Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix By Amanda Formaro

For many families, tacos are a wonderful treat one that children and adults enjoy, a fairly inexpensive meal with just a few ingredients, and minimal preparation. What I didn't know for many years, during the early stages of my family, was that homemade taco seasoning is just plain better. While packaged seasoning mixes may be simple, quick and convenient, it only takes a few minutes more to measure out the ingredients you need, and the results are definitely noticable.

Seasoning Mix 2 teaspoons instant minced onion 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon crushed red peppers 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin For Tacos 1 lb. ground beef 1/4 - 1/2 cup water lettuce, shredded cheddar cheesed, shredded onion, chopped tomatoes, chopped soft and/or hard taco shells hot sauce (optional)

Serves 4 Combine seasoning ingredients in a small bowl or container and set aside. For Tacos Brown ground beef and drain off fat. Add water and dry seasoning mixture. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 20-25 minutes. If mixture gets too thick before cooking is complete, add a small amount of water to thin. Serve on soft or hard taco shells topped with your favorite vegetables and sauce. Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She and her husband live in southeastern Wisconsin. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Subscribe to her free weekly kid's craft newsletter, Busy Little Hands, by sending any email message to kidscrafts-on@mail-list.com.