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I love flavorful food. Growing up in a home that sacrificed flavor to spend less on food I love finding ways to save money on amazing and flavorful food we actually want to eat. This homemade taco seasoning is often used for tacos and other Tex-Mex style dishes like Mexican rice or cheesy taco rice in our home. My childhood best friend is coming over tonight for dinner and to help us get an oil change done while my husband is too injured to do it himself from his crash. I love our small yet growing community that works together to get things done and thrive. I am making a taco bar for dinner tonight and everyone is super excited. Any leftovers will be served for lunch tomorrow when the girl's best friends are over for the day. This homemade taco seasoning is the base of my seasonings. I will whip it up in bulk to make it easy to make tacos at any time. Why you should make your own taco seasoning Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore why making your own taco seasoning is worth the effort. First and foremost, it allows you to have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that you avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives commonly found in store-bought packets. Creating your own blend enables you to tailor the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer a bit more heat, a smoky undertone, or a milder profile, homemade taco seasoning gives you the freedom to experiment and find the perfect balance. I like to keep a mason jar of this around the house for nights I do not feel like cooking soI can whip up something easy like this Homeade Handburger Helper Taco Rice for dinner or a dressed up slow cooker cheese taco rice for a toss it in first thing in the morning kind of meal. Taco seasoing is truly one of the best seasonings for ground beef you can keep in the kitchen. How to save money making your own seasoning mixes Making your own spice mixes, like taco seasoning and chili seasoning, can be a cost-effective and budget-friendly alternative to purchasing pre-packaged blends. Here are several ways in which making your own spice mixes can save you money: Making your own spice mixes can save you money by promoting a do-it-yourself attitude. You're less likely to spend on convenience items when you have the knowledge and ability to create flavorful mixes at home. When you buy individual spices, you can control the quantities based on your needs. This helps to reduce the likelihood of spices sitting in your pantry for extended periods and losing their potency. Less food waste translates to more savings. When you make your own spice mixes, you have the flexibility to buy spices in bulk. Purchasing larger quantities of individual spices tends to be more cost-effective than buying small amounts of pre-mixed blends. Many grocery stores and specialty spice shops offer bulk sections where you can scoop the amount you need, reducing packaging costs. The ingredients in taco seasoning 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat) 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper How to make taco seasoning In a small bowl, combine all the spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix the spices well until they are evenly combined. You can adjust the quantities of individual spices to suit your taste preferences. Taste the seasoning mix and make any adjustments if needed. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper; if you prefer it milder, reduce the amount. Store the taco seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place. A small glass jar or a spice container works well for this purpose. Creative ways to use taco seasoning By investing a little time in making your own taco seasoning, you're not just adding a burst of flavor to your tacos; you're also taking a step toward a more personalized and wholesome culinary experience. Experiment with the spice levels, mix in your favorite herbs, and make each taco night a unique and memorable event. Say goodbye to store-bought packets and embrace the creativity of crafting your own homemade taco seasoning!