Taco Seasoning from Scratch
Tacos have always been a staple in our house. They're quick & easy to make. Each person gets to choose their toppings. And they are yummy! For years, I bought those taco seasoning packages at the store. Until one day. I read the ingredients on the back. Yuck. Why does a "seasoning" package have to contain weird ingredients??
We immediately starting making our own taco seasoning. For a long time, we just tossed in a little of this and a little of that right in with the meat as it cooked. Eventually, we started making a big jar of taco seasoning to have on hand whenever we got a hankering for tacos!
Having the taco seasoning on hand means that it's super easy for your kids to make tacos!
Lot of from-scratch taco seasoning recipes have cornstarch in them. It's included as a thickener so that it can absorb a little of the moisture in the meat so that the final taco meat isn't runny. I try to stay away from cornstarch as much as possible as it is a highly processed & refined substance - not necessarily unhealthy but definitely not a whole or local food. So as an alternative to using cornstarch, make sure you cook your ground meat until there is very little moisture left.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup cumin
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced dehydrated garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced dehydrated onion
- 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (adjust to your level of spiciness)
Makes approximately 1 1/4 cups of taco seasoning. Will season approximately 14 to 20 lbs of meat.
Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a 500 mL (2 cups/1 pint) mason jar. You can stir with a spoon or you can close the lid and shake. Store in a cool, dry place in the kitchen for up to 3 months.
Use 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat.