Let’s Taco ’bout It

The last time I made tacos, I thought I had the seasoning on hand. I didn’t. Had I been clever enough to make a shaker full of the flavoring, it would have been easy to sprinkle onto the simmering beef. I’ll not get caught without again.

Handy Homemade Taco Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 2 Tbs. chili powder
•  3 Tbs. cumin
• 1 Tbs. each of salt, pepper and paprika
• 2 tsp. each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and store in air-tight container or jar with tight lid.

To use, brown 1 lb. ground beef and add 2 to 2 1/2 Tbs. taco seasoning, plus 1/3 cup broth or water. Simmer until liquid thickens, 1-2 minutes. 

Kitchen Notes:

• The New York Times suggests adding a teaspoon, or so, of cornstarch to curb wetness.
• This blend is medium in heat. But if you want to take it up a notch, add 2 tsp. red chili pepper flakes or use spicy chili powder. For a less heated blend, use mild chili power.
• Store in airtight container and keep in cool, dark place. Peak freshness should remain for 6 months.
• Make the recipe low sodium by cutting the amount of salt used.
  

  If this doesn’t push your taco button, nothing will.