Quick Help! Can I make my own taco seasoning?

[KristaMB]

Can anybody suggest what spices I can use to create my own taco seasoning? I need it for dinner tonight!

Thanks in advance,
Krista

[Jen]

I don't have a recipe for taco seasoning, but I do have one for "Mexican chili mix":

"Combine and crush equal parts of oregano and cumin with hot dried chile pepper to taste."

OK, so it's not very specific. I also happen to have an envelope of taco seasoning here, and other than the preservatives, the spices listed are: onion powder, garlic powder, salt, chili pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano.

Don't know if this helps, but good luck!!

[KristaMB]

Yay, Jen! That's what I needed! I'll just improvise, but I didn't know where to start. Thank you! :)

[sushibones]

When I used to make my own without a mix, I used garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Salt/pepper to taste. Add 1 small can of tomato sauce or juice; I also added some Worchestershire and a little vinegar (approx 1 tsp) to the mixture as it was cooking. I sauteed onions with the meat. You could also add paprika or cayenne or any other spicy seasoning to make it spicier.

I used equal amounts of chili powder and cumin and oregano, but you could add them in whatever proportion you wanted, depending on what flavor you wanted to predominate. Mine was very mild with only 1/2 tsp of each for 1 lb meat, but you get the idea. Start with some amount of the ingredients, and keep adding until it tastes good.

Hope this helps. Won't be able to answer any questions because I'm on my way out. Good Luck.

[Linda in MO]

I know I'm too late, but this is how I make taco seasoning. I keep it pretty mild for the kids.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Taco Seasoning Mix

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Mexican , Mixes


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 tsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cornstarch (slightly heaping)
1/2 tsp. dried minced garlic
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. dried oregano (pref. Mexican)
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes -- (1/8 to 1/4)
ground chipotle and adobo seasoning, to taste (optional)

Mix all together and add to a pound of browned hamburger. Add 3/4 of a cup of hot water and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes.


NOTES : Makes the equivalent of one packet.

[KristaMB]

Thanks everyone! I was making the Taco Rice skillet that somebody posted here awhile back, and I just threw in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, and oregano until it tasted good.

I don't think I'll ever buy those little packets again! :)

[Adriana]

Linda's recipe looks like an excellent start. I like to throw in a couple of tavlespoons of cornmeal to the spice mix as it gives the taco meat a creamier texture and keeps it from slifding out of the shells or tortillas. I picked this tip up from examining the ingredient list ona commercial mix label.

When we make up taco meat I also like to add a couple of other liquids to make it more flavorful, such as 1/2 cup of beer, juice of half a lime and some canned tomatoes or salsa. We're big fans of green tabasco so it gets a couple of shakes of this too.