Zesty Taco Spice Blend
Elevate your taco night with this homemade Zesty Taco Spice Blend! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this convenient seasoning mix combines bold flavors that complement ground beef, chicken, or even vegetarian options. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a flavorful seasoning that's free from preservatives and tailored to your taste. Use this versatile blend in tacos, burritos, or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables to bring a Mexican flair to your meals. Create a batch to keep on hand or share with friends and family for a delightful homemade gift.
N/A
Servings
6
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant Onion
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon
Dried Red Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Crushed)
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon
Instant Garlic
1/2 teaspoon (Minced)
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine instant onion, chili powder, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, salt, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ground cumin.
2
Mix thoroughly until all spices are well incorporated.
3
Spoon the spice mixture onto a 6-inch square piece of aluminum foil or a small airtight container and seal tightly.
4
Label the mix as 'Zesty Taco Spice Blend' and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
5
For taco filling, brown 1 lb of lean ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess grease.
6
Add 1/2 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of the Zesty Taco Spice Blend to the skillet.
7
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens.
8
Serve the taco filling in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, and enjoy delicious tacos!
Nutrition Information
0.1g
Fat
1.3g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
0.2g
Fiber
0.1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Taco Spice Blend?
It is a homemade seasoning mix combining bold flavors like chili powder, cumin, and garlic, perfect for tacos, burritos, and roasted vegetables.
How do I store the seasoning?
Store the spice mixture in a 6-inch square piece of aluminum foil or a small airtight container, sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place.
How long does the Zesty Taco Spice Blend stay fresh?
The spice blend can be stored for up to 6 months.
How much ground beef is required for one batch of seasoning?
Use 2 tablespoons of the blend for every 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How many calories are in a serving of this spice blend?
There are approximately 6 calories per serving.
Is there sugar in this taco spice mix?
Yes, there is a small amount of sugar, approximately 0.1g per serving.
Why is cornstarch included in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used to help thicken the sauce when the seasoning is simmered with water and meat.
Can I use this seasoning for chicken tacos?
Yes, this versatile blend complements ground beef, chicken, or vegetarian options.
Is this spice blend suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely, you can use it to season vegetarian meat substitutes or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables.
How much water should I add when cooking the taco filling?
Add 1/2 cup of water along with 2 tablespoons of the spice blend to the cooked meat.
How long should the taco meat simmer?
The meat should simmer for 10 minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors and for the sauce to thicken.
What type of onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced instant onion.
Does this recipe contain chili powder?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Is there salt in the Zesty Taco Spice Blend?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much cumin is in the mix?
The blend contains 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Can I use this blend for roasted vegetables?
Yes, you can sprinkle it on roasted vegetables to add a Mexican flair to your meal.
Are there preservatives in this homemade seasoning?
No, this homemade blend is free from the preservatives often found in store-bought packets.
How many ingredients are needed for this spice blend?
There are 8 main ingredients: instant onion, chili powder, red pepper, oregano, salt, cornstarch, garlic, and cumin.
What should I label the storage container?
Label the mix as 'Zesty Taco Spice Blend' for easy identification.
Can I use this spice mix for burritos?
Yes, it is excellent for seasoning burrito fillings.
Is there fat in the seasoning?
The seasoning is very low in fat, containing only 0.1g per serving.
What is the fiber content?
The blend contains approximately 0.2g of fiber per serving.
How is the red pepper prepared for this mix?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried red pepper.
How do I ensure the spices are well distributed?
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl until they are well incorporated before storing.
Can this spice blend be given as a gift?
Yes, creating a batch to share with friends and family makes a delightful homemade gift.
What size foil is suggested for sealing the mix?
A 6-inch square piece of aluminum foil is recommended.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of minced instant garlic.
How much oregano is in the blend?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What is the protein content of the spice blend?
Each serving contains about 0.2g of protein.
What heat setting should be used to brown the beef?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.