Easy Mexican Meals: Part 1 – Taco Seasoning
Unless it is a burrito shop like Chipotle, my husband balks at the idea of going out for Mexican food. He just does not like it. But, he loves my homemade Mexican cuisine. Authentic or more likely, not, my homemade enchiladas, nachos, fajitas, and tacos hit his taste buds just right.
I love to make all of these dishes from scratch, including homemade dairy-free “cheese” for the nachos. However, when it comes to quick Mexican-inspired meals, I rely heavily on my good ol’ taco seasoning. In fact, over the past few weeks I have whipped up this taco seasoning about a half a dozen times. I will share the recipe for the meals I have made with it in upcoming posts, but for now, I thought that I should start out by sharing the taco seasoning from my guide and cookbook! You can of course use store-bought taco seasoning, but really, this tastes so much better, has no additives, and is a great frugal alternative to packaged and processed foods.
Flavorful Taco Seasoning
This recipe is from Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living
We use a mild chili powder, as we prefer to control the heat of our meals after the fact, with hot sauce or salsa to taste, but you can use a medium or hot one if you prefer. This recipe is Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Sugar-Free, and Non-Fat.
- 1 Tablespoon Mild Chili Powder
- 1-1/2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Crushed Oregano
- 1/8 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (increase if you like spicier)
- 1/2 to 1 Teaspoon Salt (I use the full amount)
- Up to 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (optional) [I often omit]
In a small bowl, stir all of the ingredients together. If not using immediately, store in an airtight container.
To Prepare: Add the full batch of this seasoning mix to 1 lb of almost cooked ground meat, cubed chicken, vegan “meat” crumbles, cubed tofu, or chopped vegetables. Finish cooking with the seasoning incorporated to help the flavors meld.
Yields 2-1/2 Tablespoons or the Equivalent of a 1/4-Ounce Packet of Store-Bought
24 thoughts on “Easy Mexican Meals: Part 1 – Taco Seasoning”
Oh I wish I would have looked at this before making enchiladas tonight! I didn’t even think to add oregeno, but that sounds very yummy!!
awesome – can’t wait to try this 🙂
homemade dairy-free cheese? i need to find out how to do this!
This looks great….. I am really keen to try it out…
Great recipe. I’ve started buying taco seasoning from my co-op. Probably not as tasty as homemade, but better than McCormicks.
This is great! I’ve always wanted to know what’s in those seasoning packets! Now I can make my own! I just found your blog and love it!
I have yet to come across this recipe in the now stained and well used copy of your book! I am going to give tacos a go with some finely chopped tempeh.. always an experiment 🙂
This sounds so great…how long will the seasoning keep?
this looks so yummy!!! i love mexican flavoring!
This is really very helpful..Thanks for sharing.
I’m sure many will love this recipe, Alisa. We’ve actually learned to love an even simpler recipe for just tacos from the good old Betty Crocker cookbook that calls for just chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic. Per the BC recipe, you just add those ingredients and water and cook down each time you make taco meat. But, your recipe could have many uses. 🙂
Thanks,
Shirley
OoOoo I can’t wait to try this!! I’ve been making a mix of my own, but I really think your combination will be fabulous
i heart mexican food!
We love Mexican food at our house! I have all of these ingredients on hand so I’m going to stir up a batch the next time I need taco seasoning.
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I completely agree that the flavor is so much better when you make it homemade. I haven’t used the packets in years. My recipe is similar to yours with a few minor differences, plus I make my own chili seasoning and just recently found a homemade enchilada sauce I really like too. Great post!
Hi r u the same alisa who left a comment on my
rodas-recipes blog a couple of days ago. I just
saw your name on another blog so I followed the
link and here I am.
Hi and nice to know you.
Thanks for this taco seasoning recipe. I’m looking forward to make use of this if I want to make a Mexican inspired dish at home.
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