Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
1 cup
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Calories
492 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Description
The Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe combines several types of chili powder with cumin, oregano, dried onion, and garlic powder for a complex seasoning mix. Cornmeal is a distinctive inclusion, adding texture and helping to thicken taco meat when cooked. Additional ingredients like smoked paprika and cocoa powder introduce subtle smoky and rich notes. To prepare taco meat, the seasoning is combined with ground beef and water, simmered to infuse the flavors and create a juicy, textured filling for tacos or burritos.
Once mixed, the seasoning keeps well in an airtight container, allowing you to make larger batches for convenience. For best results, use the prepared seasoning with ground beef, adjusting the amount according to the quantity of meat. The seasoning can also be adapted by varying chili powders, but it's important to avoid substituting with pure cayenne to prevent excessive spiciness.
This taco seasoning brings a balanced flavor profile that combines heat, earthiness, and a hint of sweetness, making it suitable for a range of Mexican-style dishes. The inclusion of cornmeal distinguishes it from typical taco seasonings, offering a textural element when combined in taco meat preparations.
Ingredients
For the dry spice mix:
- 6 tablespoons cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons onion dried minced
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons salt or kosher salt, sea salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
When you make taco meat:
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning homemade
- 1 & 1/4 cups water for each single batch of taco meat
- 1 teaspoon beef base for each single batch of taco meat, better than bouillon
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons cornmeal, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder, 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder, 2 tablespoons cumin, 2 tablespoons oregano, 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, 4 teaspoons garlic powder, 4 teaspoons sea salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.
- Makes 1 cup taco seasoning. Store mixture in an airtight container (mason jar, tupperware, zipolock baggie, we not fancy)
- Use 2 tablespoons seasoning for 1/2 pound of ground beef.Use 1/4 cup seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef.Use 1/2 cup seasoning for 2 pounds of ground beef. Use 3/4 cup seasoning for 3 pounds of ground beef. Use 1 cup seasoning (all of it) for 4 pounds of ground beef.
To make 1 pound taco meat:
- Cook 1 pound ground beef in a pan over medium heat, crumbling. Drain the grease. (Or don't!!)
- Add 1/4 cup of taco seasoning to the meat. Add 1 and 1/4 cups water. If you love yourself even more, add in 1 teaspoon Better than Beef Bouillon. (this ingredient is optional but soo tasty. Adds great beefy flavor.)
- Stir well and cook over medium heat until liquid has reduced somewhat but for heavens sake, not all the way. JUICY tacos, please! Your sauce should be nice and thick. It shouldn't take more than a couple minutes.
Notes
- Use a mild chili powder blend typical in U.S. stores rather than pure cayenne powder to avoid excessive heat.
- If short on time, add 1½ tablespoons yellow cornmeal to a 1 oz store-bought taco seasoning packet to replicate the texture effect.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container for freshness and use as needed with ground beef.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 492 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 492kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 94g | 31% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Potassium | 1663mg | 35% |
| Fiber | 27g | 108% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 13753IU | 275% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 441mg | 44% |
| Iron | 22mg | 122% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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