Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning and Daktari's American Tacos

You know the drill.  Taco Tuesdays and you're half way through browning the meat when you realize you don't have any taco seasoning.  If there is anything I've learned since turning 50 it is that I am absolutely certain I have the ingredients in my spice cabinet to make any seasoning mix that can be bought in the store.

Have you SEEN my spice shelf?  5 tiers of awesome Penzey's goodness.

So with a little internet investigation, I pieced together a recipe that I think is just right for my homemade tacos.  A couple of notes before we begin.  This recipe calls for sea salt.  Sea salt does not equal granulated table salt.  So if you intend to use granulated salt, I'd use about half the listed amount.  The dominant flavor profile here is going to be chili powder.  If you prefer your tacos to taste a little more like cumin, you might tweak those amounts.  The crushed red pepper gives it a bite, but I usually use VERY HOT crushed red pepper from Penzeys.  Again, try it and if you want more of a kick, toss in a few more flakes.

I hope you like this.  I found it quick, easy, and a lot cheaper and easier than a special trip to the store for taco seasoning mix.

Very Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 beef bullion cube (or 1 teaspoon beef bullion crystals)
1.5 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon sea salt (or 0.5 teaspoon granulated salt)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.25 teaspoon oregano
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons masa

Mix thoroughly. This can be made up ahead of time. When I do it, I leave out the bullion cube and the masa and add those in as I cook.

Liz's American Tacos

1.5 lb ground beef
1 onion (small dice)
1/2 can of your favorite refried beans
Taco Seasoning mix (all of the portion made above)
1/2 cup water
Your favorite salsa (or this restaurant-style salsa)
diced onions
diced tomatoes
sliced pickled jalapenos
cheddar or pepper jack cheese
sour cream
cilantro (for garnish)

To make tacos using this seasoning mix, add 1/2 teaspoon olive oil to a skillet with 1 finely diced onion.

Crumble ground beef over onions and heat until browned.  Drain fat.  Return meat and onion mixture to pan.  Add seasoning and 1/2 cup of water.  Mix thoroughly.  Stir constantly until liquid has turned thick.

Purists can stop here and plate up your tacos.  But for a little something something, add 1/2 can of refried beans to the meat mixture.

You can add a small amount of water here to facilitate mixing, but it is not necessary.  Simmer over very low heat until beans have incorporated.

Heat your favorite taco shells.  (I prefer El Milagro corn tortillas.)

Place one scoop of taco filling into a heated corn tortilla.  Top with your favorite taco toppings.  I prefer a salad mix that is primarily cabbage and homemade salsa, tomatoes, fresh onion, pickled jalapenos, and garnished with cilantro. The lactose tolerant might also enjoy cheese and sour cream.

Let me know what you think!