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I love making homemade tacos. While I do indulge in a little Fourth Meal® from time to time, there’s nothing like setting up a taco bar in your kitchen with all the fixings.
image credit: picture perfect meals “nacho ordinary taco” (click the photo for their recipe)
Recently though, I decided that the little flavor packets I’ve been buying at the grocery store just weren’t cutting it anymore. I couldn’t really find one with the flavor that I wanted. And I tried every kind, from the store brands, to Old El Paso, Ortega and the quintessential Taco Bell. I even tried a strictly organic brand, Simply Organic. They just weren’t flavorful enough for me (and it was hella expensive!). That being said, I set out to find a recipe for a taco seasoning that would knock my socks off. Not only would I know *exactly* what was in it, but I could also control it’s flavor. If I wanted it less salty, then I’d use less salt. If I wanted it more spicy, I’d kick up the cayenne.
After a couple of less-than-satisfactory tries from various corners on the internet, I was reorganizing my recipe bookmarks and came upon a recipe that I had already bookmarked ages ago, but had forgotten about. I made the one suggested change to it, which was subbing smoked paprika (which is amazing by the way) for the regular paprika, and…
Oh.
My.
God.
What an amazing taste difference the smoked paprika makes! It gives the taco meat just the right amount of smokey flavor, in addition to the spice factor. You definitely need to make this right now, either to just store away for taco night, or use it for some tacos RIGHT THIS SECOND!! I promise you won’t be sorry.
Stay tuned for a followup recipe using this deliciousness! Your mouth will water, I promise.
EDIT on January 31, 2013: if you’re looking to make some homemade taco shells to go with your smokey taco seasoning, be sure to check out Picture Perfect Meals’ Homemade Taco Shells (seen in the photo above). I haven’t tried making them yet, but they look AMAZING. Go on, click it.
Smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne gives this taco seasoning a smokey flavor with a kick. You won't be disappointed!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 tsp cornstarch (optional, but use if you like a thicker sauce)
Directions
- Mix all spices together until well combined. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in your spice cabinet and use as needed.
Notes
This recipe is good for 1 pound of ground beef for tacos or nachos. If you're making the taco meat straight away, brown beef in a skillet and drain. Add seasoning and 2/3 cup of water. Heat to boil, and then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Recipe adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
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homemade taco bar seasoning smoked paprika chili powder
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