I love taco night in our house. Growing up, my dad didn't like spicy foods, so tacos were a special treat. As an adult, I still feel like tacos are a treat. I love the memories I have as a child of my mom making tacos during the summer when my dad was at work. I also love taco night because they are just so darn easy to make. Cook some ground beef, shrimp, or fish and add the seasoning. Prep any sides and shells and you have an easy meal.
If you do tacos very much in your house, you probably have noticed that the kits are really overpriced. I prefer to buy just the shells and then make my own taco seasoning. I make up a large batch of the homemade taco seasoning and then I can just add some each time I make tacos. It's really easy and it saves so much time. If you haven't tried making taco seasoning at home, give it a try. You probably already have all the stuff you need.
In a large bowl or measuring cup add 1/2 cup chili powder, 1 tbsp. black pepper, 2 tbsp. salt, 1 tbsp. paprika, 2 tbsp. garlic powder, 1/4 cup onion powder, and 1 tbsp. cumin. Stir until mixed well. Pour mix in an airtight container to store. I like to store mine in a ball canning jar. It looks cute and it keeps it airtight. If you want to add more flavor I would recommend using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. It adds a really great meaty taste. It is sometimes hard to find at the store, so I buy mine on Amazon.
When you are ready to use the taco seasoning you can add 3 tablespoons of the seasoning to your ground beef along with 1/3 cup water. It also works great to make fish or shrimp tacos. I just sprinkle 2 tablespoons over about a pound of fish or shrimp and then cook them. The seasoning should last about 12 months in an airtight container. After that, you can still use it, but it may start to lose some of its flavor.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
1/2 cup chili powder
1 tbsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. paprika
2 tbsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1 tbsp. cumin
Mix all of the spices together in a bowl and then store in an airtight container. To use, add 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water to ground meat or sprinkle 2 tablespoons over a pound of fish or shrimp.
Sarah @ The Teacher's Wife says
I used to make homemade taco seasoning all the time, but have gotten out of the habit for some reason! I love not having to remember to pick it up at the store, so I need to get back into making it myself!! 🙂
Melinda says
I just found your blog and I'm loving it! I am a fellow Hoosier, but am from Northwest Indiana, although I currently live in Texas. Are the 3 tablespoons for one pound of ground beef? I can't wait to try this!
Julie says
I am so glad you found my blog! Yea for Indiana, I love this state! Yes, the 3 tablespoons are for 1 pound of ground beef. I hope you enjoy it.
Ronda says
Hi, Is there any way to make it taste good without the salt. My father can't have salt and we would like to make our own mixes. Please let me know. Thank you.
Julie says
Hi Ronda, you could try using it without the salt. If you are used to less salt in your food it may taste just fine with the other seasonings. You could also try using a salt substitute in place of the salt. I hope that helps.