Call Me Old Fashioned

When we first started our journey to simpler, healthier living and cooking from scratch, one of the first switches I made was homemade taco seasoning mix. It was a great place to start, because as a family of 6, tacos were something we ate almost weekly, and we discovered that several of my family members had food sensitivities to black pepper, which is present in most, if not all of store-brought taco seasoning mixes.

This recipe is so easy, and adjustable to your family’s needs. If you’d rather add the black pepper, or make other substitutions, feel free. Consider this a template, rather than a precise recipe. And if you haven’t tried alligator pepper (also known as grains of paradise,) it is a pretty good substitute for black pepper if you or one of your family members is struggling with a similar allergy or sensitivity but love that peppery flavor.

Taco Seasoning Mix

• 1/4 c dried minced onion
• 2 T dried minced garlic
• 1 t garlic powder
• 1 t onion powder
• 1/4 c chili powder
• 3 t ground cumin
• 2 t paprika
• 1 t crushed red pepper flakes (or more, if you like it spicy)
• 3 t dried oregano
• 1 t Italian seasoning
• 4 t sea salt (I like Celtic Sea salt for the mineral content)
• 4 T organic cornstarch (can substitute tapioca starch or arrowroot powder)
• (optional) 1 t black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a pint-sized mason jar, tightly secure the lid, and shake. Add 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix to each pound of meat. I like to brown the hamburger first, then add the seasoning mix along with about a cup of water and allow the meat to simmer until the liquid has reduced to a taco sauce-like consistency.