This blend is smoky, earthy, and just spicy enough — perfect for taco beef, nacho topping, or even seasoning roasted vegetables. The smoked paprika and chipotle give it that deep, fire-kissed flavour without overpowering the rest.
Chef’s Notes
Cornstarch Trick
Including cornstarch helps thicken the sauce when you add water to the beef, so the flavour clings to every bite.
Heat Level
With both cayenne and chipotle, this has a medium heat. Reduce or omit cayenne for a milder version.
Versatility
While this is designed for ground beef, it works on chicken, turkey, or even grilled shrimp for tacos.
Homemade Chipotle Powder
One of my all-time favourite spices to keep on hand. Just get some chipotle peppers and grind them in a coffee bean grinder until fine. The result is a super-useful seasoning that brings an earthy, smoky heat to all kinds of dishes. It’s essential in this mix, but I use it everywhere.
Fun fact: Chipotles are simply smoke-dried jalapeños. Make sure you buy the very dried ones.
Ingredients (Makes ~¾ cup seasoning — enough for ~6 lbs / 2.7 kg ground beef)
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- ¼ tbsp (¾ tsp) cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp chipotle powder (home made)
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar.
- Mix thoroughly, breaking up any clumps.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool, dark spot.
Using It for Taco Beef (per 1 lb / 450 g ground beef)
- Brown beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add 2½ tbsp seasoning and ½ cup water (or more for saucier beef).
- Simmer 3–4 min, stirring, until liquid thickens and coats the meat.