As you can see from my menu plan tonight’s dinner was tacos.
About 7 or 8 years ago I found a recipe for taco seasoning mix in a book of master mixes I used to have. I had always used the prepackaged envelopes of taco seasoning, but decided to try my hand at making my own. I have never turned back. Sure it takes a little longer to measure everything out, but for those who love to cook and really appreciate that fresher taste, this is the way to go. Below is the recipe I use for taco seasoning, as well as my own recipe for salsa. Now because I cook for 6 (7 when my father in law is here) I double the recipe below. This recipe will feed 3-4.
Homemade Tacos
You will need:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 – 3/4 cup water
2 tsp instant minced onion
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
1/2 tsp instant minced garlic
1/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
hard or soft taco shells
Amanda’s Fresh Salsa (recipe below)
shredded cheddar cheese
shredded lettuce
Brown the ground beef in a skillet. While the meat is cooking, combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Add 1/2 cup of the water to the dry ingredients and mix together.
Drain off the fat from the cooked meat, wipe pan with paper towel and return browned beef to pan. Add the wet taco seasoning mixture to the meat and stir to combine. If meat mixture seems too dry, add remaining water. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes.
While meat mixture is simmering make the salsa…
Amanda’s Fresh Salsa
Sorry for the sketchy measurements, but I do this by sight, so bear with me!
2 tomatoes (not too ripe, still a little firm), chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 bunch of fresh cilanto, stems removed and chopped
1-2 serrano peppers (the more you put in the hotter it is! If you can’t get serrano peppers, any other hot pepper will do)
2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
season to taste with garlic salt and freshly ground pepper
red pepper flakes (optional, or can replace serrano peppers)
Just dump everything in a bowl and mix it up! I let mine sit for an hour or so to mingle the flavors. This will also keep in the fridge for about a day, but not much longer.
Layer taco meat, cheese, lettuce and salsa into hard or soft taco shells, or you can pile everything on top of tortilla chips like I do :)
Tomorrow night is Cowboy Casserole, never had it so I hope it’s good.
Yum! Nothing better than fresh homemade salsa. Your salsa looks wonderful and seems easy to prepare. Definite keeper for football season!
Thanks so much Katherine! I have a neighbor who loves my salsa. We each have a camper in a seasonal campground a couple hours north of here. I usually make it when we are up there and she is always checking to see if it’s ready. LOL!
I’m giving your taco recipe to my neighbor who wants a better alternative than those packets. Her kids love tacos.
Thanks Barb, let me know how she likes it! We love it here. After trying it years ago I have never used a packet again. if she wants to make several of these ahead, they can be wrapped in foil and kept in zipper bags until ready to use :)
I love that everything is fresh! Looks so tasty!
I would rather use fresh too! Sometimes I have everything for tacos except the seasoning packet. Now I can make my own. You recipe sounds much better then when I tried to just wing it. Also packaged up pretty, this would be a great addition to a gift basket. Thinking Christmas here. :)
I added you to my side bar too.
BTW- nice title you have there! ;)
Its not even 11am and just seeing those picks makes my stomach growl! mmmmmmm.
I love this salsa! I always prefer a chunky type salsa like this on my tacos! It’s so pretty and healthy! Love your taco seasoning too!
I LOVE Mexican food. The taco seasoning sounds perfect and the salsa looks really tasty.
Next time I make tacos, I’m making them your way! Much better than the pre-packaged taco spice I’m ashamed to say I used.
And I don’t know if Vivi and Wade will be a book yet. I was just struck by inspiration and there it was! :)
Great blog! I just found it. All your food looks delicious.
Your salsa looks so fresh and tasty. I will have to use this the next time I make tacos!!!
Thanks everyone, please let me know if you try it! I know that we love it :)
I really love the fresh salsa. The colors alone make you want to dive right in. I love meals like this!
Homemade salsas are always so fresh and good!