Anonymous wrote:How is this not going to taste like taco meat?

Chili powder, garlic, onion, salt, cayenne, cumin, paprika and chocolate is what I use.

That’s what most people put in taco meat… and chili. Maybe without the chocolate.

How is this not going to taste like taco meat?

Chili powder, garlic, onion, salt, cayenne, cumin, paprika and chocolate is what I use.

What is Taco seasoning?

It's fine to use the taco seasoning packs. It'll be good.

I am from Cinematic so I make Cincinnati chili. Pound or two of ground beef, tomato paste, chili or taco pack, a few cups of water. Stir, boil, put on low heat and simmer. Side toppings / options: shredded cheese, onions, beans, spaghetti and hot dogs and put chili on top or eat chili in a bowl.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I also have "chili powder" seasoning - which looks much darker and smells lifeless compared to the brighter, more aromatic taco seasoning I have.

chili powder is just the powdered chili. If you don't have a recipe that tells you want to add to it and proportions, I wouldn't risk it for an event.

Here is a recipe for chili using taco seasoning, I have made it before and it is very tasty given the low effort:

https://www.shugarysweets.com/slow-cooker-taco-chili/

I'm guessing taco seasoning is the same as chili seasoning.

I use a mixture of hot and original McCormick's chili seasoning. I brown 99% lean ground turkey meat and drain. Add 1 can of pinto beans, the big can of diced tomatoes (I think it's double the size of the beans), stir, then add packet (half and half for me) and stir again until mixed. I let it simmer longer than if I use ground beef, for the turkey meat to absorb the seasoning.

Seasonings and spices lose flavor over time. Toss the one that doesn’t smell fragrant.

OP here - I also have "chili powder" seasoning - which looks much darker and smells lifeless compared to the brighter, more aromatic taco seasoning I have.

(Also check if the taco seasoning has salt in it - you don’t want to over salt!)

Sure, it’s basically chili powder. Do you have a recipe? You either need to cook the ground beef for a short a time as possible or a very long time (like a ragu).

I'm assigned Chili for a team dinner tonight. I have a ton of "taco" seasoning in the pantry. Can I substitute or convert these seasonings? I have to go to the grocery store for the ground meat anyway.