Taco Seasoning Mix (+ bonus taco salad)

If you are someone who is used to using premade mixes, I get that. It often feels simpler and faster. But, let me give you a little confidence and say that if you have a decently stocked spice rack, you probably have everything you need to create those mixes from scratch!

An added benefit of making mixes like the below taco seasoning is that you start to get to know what flavors go well together and you can adjust specific elements to make it perfectly to your taste.

Taco Seasoning Mix
A recipe from my mom. Here are her directions.

1 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cornstarch

Combine all ingredients. Use as you would a package of taco seasoning, to season 1 pound of browned, drained ground beef: Add 3/4 cup water and simmer 5 minutes. OR use less water (1/4 cup) and heat in the microwave for 4 minutes.

Elizabeth's notes:

I actually don't like highly seasoned meat, so I usually keep a jar of this mix on hand and just sprinkle to taste.
This seasoning also works well for fajita veggies, chicken, or corn.

One additional way to use this mix- Taco Salad

The other day I used this as an inspiration for a taco salad. I sauteed some chopped bell peppers, onion, and frozen corn with a little taco seasoning mix sprinkled on top. Once tender I set aside and used the same pan to cook some chicken, again sprinkled with this seasoning mix.

Once cooked I assembled my salad with lettuce, veggie mix, chicken, shredded cheese, hot sauce, and ranch with a lemon slice on the side to squeeze on top. If you are looking for a little crunch add some tortilla chips on the side or crumbled on top.

This feels a little less like a recipe and more like a list of ingredients, but that's how cooking works sometimes. The flavors were excellent together!

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