Homemade Taco Seasoning with Oven Shells

Let's face it, not every meal that comes out of your kitchen is going to be a culinary masterpiece! There are certain dishes, that, if Ina Garten were to come over for supper one evening, I would never serve. However, sometimes you just have to get something fast and inexpensive on the table. I think a go to dish in this category, for everyone, is TACOS! I mean really, who doesn't love a good taco? But let me ask you this...Are we overpaying for our Taco Tuesday? The meat and topping are a must! They, in fact, are what make the taco, but what is this business of paying $5 for a taco kit!!! NO! STOP THE INSANITY! You have everything you need for the perfect taco fiesta in your kitchen!! Take a look!

Now let's talk seasoning! Those little packets that you are paying $1+ for; Do you know what is in them? Neither do I. BUT, I DO know that in my spice cabinet I already have some delightful Mexican flavors.

Here Is What You Need:

2 tsp. Chili Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Paprika
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Oregano
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Mix it all together and there you go! Add a generous tbsp. to any taco filling and you have 5 servings for under a $1!!

When your meat is half way browned add your spice. This will give the oils in the spices a chance to come alive and really season your meat.

See...:)

To create a nice sauce, add 1/2 c. water to your meat and let simmer 2-3 minutes.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SHELLS!?!

I usually have some sort of tortilla shell in my freezer. We often have Fajita Friday and you never know when the mood for a good quesadilla will hit you. So why am I buying more shells? I know what you are going to say..."But they are not crunchy!" Well...let's remedy that!

First of all, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Then wrap 6 flour tortilla shells in damp paper towels.

Microwave for 30 seconds. This will help to make your shells more pliable.

This is the cool part...

Just drape them over the grates in your oven. If you want free standing ones, do two bars. If you want the usual single fold, do one. Let them bake 7-10 minutes and...