Much easier, cheaper and healthier to use pantry spices than additive-laden seasoning mixes. A jarful of homemade taco seasoning also makes a great gift.
Ingredients for one pound ground turkey or beef
Garlic and onion powder are optional (they’re often in your chili powder as well). You can also substitute 1 clove garlic, minced and/or 1 small onion, diced.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Ingredients for jar of seasoning
Mix well; store in airtight jar. Use 3 1/2 tablespoons per pound of ground meat. Makes close to 1 cup (enough for four pounds).
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
Cooking directions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey or beef until it is no longer pink (you can add some oil to skillet, but you don’t have to). Pour out any excess cooking juices. Add a can of rinsed beans if you like.
- Add salt, pepper and spices to ground meat (add a can of beans, rinsed, if you like). Stir well and cook for a few minutes to heat spices.
- Add 1 cup of water per pound of meat. Turn heat to low. Simmer for a few minutes until excess water is cooked off and taco meat is nicely moist. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed (use a little cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper for extra heat).
- Serve with tortillas or taco shells and toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, avocado, etc).
Here’s a link back to the post and pictures.
