Avoid expensive, packaged seasoning mixes. Make your own for less!
One of my favorite ways to save money but still eat incredibly tasty food is to make my own spice mixes. I buy spices in bulk from Costco and then make all kinds of blends myself at home. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the different concoctions you can come up with. In fact, look at a package of your favorite seasoning mix. Chances are somewhere the label tells you what’s in it. Just start mixing until you find something you like. Make a small batch and take notes of what you add so you can repeat it next time.
If you love the smoky flavor of chipotle chiles, you’ll like this taco seasoning mix. It’s featured in a number of the recipes in my first cookbook, Not Your Mother’s Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook (affiliate link). This mixture is delicious on cooked meats, in beans, in sour cream, or sprinkled into enchiladas.
- 2 tablespoons chipotle chile powder
- 2 tablespoons onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Place the mixture in an airtight plastic container or freezer bag and store in the pantry or in the freezer for longer shelf life.
Nutritional values are approximate and are based on 1 tablespoon of the recipe (makes 1/2 cup). Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 4 days.
Save Money on Groceries
This is part of the How to Save Money on Groceries series. Scroll through the archives to get tips and tricks for reducing your grocery total at the checkout stand.
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Create a Party Pantry for Frugal Entertaining
Give Spice Mixes as Gifts
I have to ask. What kind of taco shells are these? They look thinner and crispier than the usual. There is one particular brand we love and stock up on when we visit family in the Midwest.
They are Trader Joe’s.
Sounds yummy. Looking forward to trying it. I make a number of spice blends including Cajun and cinnamon toast spread. I save my empty spice bottles and use them for my blends. I wash and dry them and then mark them with a mailing label.
They are Trader Joe’s. They recently changed them. I love the new ones.
How much of this seasoning do I use with 1lb ground beef?
I use several teaspoons because we like it spicy. I’d start with two and adjust to taste.
I have never seen chipotle powder. Is that available at trader joes?
I have found it a different grocery stores. You can use regular chile powder if that’s what you have.
Could I substitute onion powder. What would be amt.? I was thinking 1 tbsp. I love your recipes. I enjoy your freezer meal cookbook and recommend it all the time. It is a very well done book.
Sorry for the delayed response. Yes, I think 1 tablespoon onion powder would be a good substitution. Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying the book!