Jackie's Homemade Taco Seasoning

My kids LOVE taco Tuesday!  Since today is Cinco de Mayo and it happens to fall on a Tuesday, how could I not make tacos?!!  Over the last year, I have been trying to perfect a homemade taco seasoning for my family and we have settled on this recipe.  We like our tacos not too spicy and not too mild.  This is a good middle of the road recipe. 

You may be asking why anyone would take the time and effort to make their own seasoning.  Sure, the packets are quick and inexpensive, but they are also chock full of preservatives that I'd rather not put in the food I serve to my family.  Once you try this mix, you won't want to go back.  Packaged mix now tastes like chemicals to me, since we have been eating homemade for so long.

One batch will last you quite a while.  Cook and freezer your ground beef ahead of time and you can have a great meal in about 5 minutes.


Jackie's Homemade Taco Seasoning
This recipe yields about 2 cups of mix.

Ingredients:
1 cup + 1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. dried oregano
3 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. paprika
1/2 c. + 2 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. black pepper
1/3 c. salt

Assembly:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.  Store in an airtight container.

Serving Day:
Season one pound of cooked ground beef with 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning.  Add 1/2c. water and mix well.  Cook until meat is heated through.

Variations: 
Want to spice it up?  Increase the amount of chili powder and black pepper and add some crushed red pepper. 

Want it more mild?  Decrease the amount of pepper.

Want it more healthy?  Decrease the amount of salt.