Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix II

By Addie

This saves a ton over buying the prepackaged version from the store, plus it can be prepared with as much or as little salt as you want to add. I've used cornmeal as the thickener because my step-mother, who is from Nicaragua, always did it that way. It makes the taco mix nice and thick, but you don't notice it at all in the prepared dish.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons dried onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or ground red pepper or ground chipotle pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Preparation

Step 1

Combine all of the ingredients in a small jar, or a snack-size storage bag, or a small plain white envelope. Label and seal. Store on the pantry shelf until needed.
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To Prepare:

1 pound regular ground beef, drained and rinsed
1 packet Taco Seasoning Mix
1 cup water

Cook the ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up into small bits as you go along. When it's well done, drain off the fat and pour the ground beef into a colander. Run hot water over the beef in the colander and allow it drain. Rinse the skillet in hot water and return it to the stove. Put the ground beef back into the skillet.

Add the Taco Seasoning Mix and water to the ground beef. Cook and stir until thickened. It should simmer for about 10 minutes for optimum flavor. Serve in taco shells or taco salads or burritos. If desired add a 15-ounce can of refried beans to the meat mixture and use to make beef and bean burritos. Very tasty and cheap too.