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Seasoning Taco Meat

16 years ago

I made beef tacos last night. They were good, nothing terribly memorable about them. I seasoned the meat with chili powder, oregano, and cumin (and salt, of course). I used to use Old El Paso's seasoning mix - I do like the flavor of that but was trying to escape all the mystery ingredients by seasoning the meat on my own.

Any suggestions?

Lori

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Comments (10)

lindac
16 years ago
Garlic...
Salt black pepper, fresh garlic, grated or crushed with a press, I like ground red peppers, I like a mild or medium hatch for flavor without too much heat, and cumin and oregano.
If you want more heat add some red pepper flakes.
Linda C
sushipup1
16 years ago
We cut good-quality stew meat into smaller bites, marinate for about 30 to 45 minutes with EVOO, chopped cilantro, garlic, onion, Grandma's Chili powder, Stir fry.

Yum!
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Teresa_MN
16 years ago
Last year my niece was looking to make her own taco seasoning so she quit buying Old El Paso. I found a couple online and this is the one she uses. I don't care for tacos so I can't vouch for it. But it smelled great and she really likes it. And her two little boys love it. I thought she should substitute masa flour for the cornstarch. I'm not sure if she has tried that though. I would've added more garlic. It might at least give you an idea for what else to add.

Here is a link that might be useful: Taco seasoning
Lars
16 years ago
One of the best ways to improve your spice mix is to make your own chili powder by grinding up dried chilies, which can be done in a coffee grinder. I have one that I use exclusively for spices (Actually, I don't grind coffee at all!), and it is very quick an easy. Recommended chilies include Ancho, Guajillo, and Pasilla, which you can find in small celephane packages in the Latin section of your market or at a Latin market. You can add cayenne for extra heat, if you want.

Lars
lorijean44
Original Author
16 years ago
Ack! Garlic! How did I forget garlic??? A pox upon my own head!

Lars, I like the idea of grinding different peppers to make my own chili powder. I'll try that, too. Thanks, all!
lindac
16 years ago
So true Lars. "Chili Powder" in a jar pre-mixed contains oregano maybe salt often cumin corn starch and perhaps other stuff. I prefer to mix my own so I know just what is in it.
Linda C
stir_fryi SE Mich
16 years ago
I have tried several recipes for taco seasoning -- my family threatened to boycott tacos unless I go back to using Taco Bell brand seasoning.

So, until I find out how to duplicate it, TB it is!
lakeguy35
16 years ago
I've tried too including a blend from Penzeys. Taco Bell is our favorite packet seasoning. I need to to try again and see what happens.

David
woodsy_1
16 years ago
Stir fryi...here ya go! The recipe came from some copycat site or other. The friend who shared it with me couldn't remember, so I can't give proper credit. I use more like 1 1/2 lbs of meat with this amount. My grands love it!

Taco Seasoning - Taco Bell

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1 Tbsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. beef bouillon granules OR 1 beef bouillon cube - crushed
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. onion salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. granulated sugar
Herbs & Spices at the Firehouse Pantry

-Combine and store in an air-tight container.

Notes: To make taco meat, brown 1 lb. ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain off fat. Add seasoning mix and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This recipe is the equivalent to a 1`.25 oz. packet taco seasoning.
ci_lantro
16 years ago
Taco Bell is our favorite, too. I'll have to give that recipe a try, Woodsy.

And thanks for the tips on using stew meat, Sushipup. Your recipe sounds yummy. I'm going to try that minus the chili powder. Won't exactly be a taco--more like a fajita but sounds delish.

Great idea, Lars! Kinda' a 'duh' moment for me. Have some of the dried peppers around that I find to be a pain to use cuz I'm lazy & don't want to go the trouble or wait to rehydrate.

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