Goodbye To Bland Canned Vegetables — Add A Packet Of This For A Burst Of Flavor

Canned vegetables come in handy when you need an affordable option to up your veggie intake, and the non-perishable produce is especially useful when it comes to enjoying seasonal options that you won't find available year-round in a grocery store. The one downside of opting for canned vegetables is they tend to be less flavorful than their fresh counterparts. Luckily, adding a packet of taco seasoning is one of the best ways to breathe new life into the pantry staple.

Taco seasoning packets can be purchased in most grocery stores and is an affordable find; typically only costing $1, depending on where you shop. Taco seasoning typically contains chili powder, paprika, oregano, garlic, and onion powder along with salt and pepper; but some variations may have additional ingredients, like cumin, chipotle chili, or smoked paprika for extra spice. The ready-to-use packets make it easy to add a boost of savory flavor to any dish, but canned veggies are an especially good candidate since they typically lack seasoning by themselves. One thing to be mindful of is the sodium levels because canned vegetables are often processed with salt to prevent spoilage. Opt for salt-free or low-sodium canned veggies or taco mix to avoid an overly salty dish.

Upgrading canned vegetables with taco seasoning can be done in a variety of ways, but you'll start by draining, rinsing, and drying the canned veggies. If you prefer to keep things simple, reheating the vegetables in a saucepan with a pat of butter or a drizzle of oil is a good way to go. Once they've reached your preferred temperature, sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning in and give them a stir before serving. Another way to incorporate the seasoning would be to roast the veggies in the oven or air-fryer after tossing them in the spice mix.

To take things up a notch, try browning some butter in a frying pan first before adding the veggies, pouring in the taco seasoning, and letting them cook. Browned butter will add a warm, nutty flavor to the dish alongside the taco seasoning, and cooking the veggies in a frying pan will reduce the amount of liquid and improve their texture. You could also make a simple, veggie-packed soup by combining assorted veggies like corn, beans, and green chiles along with a can of diced tomatoes and a packet of taco seasoning. There's no denying this budget-friendly seasoning mix is one of the quickest and most delicious ways to give your canned veggies a glow-up.