Make Your Own: Taco {and Other} Seasonings

So, what do you think of my “make your own” series? I’m sort of loving it. It’s forced me to make a lot of things I’ve been wanting to make, but haven’t had the time or energy to make. I hope it’s helped you too. Maybe you’re taking a little extra time to make something that will save your family money, or reduce the amount of unknown additives in the things you use everyday.

Today is the fourth post in my “make your own” series. If you’ve missed them, you can see the previous posts in the links below:

Make Your Own: Laundry Detergent

Make Your Own: Fabric Softener

Make Your Own: Applesauce

And today, I’m showing you how to make your own Taco Seasoning, along with a few other spice packet recipes.

Spice packets are SUPER convenient. It is so easy to just open the packet and throw it into whatever you’re making.

But, for what they are, they can be expensive. About a dollar each, when it’s just a few tablespoons of spices…. Spices that you most likely have in your cupboard.

And who knows what’s actually in them! The ingredients just list “spices” along with a few extra added ingredients.

So, I decided to make my own seasonings. It took a little time up front to mix everything together, but now I’ve got some in my pantry and it’s easy to throw it in whatever I’m making, and my family hasn’t even noticed a difference. So I count that as a success.

Here’s what you’ll need for Taco Seasoning:

(this makes the equivalent of one seasoning packet)

1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

1/4 Teaspoon Oregano

1/2 Teaspoon Paprika

1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Pepper

Mix everything together.

And store in an airtight container.

I multiplied my recipe by 8, so I won’t have to make it for a long time!

Here are a few others you might like to try:

Onion Soup Mix 

4 Teaspoons Beef Bouillon Granules

3 Tablespoons Dried Onion Flakes

2 Teaspoons Onion Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Pepper

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Makes the equivalent of one Onion Soup Mix Packet.

Chili Seasoning

2 Tablespoon Chili Powder

2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin

1 Teaspoon Oregano

1 Tablespoon Seasoned Salt

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Onion Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Makes the equivalent of one Chili Seasoning Packet.

(I mix this together, with one bottle of tomatoes, a pound of browned hamburger, a can of black beans and a can of kidney beans… and you’ve got a VERY easy and yummy chili)

Ranch Dressing Mix

2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley

1 Teaspoon Dried Dill

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon Onion Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Dried Basil

1/2 Teaspoon Pepper

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Makes the equivalent of one Ranch Packet.

(I mix this with one 16 ounce tub of sour cream and it makes an awesome dip! Or, mix one tablespoon of the seasoning mix with 1/3 cup Mayo and 1/4 cup Milk {or buttermilk if you’re into it}, and you’ve got a homemade Ranch Dressing that’s really yummy.)

Taco Seasoning

1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

1/4 Teaspoon Oregano

1/2 Teaspoon Paprika

1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Pepper

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Makes the equivalent of Taco Seasoning.