Homemade Taco Seasoning

I get really excited when I realize I can make things like taco seasoning and chicken stock and salad dressings at home.  Like really excited.  After posting my Panera chocolate chip cookie recipe a few days ago, I called Colby at work all giddy.  I don't think he understands how creating something from scratch that is as delicious as those cookies can make me so happy, but he's a good sport and I can tell he's smiling on the other side of the phone.  This taco seasoning isn't as melt-in-your-mouth-yummy as those chocolate chip cookies, but it still gets me just as happy knowing I'm saving money and giving my family healthier ingredients than if I would buy the seasoning packets at the store.  

Plus, don't you hate it when you're already in the middle of making dinner and realize you don't have a very important, necessary ingredient, like taco seasoning for tacos?!  Ahhh.  Yes, I'm speaking from experience.  Well, worry no more because I bet you have all of these ingredients already in your pantry.  No more middle of the meal-prep freak-out moments.  Except for when your kids are clinging to your legs and running around the house killing each other.  Then freak-out moments are totally understandable.  Don't they understand the making dinner process is really you keeping them alive by feeding them?  Don't they get that?  So can't they just sit quietly and play together like they love each other?

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Note: I like to quadruple this recipe so I have some readily available in my cabinet.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well.  Use immediately or store in an airtight container.

To use:
Brown 1 pound of ground meat in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess grease.  Add 1/2 cup of water and 1 1/2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix.  Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Source:  adapted slightly from allrecipes.com