Taco Bites

Sunday night was a devotion followed by a fellowship meal at our church.  My sweetheart wanted to take something including deer meat (since he recently got a beautiful 9-pointer with his bow).  I had seen Taco Bites on Pinterest, but I had not (and still haven't) taken the time to read the recipe...So, I made my own as I went.  Apparently they were good because my dish came home empty!

I started my fresh deer meat.  I love to begin with some olive oil and fresh garlic before I add the ground meat.  After the meat was completely cooked (browned) I added my home-made taco seasoning!  After I add the seasoning I let the meat continue to cook on low for a few minutes.  While the meat is cooking I prepared some refried beans. In the interest of time, I opened a can and added 2T water, and heated them for about 1 minute.

Lightly spray your pans.  Line with tortilla shell.  I have made these myself...and oh my - so delicious! However, as I mentioned earlier - in the interest of time, I chose to use store bought.  I purchased the small size and cut them into quarters.

 Next, I added a small spoonful of refried beans.

On top of the refried beans I added a small spoon of the seasoned meat, and sprinkled with a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.  

I then repeated the first three steps.  This makes two layers of tortilla shell, beans, meat, and cheese.

Bake at 325 for about 15-20 minutes and....

They smelled so delicious!  Everyone seemed to enjoy them.  I would serve them with a bowl of salsa and a bowl of sour cream.  That way people can customize them for their own preferences!  

Enjoy!

Taco Seasoning - Home made!

 

I am all about making things myself, as opposed to buying them.  They are usually better than what you can buy in the store, and also much cheaper!  It is my goal to spend as little money as possible - We are working very hard to have everything paid off and to get ahead on the house - it doesn't happen overnight, but I figure every penny helps!!

 

 

This week I made my own taco seasoning - I used a recipe from Pinterest (Taco Seasoning).  However, as I usually do, I adapted it a little.  I also quadrupled the recipe!

 

The recipe, as I made it, is as follows:

 

4 Tb Chili Powder

1 tsp Garlic Powder (plus a little extra shake or two - I like garlic)

1 tsp Onion Powder

2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper

2 tsp Paprika

6 tsp Ground Cumin

4 tsp Salt

4 tsp Black Pepper

 

 

I placed all ingredients directly into my jar that I would be storing the mix in.  I also used an old lid from a Parmesan Cheese jar - also a tip from Pinterest!!!  After all the ingredients are in the jar, screw on the lid, and shake shake shake!! :)   

 

As I made tacos I just season to taste.... 

  

So far, it seams to be a big hit!! - Enjoy!