Making Taco and Sloppy Joe seasonings from scratch

I just hate buying seasoning mixes from the grocery store!  They are SO expensive for the small amount of seasoning that is packaged and, of course, you have to pay for that silly packaging as well!
A long time ago, I received a book called "Make Your Own Groceries".  I have used many of the recipes in this book over the years.  However, two of my favorite are the taco and sloppy joe seasoning mixes.  Since I like having them around so well, I thought I would share them.  They are extremely easy to prepare!

Sloppy Joe Mix:
1/3 cup instant minced onion          2-3 tsp. sugar      
2 TB salt                                           1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard                
2 TB cornstarch                               1 1/2 tsp. powdered celery seed
1 TB instance minced garlic            1/4 tsp. cayenne
2-3 tsp. chili powder

  Mix all the ingredients together.  Pour into a half-pint jelly jar and seal.

Taco Seasoning Mix:
1/4 cup instant minced onion                         3 TB chili powder
2 TB ground cumin                                         2 TB salt
1 TB crushed red pepper flakes                    1 TB instant minced garlic
1 TB cornstarch                                              2 tsp. oregano, crushed well

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl; pour into half-pint jelly jars just like the sloppy joe mix.

Voila! You have mixes for just pennies!

 For each of these recipes, the first time you  make them, it is best to measure out the amount of mix that you have as you put it into the jars.  Each recipe makes the equivalent of 6 envelopes.  I measured mine by 1/2 TB to give a pretty accurate amount.  Once I had the amount, I divided it by 6 to give me the amount needed per "envelope".  I then made a label for each of the jars with the name and the extra ingredients needed to make each.
For the Taco Mix, you would add the amount of your mix that would equal one envelope plus 1/2 c. water and 1 TB of ketchup to your ground beef.
For the Sloppy Joes, you would add 1 6-oz can of tomato paste and 1 1/4 cups of water plus the amount of your mix that equals one envelope to your ground beef.
For both of these, you would stir well and simmer uncovered until thickened to your liking, usually about 10 minutes.

These are such easy recipes; simple to  make and VERY inexpensive and great to have around when you need them!
Happy cooking!