Taco Seasoning


I found this recipe on Allrecipes.com. It 's so much better than the commercial brands. The best thing is that you can adjust the salt to suit your taste. I only put in half the salt and next time I think I will try even less, since we try and keep a low sodium diet. I like to make a big batch and keep it on hand. I also put it in the food processor to blend it into powder. I use 2 TBSP to replace a packet of taco seasoning (actually, I use 2 heaping TBSP because we like our food spicy.)

1 TBSP   Chili Powder
1/4 tsp     Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp     Onion Powder
1/4 tsp     Chili Pepper flakes
1/4 tsp     Oregano
1/2 tsp     Paprika
1-1/2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp        Salt
1 tsp        Pepper

Now I use the above recipe in a new casserole I tried this week. My husband and picky son loved it, in fact, my husband requested it again tonight. I found the recipe online, but I can't remember the site. I guess it doesn't matter since I tweaked it and didn't really follow the recipe anyway (it's sort of a habit with me.) Anyhow, here's the recipe for my new improved Tater Tots Taco Casserole:

About 3 cups of shredded left-over chicken
1 packet taco seasoning or 2 TBSP of the DIY Taco Seasoning
1/4 water
1/2 med. oinion
about 1 1/2 Cups frozen corn
Shredded Cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
1   12 oz jar salsa
enough tater tots to cover about 1/3 of a 2kg bag
sour cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F
1. Sauté the onion, chicken, and corn together
2. Add the taco seasoning and water
3. Simmer for a few minutes
4. Spread chicken mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 pan
5. Layer shredded cheddar over chicken
6. Spread tater tots in a single layer over cheese
7. Spread salsa over tater tots
8. Cook for one hour

Serve with sour cream

Enjoy! A great make ahead dinner.