Taco Night!!!

Who doesn't love taco night?  In our house, it's a crowd favorite!  There was a time when I used those pre-made taco seasoning packets available at our local market. After our middle daughter, Talia, was born with food allergies, we found ourselves seeking alternatives to pre-mixed seasonings, salad dressings and sauces which often contained one our more of the common allergens we were trying to avoid.  In addition, most of them are loaded with preservatives, artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup and salt. Those pre-made taco seasoning packets in the Mexican food aisle at your local market are among the worst in terms of unhealthy ingredients.  They are however, ridiculously convenient when you want to throw together a quick taco dinner!  That's why it is a smart idea to stock your pantry with this homemade seasoning mix!  The store bought packets can't compare to the flavors in this homemade seasoning mix. Once you try it, there's no turning back!  Taco night will never be the same!

Prep Ahead Plan:  Triple the recipe below and store it in an air tight container in the pantry for a quick fix taco night.
Taco Seasoning
(seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef, turkey or chicken)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt (or 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon flour (or masa)

Directions:

1.  Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Be sure the flour is fully incorporated with no lumps!

2.  Store in an air tight container or use immediately.

To prepare taco meat:
Ingredients:
Seasoning mix from above
1 pound meat (ground beef, turkey, chicken)
2/3 cup water
taco fixings of your choosing!


Directions:
1.  Saute 1 pound of ground beef, turkey or chicken and drain the fat.
2.  Sprinkle pre-made seasoning over cooked meat and mix to combine.
3.  Add 2/3 cup of water and mix well.  Simmer on low for about 20 minutes and serve!