Taco Tuesday is a real thing around here; it can be on any day, even Wednesday or Thursday, especially when I want an easy, no-hassle meal. There are so many store-bought options for seasoning packets, and I am sure everyone has their own personal favorite. I have noticed some are “saltier” tasting than others, some have a stronger cumin flavor, and others still have a bitter “too much chili powder” taste.
I am fortunate to be able to shop at one of those big warehouse stores where you can buy things in bulk. The last time I purchased Taco Seasoning there, you could get 10 individual name-brand packets or the store brand 23-ounce container for just under $7.00; they both yield approximately the same number of meals, which makes the cost around $.70 each. What if I told you that you can make a really good seasoning mix at home for less?
Here is a recipe that will yield approximately 16 meals for around $.43 per meal.
Ingredients:
- **For a bulk batch*
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp chili powder
- 3/4 cup ground cumin
- 3/4 cup smoked paprika
- 3/4 cup garlic powder
- 3/4 cup onion powder
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup dried oregano
- 1/4 cup salt
- 2.5 tbsp black pepper
- 2.5 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Store: Transfer the mix to an airtight container or small jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Use: To season 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, or other protein, brown the meat in a skillet, drain excess fat, then add the 3 tbsp. of seasoning mix along with 2/3 cup of water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
**For an individual meal or one packet
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Use: To season 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, or other protein, brown the meat in a skillet, drain excess fat, then add the seasoning mix along with 2/3 cup water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Notes:
For mild seasoning: omit the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper
For medium seasoning: add just the red pepper flakes
For hot seasoning, add both the red pepper flakes and the cayenne pepper.
You can add up to 1/3 cup of salt in the bulk batch or omit altogether.
Shopping list and approximate (my local)
Price:
| Ingredient | Ingredient Required Amount | Package Size & Price | Cost for Required Amount |
| Chili powder | 34 tbsp (~7.65 oz) | 3 oz for $1.24 (41.3¢/oz) | $0.32 (buy ~3 packages) |
| Ground cumin | 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) | 2.5 oz for $1.28 (51.2¢/oz) | $0.20 (buy ~2 packages) |
| Smoked paprika | 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) | 2 oz for $1.98 (99¢/oz) | $0.38 (buy ~2 packages) |
| Garlic powder | 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) | 3.4 oz for $1.24 (36.5¢/oz) | $0.14 (buy ~2 packages) |
| Onion powder | 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) | 3.25 oz for $1.16 (35.7¢/oz) | $0.14 (buy ~2 packages) |
| Cornstarch | 11 tbsp + 1 tsp (~3.83 oz) | 16 oz for $1.92 (12¢/oz) | $0.05 (buy 1 package) |
| Dried oregano | 5 tbsp + 2 tsp (~1.92 oz) | 0.87 oz for $1.24 ($1.43/oz) | $2.75 (buy ~3 packages) |
| Salt | 5 tbsp + 2 tsp (~1.92 oz) | 26 oz for $0.76 (2.9¢/oz) | $0.06 (buy 1 package) |
| Black pepper | 2 tbsp + 2.5 tsp (~0.96 oz) | 3 oz for $3.92 ($1.31/oz) | $1.26 (buy 1 package) |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 2 tbsp + 2.5 tsp (~0.96 oz) | 1.75 oz for $1.44 (82.3¢/oz) | $0.79 (buy 1 package) |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | 1 tbsp + 1.25 tsp (~0.48 oz) | 2.25 oz for $3.77 ($1.68/oz) | $0.81 (buy 1 package) |
Total Estimated Cost: ~$6.90 (without cayenne: ~$6.09; includes buying full packages with ~70-80% excess for storage).