As I’ve mentioned time and time again on my blog, I have not always been a cook. In fact, I used to detest cooking. My husband still refers to our early days together as “back when you couldn’t cook” (nice, isn’t he?).
As my ability to cook has evolved, I still have my old stand-by recipes that I turn to when I’m looking for something quick and easy for a weeknight meal. Stir-fry, some version of tacos and spaghetti are three things that you can normally find at least one of on my menu on any given week. The difference between now and “back when I couldn’t cook” is that instead of automatically reaching for a jar of spaghetti sauce, stir fry sauce or taco seasoning to make these various weekly menu staples, I have turned towards making my own. It may take additional time, but the extra little sense of pride I feel for knowing that I don’t have to rely on pre-packaged items and can whip up our family favorites with items I usually have in the pantry, makes me really happy!
Below my menu plan for the week, you’ll find my go-to Taco Seasoning Recipe. This recipe will usually season 3 pounds of ground beef or ground turkey. I often double the recipe and put the extra in a tightly sealed container and get it out when I need it. Once you realize how easy it is to make your own pantry staples, you won’t want to buy packets of spices or jars of sauces again!
Our Menu for the Week (For more information about Menu plan Monday and to participate yourself or get other great menu ideas, visit I’m An Organizing Junkie):
- Monday: Beef Tostadas with Black Beans, adapted from Taste of Home Magazine
- Tuesday: Glazed Pork Chops from Simple and Delicious Magazine
- Wednesday: Crockpot Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches from Recipezaar
- Thursday: Aleppo Pepper Chicken, Asparagus and Pasta from Dine & Dish
- Friday: Black Pepper Shrimp from Paula Deen
- Saturday: Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken from Recipezaar
- Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner…pancakes, eggs, sausage
Taco Seasoning Adapted from All Recipes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (Do not substitute table salt!)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container. When you make your taco meat, use approximately 2 Tbs of seasoning per each pound of ground beef.
I always brown my beef, add a little flour and water to the pan and stir in the seasoning. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Taco meat is ready once most of the liquid is absorbed.
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i plan my menu for the entire week too. Maybe I should also join this
Its great to share..
SuperChef´s last blog ..Tomato & Onion Chutney
So glad you posted this – I have been looking for a good taco seasoning recipe!
picky cook´s last blog ..home
I never realized you can make your own taco seasoning at home! Just took it for granted that it came from a McCormick’s package. This is an awesome revelation.
Stephanie´s last blog ..PotW: Banana macadamia nut pancakes with white chocolate creme anglaise
I have bookmarked this recipe. I, myself, have been trying to come up with the infamous “taco seasoning” that doesn’t rely on a packet but without much success. I cannot wait to try this one. Thank you…
Many times I am out of the seasoning packets, and they are usually too salty anyway. I am so glad you posted this because I have no idea how to make a taco seasoning on my own!
I never knew how to make a taco seasoning either, thanks for the recipe
Catherine´s last blog ..Nutella Cheesecake
My own first meals consisted of canned potatoes and carrots…so we have both come a long way. Keep the delicious menus coming:D
It;s great to ba able to control the salt!
I have to second Ed’s comment about being able to control the salt! My husband has high blood pressure and it is nearly impossible to find a lower-salt taco seasoning out there. Thanks for this recpie! I’m looking forward to reading more!
Julie @ The Best Crock Pot Recipes´s last blog ..Best Crockpot Recipes ~ Jacks Favorite All Day Mac and Cheese
Homemade taco seasoning is so much better than the store bought. Good times.
Bob´s last blog ..Orange Ginger Mahi Mahi
Thank you for the taco seasoning recipe. I do not like to use the store bought kind, as they give us indigestion. Will look forward to making tacos using this recipe to season the meat.
i LOVE having breakfast for dinner . . . but then again, i LOVE breakfast food! this looks like a great line-up for the week!
smithbites´s last blog ..GOING ROGUE – COCONUT CUSTARD TART
Why do you say not to substitute table salt? The recipe looks really easy and good.
Same thing here. I have my taco seasoning and my chili seasoning recipes on my blog.
Planning out your menu saves so much money. I don’t get real detailed like some do, I just pick the main dishes and make sure I either have the ingredients on hand or that they are on my shopping list. Such a time saver, especially avoiding the “what to cook tonight issue” 
Amanda´s last blog ..Panfried Chicken Breasts with Oregano Garlic Butter
Thank you for posting your taco seasoning recipe! What a fabulous idea!
Double Dipped Life´s last blog ..Black Beans and Rice
I’m with you, I am not a natural cook and have eliminated many of the prepackaged meal starters that I once used weekly. I love the taco spice here and plan to use it! Thanks!
Debbi´s last blog ..Split Pea Soup with Ham
Oh my gosh! I never thought of making my own taco seasoning – love it. It’s the ‘secret ingredient’ to my seven layer dip – mix it in the sour cream the night before. Yum!
I am so glad that you posted this recipe for taco seasonings. I cannot wait to make this and share it with my classes. They are going to love it!
We are such a taco family. Yummy and thanks for sharing
What a stunning picture! Since I got a morter and pestle I have been more interested in my own spice blends. They really don’t take any time at all to create.
This is a great idea as the commercial spice mixes are often full of sodium and MSG. I bought taco fixings today and am excited to try out this recipe, thanks!
Asha´s last blog ..Spanish reds … vino de crianza!
That’s the recipe I use too! Found not long ago. I make a big batch to have on hand for later.
Rachelle´s last blog ..Review: New York Style Risotto Chips
So much better than the store bought packets!
Hmmm, that crockpot roast beef sandwich night looks good to me. Maybe I’ll have to try that this week – thank goodness for the crockpot.
Amy from She Wears Many Hats´s last blog ..Breakfast this morning.
Kristen-
We do Italian Pot Roast sandwiches but with less ingredients.
1 roast
1 envelope italian salad dressing
1 jar whole peppercinis
1 onion sliced
1 beer
After cooking, remove meat, peppers, and onions. Shred meat, dice onions and peppers and return to crockpot. Serve on Hawaiian rolls.
Whitney´s last blog ..Visitors part 2
I’m so glad you postedt his simple recipe. Making your own taco seasoning is such a great idea. I’m always blown away by the amount of sodium and MSG in those tiny packets of taco seasoning mix. Even the reduced-sodium version is loaded. BTW, your stir fry looks reatlly good too!
Thanks for the taco seasoning recipe. I started, this year, to make seasonings and use them, as time goes on. It saves lots of time and I am consistent with a proven good spice mix.
Chaya´s last blog ..Cabbage, Carrot, Potato Muffins