Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning
All the depth of the original taco seasoning, now with cayenne for people who think mild is just a suggestion.
Same deal as the original - real depth, low sodium, that glossy cornstarch sauce - but this one has cayenne in it and makes no apologies about that. The cayenne plays well with the paprika and cumin because they're all in the same flavor family, which means the heat sneaks up on you rather than hitting you immediately. Start with a quarter teaspoon if you're cautious. Go to a half if you're not. Go higher if you're the kind of person who keeps hot sauce in your bag. Serve in tacos, over rice, in a burrito bowl, or dare someone to try it and watch their face very carefully.
Prep: 5 min • Cook: 15 min • Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey (or beef, chicken, or pork)
- 1 Tbl Olive Oil
- 6 tsp Paprika
- 1.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 1.5 tsp Cumin
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1.5 tsp Cornstarch
- 0.75 cup Water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up as it goes, until cooked through. (Using beef? Skip the olive oil - the fat content handles itself.)
- While the meat cooks, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This is your seasoning blend. Smell it. That's what a good decision smells like.
- Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat if needed, then stir in the seasoning blend and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy.
- Taste and adjust heat. Another pinch of cayenne never hurt anyone. Probably.