7 Recipes for Inexpensive Homemade Seasoning Mixes

by Reader Contributors

Why pay someone to mix up a few spices? Forgo the pre-mixed store bought stuff and make your own instead with these recipes from our frugal readers.

Dear Dollar Stretcher,
I use mix-your-own mixes in place of store brought chili mix, biscuit mix, and bread mix. I’d like to ask other frugal readers: What’s your favorite make-your-own mix?
Gayla

Taco Seasoning

1-1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce (I use “no salt added”)

Add these ingredients to a pound of lean ground beef (which has been browned for about 10 minutes with a medium chopped onion and two cloves of minced or pressed garlic and then drained); stir and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.

Onion Soup Mix for Dip

2 tablespoons of toasted dried onion
2 envelopes HerbOx bouillon (I use the “no salt” variety)

Stir into a half pint of sour cream or plain yogurt. (I put the onion on foil in the toaster oven and watch it carefully as it browns quickly.)

Enchilada Sauce

3 T flour
4 T chili powder
1 T cumin
1 T garlic powder
2 T oil
2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz each)
2 cans water

Combine dry ingredients, mix, add oil and stir well. Add sauce and water, mix, heat to boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Makes about 4 cups.

Italian Salad Dressing Mix

2 T lemon juice
1 clove garlic (pressed if you are not using a blender)
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. dried basil
freshly ground pepper to taste

Put this in a blender with 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 cup olive oil and blend until smooth. Makes about 1-1/2 cups. (This is tart, so some people prefer 1/3 cup vinegar.)

Unfortunately, I can’t give credit where it’s due because I’ve been using these long enough to have forgotten where I got them.
Gail

Homemade Hamburger Helper® Alternative

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
16 oz pasta (we use whole wheat), cooked according to package directions

Drain pasta and combine with ground beef, then add:

2 (10 3/4 oz) cans of condensed tomato soup
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp. prepared mustard

Cook on low heat until heated through. As an option, add six to eight strips of cooked, crumbled bacon.
Kathy

Instant Stuffing Mix

3-1/2 cups unseasoned bread cubes
3 tablespoons dried celery flakes
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon sage
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter

To prepare stuffing, in a sauce pan over medium heat, bring water, butter and seasonings to a boil. Reduce heat and cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add bread cubes and mix gently. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Toss with a fork before serving. This equals one box.
Gayla

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Reviewed April 2021