Homemade Taco Seasoning

Here is another quick mix that I couldn't live without. Taco seasoning in packets can be overly sweet, bland and extremely salty. I don't like feeling like I need to drink a gallon of water everytime I eat some mexican food, thank you very much. I have seen several different recipes for taco seasoning around the web and whatnot, but we had to play around with one until we liked it. This is what we settled on, and we love it. I encourage you to try it too! Always try it and if you need to do some tweaking in the next batch you can, make it to fit your families tastes and needs!

My recipe:

4 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons chili powder

3 Tablespoons paprika

3 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cumin

1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Mix and store in an airtight container. When I make this, I add the greater amount of cayenne pepper, and sometimes a little more. My kids like spicy food and so it doesn't bother them. I would start with the lesser amount and work up from there, depending on your tastes.

To use, simple mix 2 1/2 Tablespoons with 1 pound of cooked and drained ground beef. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer until it's thick.

This makes enough to season about 6 lbs of meat.

I had to share with you my cute little jar I keep my mix in. It's an antique, something I found in some jars that I got from my Grandma. It's a 1/2 pint, but not stamped with a maker, just little stars around the top edge. Anyway, It's only a 1/2 pint so it's perfect for one batch of seasoning. :)