How many times have you needed a quick and easy weeknight dinner? When the kids were in school and sports, we often needed a quick meal. This was one of their favorite quick meals.
The original taco casserole recipe was one I found in a Southern Living cookbook. Over time, the recipe evolved and we switched kidney beans with chili beans. The original recipe called for 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1/8 teaspoon of oregano. It seemed under-seasoned. We switched the two spices for a package of taco seasoning mix and it seemed more flavorful.
I’ve used the taco seasoning mix for years. Isn’t it funny? We grab a convenience pack instead of using the spices we already have. How silly is that? Really, how long does it take to measure a few spices into a bowl and stir them?
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning Mix?
Taco Seasoning Mix So, when I bought the taco seasoning mix the other day and checked the back, I realized some of the ingredients seem a little unnecessary. You know that when ingredients are listed, the ingredients must be listed in order of weight, with the main ingredient first? The first ingredient is Yellow Corn Flour, which is simply cornmeal that's been milled further into a fine flour. Why does this have corn flour? Next, is salt and there must be quite a bit. It's the second ingredient listed. Then, maltodextrin, which is an ingredient that is found in most processed or packaged foods. It causes a spike in blood sugar and hampers the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. The fourth and fifth ingredients are paprika and 'spices. Finally, there is some seasoning. Then, modified cornstarch, which is used in a lot of products as a stabilizer, thickening agent, or emulsifier. Next, is sugar! Then citric acid, which is not bad for you. Yeast extract adds flavor to food but if we just use spices, why would we need it? I've never had a recipe that called for yeast extract. Have you? Then, it lists 'natural flavors.' Click here to read an article on BHG ► What Does 'Natural Flavor' Actually Mean on Food Labels? Silicon dioxide is silica. The type put in our food to prevent caking is actually quartz. 😳 It is used to improve the texture and shelf life of granular and powdered food products.
Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Kaitlin @ the garden grazer has an alternative to a purchased packet of taco seasoning. Her simple mix tastes so much better and has no cornmeal or quartz!
DIY Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
- 1 Tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoon ground Cumin
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This makes 1 ounce of seasoning. The packaged seasoning packet has 1.25 – ounces. You can use all of the seasoning or as little as you like for your own taste. I used the whole mixture.
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Click here to jump to a printable ►recipe.
Taco Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°
Ingredients:
- 1 pound hamburger
- 1 medium onion – chopped
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
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DIY Taco Seasoning Mix or 1 packet of Taco Seasoning mix
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1 can chili beans – not drained
- 2 cups crushed corn chips
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Toppings:
- shredded lettuce
- shredded cheese
- diced tomatoes
- thinly sliced green onions
- sour cream
Directions:
Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet. This should take from 7 – 10 minutes. Be sure to break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Then, add the minced garlic and cook for a minute just until you smell the garlic.
We use 90% ground beef and there is little fat left in the pan. If you use a fattier hamburger, drain off the excess fat.
Toss the taco seasoning on top of the browned beef and onions.
Add the tomato sauce and water to the mixture. Stir until combined.
Layer The Taco Casserole
Next, lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish. (My 2-quart casserole dish is missing! I’ve sent leftovers home with my daughter and forgot. I used this 1-1/2 quart casserole and it worked perfectly.)
Spoon half of the meat mixture into the casserole. Then, top with half of the chili beans.
The easiest way to crush the chips is to put them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Then, sprinkle half of the crushed corn chips over the chili beans.
Repeat the layers, ending with more crushed corn chips on top.
Cover with aluminum foil or a casserole lid. Bake at 350° for 25 – 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Top each serving with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
Well, we all agreed that this taco casserole with the taco seasoning is a winner. Try it! You’ll like it, too!
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Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound hamburger
- 1 medium onion - chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 packet of Taco Seasoning mix
- 1 can chili beans - not drained
- 2 cups corn chips
Toppings
- shredded lettuce
- shredded cheddar cheese
- diced tomatoes
- sour cream
DIY Taco Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
- 1 Tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoon ground Cumin
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°
Directions:
Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute until you smell the garlic.
We use 90% ground beef and there is little fat left in the pan. If you use a fattier hamburger, drain off the excess fat.
Add the tomato sauce, water, and seasoning packet or DIY taco seasoning. Stir until combined.
Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with half of the chili beans.
Sprinkle the crushed corn chips over the chili beans.
Repeat the layers, ending with more crushed corn chips on top.
Cover with aluminum foil or a casserole lid. Bake at 350° for 25 - 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-minutes.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
Notes
Just measure the spices for the DIY seasoning mix and stir together before adding.
