This week I'm bringing you something you need to have in your recipe book--whether that's an actual book, recipe cards, or a Pinterest board:

Taco seasoning!

So many people I know love tacos and Tex-Mex food. It's really easy to make your own seasoning for these, and just as easy to tweak to your own taste. The recipe I'm giving you today is the BASE version of the taco seasoning. What I mean by this is that we like extra cumin and herbs, so I use this recipe, but add extra of the things we want. If you don't like things spicy or are cooking for kids, take out the red pepper flakes and consider switching the chili powder to something milder like paprika, or cut it out altogether. You can always add hot sauce later!

This recipe is for seasoning roughly 1-1.5 pounds of your protein of choice. Do season to taste! I do like strong seasonings, so taste it as you go. Start with 2 Tablespoons for 1 pound of protein.

We have tacos and burritos and all sorts of variations often in our house, so I like to fill up a glass jar with seasoning every time I make it. That way I don't need to mix up a new batch each time. I'll include doubling measurements in case you aren't the best at conversions. I usually make more, but I'll leave those calculations up to you to fit whatever container you're using!

I like to make my own taco seasoning so I can control what goes into it. Too many seasonings these days have sugar and too much salt added, and I'd like to avoid that. When I can find it, I'd love to upgrade to better spices too! My sister has a store by her where she gets these amazing spices and I'm so jealous! The budget garlic powder that you get in most stores pales in comparison.

Taco Seasoning

Ingredients

1 T chili powder

1 t garlic powder

1/2 t onion powder

1/4 t red pepper flakes

1/4 t dried oregano

1/4 t dried cilantro (use dried parsley if you can't find/don't like cilantro)

1 1/2 t cumin

1 t salt

1 t black pepper

Method

Measure all ingredients in a jar or bowl. Shake or stir ingredients until combined. Use 2 Tablespoons to season 1 pound of meat/protein. Add more to taste. Store unused seasoning in sealed container or zip-top bag.

Prepare for trouble. Make it double [batch]!

2 T chili powder

2 t garlic powder

1 t onion powder

1/2 t red pepper flakes

1/2 t dried oregano

1/2 t dried cilantro

3 t cumin

2 t salt

2 t black pepper