Step by step

Method

3 steps

1. 1

   Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon fine salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, optional ¼ teaspoon cayenne, and optional ½ teaspoon cornstarch to a small jar.

2. 2

   Shake or stir hard until the mix looks even in color with no spice clumps at the bottom — you want every scoop to taste the same.

3. 3

   Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of ground meat: brown the meat, sprinkle the seasoning, add ¼–⅓ cup water, and simmer 3–5 minutes until the liquid thickens and coats the crumbles. Store the jar airtight in a cool, dark place up to 6 months. You want a warm, evenly mixed spice blend that blooms into savory taco meat — not a dusty uneven jar or a harsh cayenne-only punch.