A lot of times a recipe will call for a packet of taco seasoning or a packet of ranch dressing mix and a lot of times that's just exactly what I use. But sometimes I want something a little different. Perhaps I want it to be a bit spicier, have a bit more garlic or maybe I just don't want all the extra ingredients that are added to the packets. I usually have several of my favorite spices on hand I find it pretty easy to make my own seasoning blends that I can customize to my liking! Since I use these in several of my recipes I thought it would be fun to do a post all about these mixes so that if it's something you like to do you can have them all made up and ready to go! If it's not your thing, no worries. Just sub a seasoning packet and it's all good!
Let's start with "taco" seasoning. This is great on anything from pulled pork to chicken to fish. I use it all the time when I want that taco type flavor. It's loaded up on garlic and onion with just a little red pepper flake to give it some extra spice.
Adjust any of the amounts to your preferences and use this to flavor ground beef, chicken breasts, pork, you name it! The recipe makes a little more than 2 tablespoons which is about the same amount as one packet of store bought taco seasoning. However, these flavors are more intense so I usually just use about 1 tablespoon.
Homemade taco seasoning is yummy in these Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef Tacos:
(recipe at bottom)
Next up is ranch dressing mix. Now, this is not a true substitute as you would not be able to use this to whip up some dressing. This works in place of the packets in recipes where you need the flavors. And I love this one because the flavors are so fresh tasting. You can really taste the herbs!!
You can also adjust the amounts of any of the herbs in case you like one more than another. Make it your own! Again this makes about 2 tablespoons but the flavor is pretty intense. You can use this in place of ranch packets in soups like my Buffalo Chicken Chili. Depending on the recipe you may also use a little milk or other dairy product. It will just depend on whether you just need the herby flavors or if you also need the creaminess.
This seasoning is delicious in Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole:
Make these seasonings and store in airtight containers. Watch the expiration dates on any of the herbs you've used and these should last a little while. Use them any time you would rather not use a packet or you want some extra intense flavors!
Homemade Seasoning Blends
Ingredients
Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Ranch Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together the individual spices for either the taco or ranch seasoning
- Store in dry airtight container and use about 1 tablespoon in place of taco or ranch packets where desired
how could the sodium content be 4803 for the ranch mix when there's only 1 teaspoon salt?!? I think the nutrition values are seriously skewed!!
Question:
How can the nutrition facts for the homemade seasoning blends show sugar when there is no sugar in the recipe?
I'm having a hard time finding the ingredients for the ranch seasoning.
Hey Amy, it should be listed at the end of the post. Can you see it there?
No
I can't seem to find the recipe for your beer can chicken seasoning
Hi Wendi! It's actually just store bought beer can chicken seasoning. Weber makes some and so does McCormick's. I buy it at Walmart so I think it's pretty easy to find.