Sometimes, you just need it easy. It doesn’t get much easier, or thriftier than this. A few pantry staples thrown in the slow cooker and left to mellow, served with varying degrees of complexity, depending on the occasion. This was one of my go-to meals when our house first went gluten free. My whole family would eat it without complaint, and were able to customize it to suit their particular wants.

This recipe started with my friend Ann, who has made a variation of this meal countless times, and I have taken it and made it my own with different variations for different occasions. These tacos are the perfect GF addition to a pot luck taco bar (with its own serving spoon of course!), or the main ingredients can be easily combined in a gallon zip-top bag and frozen to make a freezer meal to throw in the slow cooker later. This is also a great meal to prepare and bring warm to friends and family who maybe just had a baby, or a loss and don’t want to think about preparing a meal.

Play with it and make it your own- I’m excited to see what others add to it!

Let’s also talk for a minute about gluten free seasonings. There is a lot of discussion in the GF community about things that are processed with wheat, or on the same equipment, line, or facility. It can be difficult to find brands that are certified GF, but they are out there. Do what you are comfortable with. Always read your labels, and double check products even if you have used them before-ingredients change. I personally use (at the time of publication,) either the packet mixes from Trader Joes, or the Spice Islands Taco Seasoning mix from Costco. Our Gluten Free Girl has not had a reaction to either one, but use at your own discretion. If you don’t trust the mixes- you can nix it completely and still have one tasty meal, or play around with Cumin, Chili, and Garlic and Onion powder.

