Make homemade taco seasoning from dried chilies, cumin, garlic, onion, thyme and oregano. You can customize your taco seasoning by choosing mild, medium or hot chili powders. There are no scary ingredients and you can control the amount of salt. Store bought taco seasoning is more expensive, less flavorful and there are anti-caking agents, artificial seasonings and an over abundance of sodium. This recipe makes enough to season 6 pounds of taco meat.

Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade taco seasoning with no scary ingredients. An inexpensive and healthy alternative to store bought mixes.
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon ground California chili
1 tablespoon New Mexico chili
1 tablespoon Spanish smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf crushed
Combine all ingredients and crush with a mortar and pestle or whiz in a spice grinder until there’s a granular powder. Store in a clean dry spice jar.

Healthier Beef Taco Meat

One pound of ground meat will go a long way when you add nutritious vegetables. You essentially double the volume while adding fiber and vitamins. I bet the family won’t even notice the vegetables.

Sauté 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup shredded carrot and/or zucchini in olive oil. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain if there’s excess fat. Add 1 tablespoon of homemade taco seasoning and 14 ounces of fire roasted tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Adjust salt.

Feel free to substitute ground chicken, turkey, pork or tofu. I use this taco seasoning on fish tacos too. I add more or less depending on how spicy I want the meat to taste. Play with your food and make this seasoning your own creation.

Build your taco in a warm flour or corn tortilla with meat, any salsa, shredded cheese and lettuce.  My favorite street taco additions are finely chopped cilantro mixed with onions and shredded cabbage.

Do you make your own seasoning mixes? Common spices are so inexpensive in Mexico and you can buy them in bulk so it just makes sense to mix your my own seasonings. Stay tuned for more seasoning recipes. I use this seasoning in homemade Mexican chorizo ,salmon and chicken tortilla soup.

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