Taco Seasoning

Each weekend I try to meal plan for the upcoming week's dinners.  If I ask Chris what he wants for dinner, he always answers "tacos."  Without fail!  We don't have them every week and I do try to change it up with crispy shells or soft tortillas, adding shredded potatoes (like my mom), Hatch chiles, tomatoes or anything else interesting we have on hand. 

The best part about making your own taco seasoning is that you can control the amount of salt.  I quickly calculated the difference in sodium in this recipe (as written) and the McCormick's packet of Taco Seasoning Mix.  This homemade seasoning is ~ 28% less sodium (per packet) but you could easily reduce the salt down to 1/2 or 3/4 teaspoon and reduce it further.  (Full disclosure:  McCormick also makes a 30% less sodium taco seasoning mix.)  You can also adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

If you still buy those taco seasoning packets - you need to try this recipe!  The ingredients are pretty common for a well stocked spice rack and once you have everything out, the measuring takes no time.   

Taco Seasoning
Source: allrecipes.com

1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients.

Ground Beef Tacos
Brown 1# ground beef.  Drain fat, if needed.  Add homemade taco seasoning to the browned meat with 1/2-3/4 cup water.  Let simmer until water evaporates to desired consistency.  Serve in warm taco shells or tortillas and top with shredded cheese, lettuce and diced tomatoes.