Taco Seasoning

Ready to unlock the secret to restaurant-worthy tacos, made right in your own kitchen?

Forget those bland, pre-packaged seasonings—I'm about to share my foolproof recipe and simple tricks for a vibrant, flavorful taco seasoning that will elevate your taco nights forever!

What You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to whip up this flavor-packed soup! Grab a tablespoon of olive oil, 'cause we're gonna sauté some veggies. You'll also want one diced onion – brown or white, your call!

Next up, one diced red bell pepper for that sweet crunch! Don't forget one can each of black beans and sweet corn—undrained, please. Gotta have those flavorful juices!

Now, let's talk aromatics. Two minced garlic cloves are a must. And for spices, I add two teaspoons each of oregano and cumin—these are the real flavor boosters!

Don't forget that paprika – two teaspoons! And if you're feeling a little spicy – like I usually am, so fun – a quarter teaspoon of chili powder! Feel free to adjust these amounts if you want to change the heat level of the seasoning. Of course, if you're not – then don't, lol!

Mixing Instructions

Alright, now for the mixing instructions! First, grab your measuring spoons—we're diving in! In a bowl, I'm adding 1 tablespoon of chili powder for that essential taco kick. Next, I'm throwing in 2 teaspoons of cumin!

Now, don't forget the paprika—1 teaspoon should do the trick. I like to add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Yum! For a bit of fresh taste, consider adding a pinch of cilantro like you would when making restaurant-style salsas.

Oregano's next! I add just ½ teaspoon. And a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a little heat, if you're feeling brave.

Finally, I throw in ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. I whisk everything together until it's evenly combined —no clumps allowed! Store it in an airtight container. You're done!

Usage Suggestions

I've got some seriously awesome ways to use this taco seasoning you've just made — and trust me, you're going to love them! First off, obviously, is tacos! For one pound of ground beef, I'd suggest using about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning – adjust to your taste buds, of course!

But don't stop there! I love sprinkling it on roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Toss them with a bit of olive oil and a generous sprinkle before roasting at 400°F (200°C) until tender. Amazing!

You know what else? This taco seasoning is fantastic in soups! Especially the Pork Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork soup. This seasoning, with some pulled pork, broth, and toppings will explode in your mouth!

Finally, think outside the taco shell! Eggs, salads, and even popcorn gets the tasty boost.

Storage Advice

To keep your taco seasoning fresh and flavorful, I've got a few simple tips! First, make sure you're using an airtight container—think resealable bags or glass jars. I prefer glass because you can reuse them, and they're kinda cute.

Now, where you store it matters, too! Keep your homemade taco seasoning in a cool, dark, and dry place. That spice cabinet away from the stove? Perfect! We don't want any moisture or heat ruining the flavor, so somewhere like near the oven is definitely OUT!

And hey, if you're making a big batch—which, let's be honest, is always a good idea—consider storing some in the freezer. It'll last even longer–like, a super long time! Just remember to label it; otherwise, you'll play "guess the spice", which isn't always as fun as it sounds.