My kids love tacos. I mean they are seriously into them. And lately they want them all the time no longer just on Taco Tuesdays. Previously I used an Old El Paso Taco Seasoning packet since it’s cheap and easy, but I’d never touch it. It leaves a greasy film on the meat I don’t care for. Therefore I’d make tacos for the kids and have something else for myself. So we could have dinner together, I decided to make my own copycat Old El Paso taco seasoning mix that’s just as good, if not better and healthier. The more I thought about it, the more I questioned if this seasoning mix in the packet was just all chemicals anyway. I’ll never buy another packet again.

Healthy Copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning

Since I have perfected this seasoning blend, I am finding I am even eating the taco meat. Then again I usually swap out ground beef for ground turkey and since this seasoning is so good, nobody says a word.

What Spices Are In Old El Paso Taco Seasoning?

I found out the spices in Old El Paso Taco Seaoning Mix are Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Corn Starch, Sea Salt (Potassium Magnesium Chloride, Salt). And it contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (Canola, High Oleic Soybean and/or Sunflower Oil), Corn Flour, Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Citric Acid, Sugar and Natural Flavor. I have no idea what some of these ingredients are so I would prefer to make my own.

How Do You Make Homemade Taco Mix?

It’s super easy to make a homemade taco seasoning mix, but it took some tinkering and after getting the family’s feedback (my younger son fancies himself a food critic) I have been told I nailed it! And there is no greasy film which I believe is a mix of the grease from the meat and the corn starch. This recipe has zero corn starch. In fact, you probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen.

I have a personal preference for ground turkey but feel free to use ground beef. It works just as well with either.

Healthy Copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning and Tacos

Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Cook Time: 10 Minutes  | Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Chipotle chili (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small mixing bowl stir together the tomato sauce and all the seasonings. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat add the ground meat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking until it is browned and no longer pink.
3. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet. Then return to the stove and reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the contents from the mixing bowl to the skillet. Stir together until the meat is completely coated in sauce and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Serve with taco shells, tortillas or use with any other recipe that calls for taco meat.

Tips: I make a plate with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, onions and fresh cilantro. Then I also serve grated cheddar, sour cream and salsa so the kids can make their own soft and hard shell tacos. I don’t eat the shells and prefer to make myself a giant salad! And I mix some light sour cream and the salsa to make a dressing.

Do you have any healthy copycat recipes you’d like to share?

Yield: 6

Healthy Copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning And Tacos

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Make healtier tacos wth my copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning and ground turkey meat.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Chipotle chili (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl stir together the tomato sauce and all the seasonings. Set aside.
   
2. In a large skillet over medium heat add the ground meat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking until it is browned and no longer pink.
3. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet. Then return to the stove and reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the contents from the mixing bowl to the skillet. Stir together until the meat is completely coated in sauce and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Serve with taco shells, tortillas or use with any other recipe that calls for taco meat.

Notes

I make a plate with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, onions and fresh cilantro. Then I also serve grated cheddar, sour cream and salsa so the kids can make their own soft and hard shell tacos. If you don't wna to eat taco shells, make a taco salad! Mix some light sour cream and the salsa for the dressing.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 333Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 646mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 30g

If you like this recipe be sure to check out my others like Amazing Low Carb Cauliflower “Potato” Salad and Fresh (and So Delicious) Grilled Corn & Avocado Summer Salad.

Photos: Fountain Of 30, feature iStock

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