a simple real food recipe :: DIY taco seasoning

How about a taco night, eh?!I started making my own taco seasoning a couple years ago. As harmless as you think a packet of seasoning may be, they really are one of the biggest offenders of MSG and other preservatives that are so toxic to the body. Even the organic ones have ingredients that point to MSG labeling, and if something doesn’t brag about being MSG free on the package and it says “natural flavors” or “natural spices” I’m not buying it. Read THIS to educate yourself on the hidden names of MSG that companies are allowed to use on their labeling without actually saying MSG.The other unfortunate thing about most seasoning packets are unsafe starches and flours. They are GMO laden and not so great on your gut.

This taco season blend will taste just as good as those packets, it will thicken up with arrowroot and water to make a great saucy taco meat mixture, and it will actually save you money since it is so much cheaper to make your own!I have played around with the combo of season to our family’s taste – feel free to play around with it to your family’s taste! It has a small kick to it but not so much that my toddlers won’t eat it. My husband adds more kick to his!

You’ll need:

3 TB chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp chipotle powder
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp paprika
1 TB cumin
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pepper

1. Mix everything together and store in a container with a lid.
2. Use about 1 ½ to 2 TB of seasoning per 1lb of meat or 2-3 cups of beans.

Kitchen Tips:

1. If you want a saucy meat or bean mixture, add a ¼ cup of water in a cup and mix in a TB of arrowroot. Add this to the meat mixture and cook until thick. Add more if desired.
2. This batch will do a good 5 or so taco nights for us – if not more. Sometimes I use a few sprinkles of this on a veggie sauté for flavor, or into a soup so it isn’t always exact when I run out. This is a good amount for me – if you want it to last longer just double up the recipe! It really only takes a few minutes to make up anyway!
3. If you want more kick add more red pepper flakes and/or chipotle powder.

YOUR TURN!

Does your family love taco night as much as we do?! Let me know how this blend tastes to your family if you try it!

This post was shared at Real Food Forager’s Fat Tuesday and The Polikva Family’s Family Table Tuesday!