Seasoning packets from the supermarket may be convenient, but they have drawbacks—not the least of which is they’re relatively expensive! I just checked Lawry’s Taco Spices and Seasonings Mix—! I just hate to pay that much for so little. And I don’t have to because I’ve got a great recipe to make taco seasoning mix myself, using ordinary spices I have already. As a bonus know exactly what’s in it, and how old the ingredients are.

The recipes that follow call for the amount of seasoning you would find in the typical supermarket seasoning packet—about 4 1/2 tablespoons of mix.

While you could make the amount you need as you need it, a better idea is to make a bunch while you’re at it, then keep it tightly sealed in your spice rack. It’ll come in handy more times than you can imagine. The recipe multiplies well.

Enjoy this simple mix and the two family-friendly recipes that follow for both beef and chicken tacos. Yum! 

Taco Seasoning Mix

(Yield: 4 1/2 Tablespoons Mix)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornmeal (maize or corn flour)
• 4 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1. Mix all ingredients together and store in small airtight container.

Restaurant-Style Taco Meat

(Yield: Meat for 12 Regular-Size Tacos)

• 4 1/2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 1/3 pounds lean ground chuck
• 1 cup water

1. In a small bowl combine all of the spices or measure out 4 tablespoons of mix  if you’ve made this up in advance.
2. Crumble the ground chuck into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until browned. Remove from heat, rinse meat with hot water, and drain water and grease from beef.
3. Return meat to skillet, and pour in seasoning. Stir in water. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until most of the liquid has cooked away, about 20 minutes. Yield: Meat for 12 regular-size tacos.

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

(Yield: Chicken for 12 Regular-Size Tacos)

• 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa
• 4 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
• juice of one lime
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast

Place salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and cilantro in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Add chicken and stir to coat. Cover slow cooker, set to High, and cook until chicken is very tender about 4 hours. Optional: Set slow cooker to Low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Shred chicken with 2 forks to serve.

First published at Everyday Cheapskate: 1-21-16; Revised & Updated 7-5-19

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