In honor of National Taco Day (October 4), I thought I’d share an easy way to make your own taco seasoning packet — without the preservatives.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried minced onion (or onion powder)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup water

Combine all ingredients and add the water and dry mixture to one pound cooked hamburger.  Heat over medium heat for a few minutes.

Variation:  Double, triple, quadruple (or even more) the ingredients and store in an air-tight container.  Then you won’t have to make it as often!   If you like yours to “thicken” a little bit more, add two tablespoons of the mixture, 1/2 cup water, and one tablespoon of cornstarch to one pound of cooked ground beef.  Cook over medium heat for several minutes.  (Thanks, Theresa!)

*If you like a little more spice (red pepper), you can find the original taco seasoning recipe here.