Thursday, April 26, 2012

Taco Seasoning!

I may have mentioned before that the less processed food that enters our home, the better. But that's not to say it is always an easy task. For example, my attempt at homemade goldfish was not exactly a success. It was not a total failure, but the few people that tested them smiled nicely (in an, "I think it's cute that you tried" kind of smile) and said that they tasted like croutons (yes, they must have tasted like croutons, because two people said that independently of each other). I think I remember my boys eating them without question, but I have yet to make them again- that's not to say I won't though.

However, there are plenty of homemade versions of typically processed food that are easy peasy. This recipe for taco seasoning, found originally at Food Renegade, is just that.

 To make a large jar of seasoning that will last several months, simply combine the following:

  • 1/4 C. plus 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano
  • 2 1/2 tsp. Paprika
  • 2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
  • 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Black Pepper (optional)

That's it! And it looks so nice before mixing. I almost just want to keep it on the window sill.


But our family likes taco night too much to not utilize this mixture. We have tacos at least once a week, and we all look forward to it. Without actually making three different meals (because I normally wouldn't do that), I can give everyone just what they like: hard shell tacos for Landon, a "burrito" for Mitchell, and taco salad for JD and I. Everyone is happy.

Oh, and there's all the great things you can do with the leftover tacos. Our favorite is the taco bake:


***A layer of tortilla chips, a layer of taco meat (we usually use ground turkey), a layer of black beans, tomatoes, corn, peppers, avocado, and a generous layer of cheddar cheese. Bake in 350 degree oven for 25-30 min. Serve with sour cream (obv!).

 I think I love this because it's pretty much like eating nachos for dinner. It still feels healthy though, because of all the fresh veggies. Oh, and the homemade taco seasoning of course :)

***Update, 11/16/2013 We still eat the taco bake often. I have, however, stopped putting a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the baking dish. I noticed they became soggy, especially after being reheated. Instead, we dip the chips in afterward.***

5 comments:

  1. You inspired me to go read the directions on our taco seasoning container. Errr.... Yes, I will have to make homemade when this runs out.

    Also, thanks for mentioning the taco bake. Oftentimes I let the meat go to waste afterwards because I'm bad and naughty. What you made sounds great and could be made on a small scale if there's just a little left.

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  2. I'm glad this could be of use to you, Rachel! You are right about the taco bake; it can be made for a lunch or even a late night snack (say if you're up waaaay to late at a book club or something ;)

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  3. I don't cook that often, but now that my son is starting to eat table food, that's changing. I am going to start with homemade tacos your recipe for taco seasoning. Thanks! :)

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    1. Shannon, that's great! I loved when my boys started eating table food and I didn't have to put everything in the food processor. I enjoyed looking for creative ways to get them to eat more veggies. My favorite- shredded carrots in pancakes!

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