New Recipes for us this Fall

Recently Adam asked me to make taco's for dinner. Now if you haven't guessed by now, I'm not into buying those little spice packages that have a million extra ingredients in them, so we never eat tacos or sloppy joes. That's all changed now... these recipes are quick and easy and I've got two more dinners to rotate in with normal stuff this Fall! Why didn't I think of this sooner!

Taco Seasonings

I just eyeballed the amounts - and you could adjust the spiciness to taste, it's fairly mild on the heat.

• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp each salt and black pepper (I used less)

In a small bowl mix all ingredients together and add to saute pan with ground beef or chicken. Can be stored in an airtight container. I find it's enough to season 1 - 1 1/2 pounds of meat or so.

Super Sloppy Joes (from Rachel Ray - 30 minute Queen)

• 1 Tblspn extra virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp to 1 tblspn steak seasoning blend
• 1 mediun onion, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper chopped
• 1 tblspn red wine vinegar
• 1 tblspn Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 Tblspns tomato paste
• 4 crusty rolls split, toasted and lightly buttered

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and meat to the pan. While meat is browning combine brown sugar and steak seasoning. Add sugar and spice mixture to the skillet and combine. When the meat has browned add onion and red peppers. Reduce heat to medium and cook onions, peppers , red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce with meat for 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and paste and stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes longer. Spoon onto rolls and serve. (I just made homemade biscuits and we spooned them over those.