Homemade Taco Seasoning

I like the convenience of packaged taco seasoning, and I use Old El Paso brand all the time. But sometimes it's nice to have a more homemade flavor. This recipe is nice because it's suitable for those of us who try to watch our carbs, and I think it has a bit more of a authentic Mexican flavor.

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 2 tsp chili powder

• 1 and 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1 and 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp glucomannon (it's a thickener and can be found online if not in your store)

You may have to play with the amount of this seasoning mix you use in your cooking. I like a stronger flavor, so I use this whole batch in about 1 and 1/2 pounds of ground beef. Brown your ground beef, drain the grease, and add this seasoning in with about 1/2 cup of water. Simmer until thickened.

If you can't use that much taco meat all at once, you can cook it up and freeze what you don't need right away. It's never a bad idea to have Mexican food on standby :)