Ditch the Box - Taco Helper

Another installment in the "Ditch the Box" series...This allows you to know EXACTLY what your family is eating and they are so much healthier & tastier than the store bought mixes.

Taco Helper Mix:
1cup instant brown rice
1 8oz can of diced tomatoes (leave in can)
1 sauce packet:
     2/3 cup powdered milk
     1 TBL corn starch
     2 tsp taco seasoning
     1 tsp Onion Powder
     1 tsp Garlic Powder
                                              sugar
                                           
Mix "sauce packet" in a bowl with a whisk, place in small Ziploc bag. Put pasta in gallon bag, place sauce packet inside. You can put the directions directly on the bag or on an index card to reuse next time. I actually printed up 4 cards since I try to keep 4 of these prepared. 
 

To cook for dinner:
Fresh Ingredients for cooking day:
1 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
3 cups hot water
1 cup shredded cheese
Optional: tortilla chips

Brown ground beef in large skillet, drain grease, add hot water, rice, tomatoes (drained) and contents of sauce packet.  Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low about 20 minutes stirring occasionally, until rice is tender. During last few minutes of cooking, stir in the cheese; cover and cook final few minutes till cheese is melted.  Turn off heat and uncover. Let skillet dinner sit for about 5 minutes. This will allow sauce to thicken a bit.