Homemade Taco Seasoning - Perfect For Taco Night!

Tacos (and any Mexican food really) are one of my favorite meals to add into my dinner rotation. They're easy to thrown together as a rice bowl or taco salad or just as plain old tacos in a corn or flour tortilla.

Tacos make a great balanced meal when paired with your favorite toppings and a grain! They are also so easy to customize, which allows everyone eating with you to choose how they want to eat. Here is my recipe for making your own taco seasoning from spices you might already have at home.

Seasoning Recipe:

1 tbsp. chili powder

1 1/2 tsp. paprika

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions:

• Begin browning meat (any meat, poultry, seafood or meat substitute works, I usually use regular old ground beef or ground turkey.) and add seasonings while the meat is browning while mixing thoroughly. As always, adjust spices to your liking. Cayenne pepper and chili powder will make it spicier.

• You can also mix the spices in a bowl first and then add them to the meat all at once.

• While the meat is cooking, chop desired veggie toppings. I typically use tomatoes, lettuce (or other greens), and avocado. Other toppings include shredded cheese, salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, peppers... Whatever you'd like to add!

• Serve cooked taco meat with a bed of rice and beans, on top of leafy greens, or with tortillas. All are valid choices and taste delicious.

• Tip #1: if you're using tortillas and avocado, spread the avocado on the tortilla before adding all your other toppings. This distributes the avocado more evenly and makes for a creamy base.

• Tip #2: Adding beans can add some extra protein and fiber to your diet. If you buy canned beans, rinsing them before use can prevent uncomfortable bloating and gas that we often associate with beans.

And there you go! My favorite way to make taco seasoning and an abundance of varieties that will keep taco night from being boring.