Taco Seasoning Can Take You to Much More Than Tacos!
Tacos are just the beginning. There’s so much more you can do with this unassuming package of southwest seasoning.
But before I dive into the clever things folks are doing with this stuff, did you know you can make your own? And considering how these convenience packets have jumped in price today, making your own is a good idea.
And there’s nothin’ to it. Taco seasoning is simply a mixture of common spices you probably already have in your cupboard, such as chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Here’s my favorite recipe. I found this on www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com and will never buy packets again. I’ve adapted it to our taste (we like more garlic and onion powder); so feel free to mess around with this. You can’t hurt it.
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Directions:
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Now that you have plenty of this tasty and versatile seasoning, take a look at all the things you can do with it. From snacks to soups, taco seasoning can take you to much more than tacos.
In terms of snacks, first sprinkle it over your popcorn and see if you aren’t pleasantly surprised. Or flavor your roasted chickpeas with it. We like to use it make spicy nuts and it’s amazing on tater tots. And consider melting a little butter, toss some taco seasoning into this and then coat oyster crackers in it. Then add some of these crackers to your tomato soup. WOW!
Taco seasoning also belongs in dips and spreads. We mix it into softened cream cheese and use it as our sandwich spread. Of course, it’s marvelous stirred into sour cream. I add a little refried beans to that and we have a yummy chip dip. It’s also delicious when mixed in to mayonnaise and used to dress tossed salad.
One last idea is to use it with pasta. Taco seasoning does amazing things to traditional macaroni and cheese. And we experimented one night by adding it to sour cream with some diced canned tomatoes and poured that over cooked spaghetti. We topped it with shredded Cheddar cheese and it was scrumptious.
If you aren’t already a fan of making your own seasonings, do consider it. This takes next to no time, saves a chunk of money, and you know exactly what you’re getting (no fillers or mystery ingredients). Plus, you can manipulate the flavor according to your personal preference!
But before I dive into the clever things folks are doing with this stuff, did you know you can make your own? And considering how these convenience packets have jumped in price today, making your own is a good idea.
And there’s nothin’ to it. Taco seasoning is simply a mixture of common spices you probably already have in your cupboard, such as chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Here’s my favorite recipe. I found this on www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com and will never buy packets again. I’ve adapted it to our taste (we like more garlic and onion powder); so feel free to mess around with this. You can’t hurt it.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Directions:
Mix all ingredients well and store in an airtight container.
For taco filling, use approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix for each pound of ground meat (or to taste). Add a little water if you like a more “saucy” taco mix.
For taco filling, use approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix for each pound of ground meat (or to taste). Add a little water if you like a more “saucy” taco mix.
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
Now that you have plenty of this tasty and versatile seasoning, take a look at all the things you can do with it. From snacks to soups, taco seasoning can take you to much more than tacos.
In terms of snacks, first sprinkle it over your popcorn and see if you aren’t pleasantly surprised. Or flavor your roasted chickpeas with it. We like to use it make spicy nuts and it’s amazing on tater tots. And consider melting a little butter, toss some taco seasoning into this and then coat oyster crackers in it. Then add some of these crackers to your tomato soup. WOW!
Taco seasoning also belongs in dips and spreads. We mix it into softened cream cheese and use it as our sandwich spread. Of course, it’s marvelous stirred into sour cream. I add a little refried beans to that and we have a yummy chip dip. It’s also delicious when mixed in to mayonnaise and used to dress tossed salad.
One last idea is to use it with pasta. Taco seasoning does amazing things to traditional macaroni and cheese. And we experimented one night by adding it to sour cream with some diced canned tomatoes and poured that over cooked spaghetti. We topped it with shredded Cheddar cheese and it was scrumptious.
If you aren’t already a fan of making your own seasonings, do consider it. This takes next to no time, saves a chunk of money, and you know exactly what you’re getting (no fillers or mystery ingredients). Plus, you can manipulate the flavor according to your personal preference!
Alice Osborne
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
Email the author! alice@dvo.com
