Taco Seasoning Recipe to Replace a Packet
Most homemade seasoning blend recipes make larger batches. Sometimes that might be just what you need, but other times it’s not. That’s how I always felt when I wanted a homemade replacement for a taco seasoning packet. Give me just a single recipe size of taco seasoning blend please! So I finally came up with my own recipe for a taco seasoning packet replacement and I think you’ll find this recipe to be super handy too.
This taco seasoning recipe uses seven familiar pantry spices, which is exactly why I like this recipe. Why should I buy a packet of taco seasoning when I already have what I need in my cupboard? A little bit of cornstarch can be added as well to help thicken the mixture when it’s added to your meat.
The spices used in this mixture are:
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- oregano
- onion powder
- garlic salt
- cayenne
I like to mix the spices together in a small dish first to get the cornstarch mixed in well too. Once it’s all mixed together you’ll have about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning which works perfectly for any recipe calling for a taco seasoning packet.
And then I use this mixture in the same way as the instructions on a taco seasoning packet. I use it with one pound of ground beef, which is browned and then drained of any excess grease. Then I add my homemade taco seasoning blend with 3/4 cup of water, and heat until the liquid is bubbling well and let everything cook for a few minutes. You would never know I didn’t use a packet!
On those few occasions when I did use a store-bought packet again, they seemed so much saltier than I remembered and now I never use them at all. With a homemade spice blend you control your ingredients and there’s no need for any of their anti-caking agents either. The recipe below is a “heat” level that I prefer, but if you like it spicier you can of course increase the amount of cayenne or chili pepper, or any of the other spices that you want to play around with. You can mix it just the way you like it when you make your own!
And yes, I do have a larger recipe for taco seasoning that’s come in handy for me too:
Homemade Taco Seasoning Spice Blend (3 oz size)
Another example of a small blend I make is this pumpkin pie spice (just 1 tablespoon!)
Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tablespoon size)
DIY Replacement for a Taco Seasoning Packet
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon corn starch (see notes)
To make taco meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup water
Instructions:
- Combine the spices and the cornstarch in a small bowl.
- To use the mixture to make taco meat: Brown the ground beef and drain any excess grease. Stir in the spices and the water. Heat until the liquid is bubbling and then cook and stir for a few minutes while the mixture thickens.
Notes:
