In the Wise household, we LOVE tacos! Good thing, too, as taco night happens fairly frequently. It’s quick, easy and a crowd favorite. Plus, there are usually leftovers which makes for a happy 2 year old!
A few months ago I started reading the label on taco seasoning packets. When I couldn’t read some ingredients (or understand why they would be in taco seasoning!) and noted many packets contained MSG, I set out to find the tastiest homemade taco seasoning. Lucky for you if you’re a taco fan… we have a winner!! In addition to these seasonings likely already being in your cupboard, I bet no one in your family will notice the difference. The great thing about this, too, is that between the cayenne pepper, chili powder and crushed red pepper, you can make this seasoning as mild or as hot as you like! With Finn in the house, we go fairly mild, which the below recipe is, but feel free to spice it up as you’d like!
DIY Taco Seasoning:
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (can add more to taste)
2 tsp chili powder (can add more to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1 1/2 tsp paprika
Dash of pepper
1/2 tsp salt
(Optional) Crushed red pepper to add spice (I add 2-3 good shakes)
Proceed just as you would if this were the little grocery store packet. Add above seasonings to 1/2 cup-1 cup water (I use 3/4 cup) while your ground beef or turkey browns. Once brown, add liquid mixture and bring just to a boil. Lower the heat and let the meat simmer until the water is absorbed and spices soaked into the meat.
Taco night for me is more like taco salad night, where Justin love his shells. In addition to the meat, I load up on romaine lettuce, black olives, a few crushed Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips, cheese, fresh tomatoes, corn and avocado (which I forget this week – shoot!). I mix a dip of sour cream with Amy’s Mild Salsa to add to the top like “dressing.”
As mentioned, the hubs does enjoy taco shells, so I buy shells for him. He also adds black beans.
I have found a few recipes for homemade tortillas but haven’t had time to test them out. Anyone have a tried and true homemade tortilla or taco shell recipe? I’ll test those out in the months ahead. Will let you know how they go over!
Happy, healthy taco seasoning nights from now on!
Have a great DIY recipe I must try? Pass it along! I’d love to try it!








