Taco Tuesday

It's Taco Tuesday!  We used to be a taco loving family but when we started making healthier eating choices they dropped off the menu.  I was hesitant to use packaged taco mixes and tortillas full of hydrogenated oils and other unpronounceable ingredients.

But then I found taco shells from my favorite store, Trader Joe's.  They're made with organic corn and have a sensible ingredient list.

Now all I needed was taco seasoning.  A quick search online and I found a make-it-yourself version.  Perfect!  Add some free range organic ground beef (from Costco) and we were set.

Taco Tuesday is back in the rotation.  Want to give it a try?  Here's my recipe, it made just enough for one taco night (the ground beef is about 1.5 lbs).  You could also double or triple the recipe if you wanted to store it to keep it on hand.

Taco Seasoning  
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion flakes (or powder)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions
1. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion flakes, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container until ready for use.

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water. Simmer and stir until water is absorbed. If you want more of a sauce throw in about 2 tablespoons of flour with the water.

I'd say this seasoning would be a medium on the spicy scale. If you prefer a more mild flavor reduce the crushed red pepper flakes and the chili powder and increase (in proportion) the garlic, cumin or onion. Another option (what we did) is to add more cheese and sour cream to our daughter's taco to make it milder.