Original Taco Seasoning Mix - Mexican Dishes - Old El Paso (2024)

FAQs

Is original taco seasoning spicier than mild? ›

McCormick Spices on X: "@DialedIn6 Whoops, sorry for the confusion! Our Original Taco Seasoning Mix is spicier than our Mild Taco Seasoning Mix.

Ingredients. Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Spice, Onion Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (high oleic canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch.

Cook, stirring, until browned. Remove from heat, rinse meat with hot water, and drain water and grease from beef. Return meat to skillet, and pour in seasoning. Stir in water.

Pretty much everyone knows the drill: Brown the meat, breaking it up as you go, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it, and add a specific amount of water, simmering and stirring until thickened.

Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix, Original Flavor

As the U.S.'s first nationally distributed Mexican-focused cooking brand, Old El Paso pretty much defined what the public thinks of as “taco flavor.” It's smooth and strong, with just enough chili to warm up your mouth without making that the sole focus.

Ultimately, the difference between these two comes down to the composition of spices. Taco seasoning is usually milder than Mexican seasoning. Mexican seasoning contains ancho powder and chipotle chile pepper, both of which give it a little more of a kick.

Mild provides all the flavor of Original Hot without the burn. It may be mild without the wild, but it's still got that classic buffalo spirit.

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

Expired taco seasoning typically does not become unsafe to consume, as it is a dry product less prone to bacterial growth.

How to elevate taco seasoning packet? ›

If you prefer a spicier taco seasoning mix, use spicy chili powder and/or add up to 2 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes.

Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour water and seasoning mix over beef; stir to combine.

Heat taco shells as directed on box. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Taco Seasoning ingredients aren't particularly spicy but there are some chiles in it. It's easy enough to add some chiles (or hot sauce) to kick up the heat.

How Much Taco Seasoning Is In a Packet? If your recipe calls for one packet of taco seasoning, how much DIY mix should you use? Different commercial brands package their taco seasonings in different amounts, but most packets contain about 1 ounce or 3 tablespoons of product.

Using mild or regular chili powder and omitting optional ingredients will reduce heat.

Optimal Storage Conditions

To preserve the quality of taco seasoning, it should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Maintaining a consistent room temperature and low humidity levels helps prevent degradation.