Leave the store bought seasoning pouches on the shelf. Not only is this homemade version free of any fillers and MSG, it tastes better!
Use this Homemade Chili and Taco Seasoning Mix exactly as you would the store bought stuff in any recipe that calls for it. It takes all of 2 minutes to make it. Make some ahead of time and keep it stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. It also makes a cute gift idea to give away in little sachets!
This Homemade Chili and Taco Seasoning Mix comes with just the right ratio of flavors. Feel free to substitute or add a particular chili powder of your choice. For example, depending on what I’m making I’ll sometimes add some additional ancho chili powder. Or if I’m using it for something really spicy I’ll add some extra cayenne pepper.
For a delicious batch of chili, tacos, burritos, Mexican-style casseroles, etc, this is the perfect seasoning blend.
To make it simply combine all ingredients and store in an airtight jar, bag or container until ready to use. I prefer to grind all of my different spice blends up in a Spice and Coffee Grinder. They’re inexpensive and will last you a long time for the purpose (I’ve been using mine for almost 8 years).
Happy spice blend making!
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried red pepper (or cayenne pepper)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (according to desired heat level)
- Combine all ingredients in a spice and coffee grinder (optional but recommended), grind for about 30 seconds, and store in an airtight jar, bag or container until ready to use. This recipe roughly equals one pouch of store bought chili or taco seasoning mix.
jennifer says
Hi KImberly, if I only have bouillon cubes, is 1 cube equivalent to 1 tbsp granules? Also, another question: to make tacos, would i sautee onions, garlic w minced meat, then add the seasoning package w 1 cup water?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jennifer, 1 teaspoon of granules is for 1 cup of broth. Bouillon cubes generally either come in 1 teaspoon or 2 teaspoon sizes. You’ll know by reading the directions on the box of cubes – if it says to mix one cube with 2 cups of water, then it’s a 2 teaspoon-sized cube, and in that case one cube is the equivalent of 2 teaspoons of granules. Yes, saute the onions/garlic/ground beef, then add the seasoning and cook for a minute just to bring out the flavors of the spices, add the water, bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. Use this mix in the same way you’d use the store-bought stuff in the envelope.
Kevin says
Hi Kimberly
You mention in the header that the coffee grinder grinds up the oregano and gives the mix a super fine texture but I don’t see oregano on the list of ingredients? Should it have oregano in it.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Kevin, sorry for the confusion. That’s a typo, this seasoning mix does not have oregano in it.
Diane Lewis says
is the flour necessary? I have celiacs and can’t use gluten
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Diane, it’s in part as an anti-caking agent and in part for thickening. You can substitute GF flour.