Step 3: Store or Use Immediately

3. Use Immediately or Store: If you’re using the taco seasoning right away, add it directly to your meat as it cooks (see cooking notes for instructions on how to use). If not, transfer the blend into an airtight container or small spice jar for future use. This seasoning can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Cooking Notes:

• How to Use the Seasoning: This seasoning blend is enough for 1 pound of meat. As you brown your ground beef or cook your chicken, turkey, or other protein, sprinkle the seasoning over the meat once it’s halfway cooked. For extra moisture and to create a sauce, you can add 1/4 cup of water after adding the seasoning to the meat. Stir and simmer until the seasoning is fully absorbed and the meat is evenly coated.
• Adjust for Dietary Preferences: If you’re cutting back on sodium, you can reduce the salt to 1/4 teaspoon or eliminate it altogether. You can also omit the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder seasoning.

Serving Suggestions:

This Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend is perfect for making flavorful taco fillings, but it doesn’t stop there! Here are a few more ways to use it:

• Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables or potatoes for a flavorful side dish.
• Mix it into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick taco dip.
• Use it as a rub for grilled chicken or steak.
• Add it to soups or chili for an extra kick of flavor.

Tips:

• Bulk Option: If you find yourself using taco seasoning frequently, you can easily double, triple, or quadruple the recipe and store it in a larger container. Just scoop out the right amount when you need it!
• Spice Variations: If you like smoky flavors, try substituting regular paprika with smoked paprika. You can also increase the cumin or garlic powder if those are flavors you love.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This seasoning blend is naturally gluten-free as it contains no fillers, unlike some store-bought versions that may use flour or cornstarch.

Prep Time:

• 5 minutes

Total Time:

• 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per tablespoon of seasoning):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.3g
• Sodium: 290mg (depending on how much salt you use)
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0.3g

Conclusion:

Making your own Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend is not only healthier but also allows you to customize the flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re preparing tacos, burritos, fajitas, or even just adding a punch of flavor to your veggies, this versatile seasoning will elevate your dishes with minimal effort. It’s a pantry staple that you can whip up in just minutes, ensuring you always have a fresh, flavorful blend on hand.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 5 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for spice level)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

Step 1: Measure the Ingredients

1. Gather the Spices: In a small bowl or jar, measure out all the spices—chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning

2. Combine the Spices: Whisk or stir the spices together until they are evenly mixed. Make sure all the ingredients are well-incorporated so that each spoonful will have the same flavor balance.

Step 3: Store or Use Immediately

3. Use Immediately or Store: If you’re using the taco seasoning right away, add it directly to your meat as it cooks (see cooking notes for instructions on how to use). If not, transfer the blend into an airtight container or small spice jar for future use. This seasoning can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 10
• Sodium: 290mg
• Protein: 0.3g