Old El Paso

The Old El Paso brand originated in 1917 as The Mountain Pass Canning Company, but its name changed when the company was sold to a new owner in El Paso, Texas. Initially, the company specialized in canned tomatoes and pinto beans, but it expanded its product line over the years. In 1969, Old El Paso became the first American company to offer a national line of Mexican meals in supermarkets and the first to advertise Mexican cuisine. This growing market for Mexican food, established by Old El Paso, is why U.S. stores created a Mexican food section for the first time in 1970.

Many of us who grew up with "family taco night" are familiar with the packet of spices added to browned ground beef for a quick and easy taco filling. When the seasoned beef is added to crispy or soft taco shells with your favorite combination of cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, or whatever, any day can be Taco Tuesday.

My Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix copycat recipe includes all the spices you'll need for a perfect match to the real thing, along with just the right amount of cornstarch to thicken it up. Plus, it's a cinch to make. Once you've mixed these ingredients in a small bowl, add the blend to one pound of cooked ground beef with water, cook until thick, and fill your tacos just like you did with the original recipe back in the day. 

Now, how about a cold margarita?