This post was originally posted on my blog, Muses of a Mom, on April 21, 2020, but republished here with updated information.

I have always been a simple cook. The fanciest has been trying Hello Fresh meals a couple of years ago. However, one thing I have learned is that flavor is so important. I’ve learned to layer seasoning for a more savory, tasty meal. 

Sometimes we can have a shelf full of spices, but we do not know what combination to use for different dishes.   

Today I’m here to help you with that. 

I’m sharing three of my go-to spice combinations for everyday cooking. I started making my own spice blends to avoid any MSG or sneaky sugar additives. (Yes, there are blends on the grocery shelves that contain some form of sugar!)  

When making your own blends, store in reused spice jars. I store my spices in an old favorite Tupperware cup with shaker lid; or the Ziploc small Twist-n-Lock, available at most grocery stores. I keep them with my salt and pepper by the stove, so they are handy while cooking.

Homemade Seasoning Salt

8 Tbsp salt (table salt or sea salt is fine)
1 Tbsp onion powder (do not use the minced onion)
3 Tbsp pepper
1 Tbsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp paprika 

Mix thoroughly in a bowl and store in a container with lid. This blend is compatible with a variety of dishes: beef, chicken, vegetables, and eggs.

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Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp ground cumin
2 Tsp onion powder
1 Tsp garlic powder
1 Tsp paprika
1 Tsp Mexican oregano (or regular oregano)
1/2 Tsp salt (table salt or sea salt)
1 Tsp cilantro (optional)

Mix thoroughly in a bowl and store in a container with lid. Use this blend
by the tablespoon to taste for taco meat, chili fajitas, pinto beans or other
Mexican favorites. For a spicier blend, try adding a teaspoon of cayenne and/or
red pepper flakes. I use this so often I make a double recipe at a time. (The cilantro and Mexican oregano I use is from McCormick’s) 

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Italian Seasoning

2 Tbsp of each:  Basil, Oregano, Rosemary
1 Tbsp each: thyme (powdered or regular), cilantro (optional),
onion powder, sea salt, garlic powder
Optional: 1 Tsp red pepper flake

As the previous blends, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and keep in a small
container with a lid. This blend is best in homemade spaghetti sauce or other
white pasta sauce. Use by the tablespoon to taste. It’s even good sprinkled on
plain pasta mixed with olive oil.

Note: if you use this blend in homemade spaghetti sauce, add at least a teaspoon of sugar (or equivalent of sugar replacement). This will combat the bitterness of the canned tomato sauce and/or canned diced tomatoes. In my homemade sauce, I add a bay leaf while simmering.     

Is there a spice blend you can recommend? Let me know in the comments!