Make your own homemade gluten free taco seasoning! You save a lot compared to store-bought taco seasoning packets and on top of that you get to avoid the fillers and preservatives.
There is even a good chance that you already have all of the taco mix ingredients needed in your spice cabinet.
Does your family love Taco Tuesday as much as mine? Actually, since we live in Mexico now we don't limit eating tacos to one day a week.
You are probably quite familiar with the envelopes of taco meat seasoning. But are do you know what the taco seasoning packet ingredients are?
What's in Taco Seasoning
Unfortunately, it's not just a mix of spices. A taco seasoning package often includes preservatives, sugar, and fillers like wheat flour or cornstarch.
This makes store-bought taco packets unsuitable for anyone eating gluten-free, paleo, low carb, or keto.
But no need to despair. With this taco seasoning recipe you'll see that it is actually very easy to make at home.
And also much cheaper! If you have a decently stocked spice cabinet you most likely already have all of the taco seasoning ingredients at home.
Here are the spices you need: chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne, onion & garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.
While this list of 9 taco spice ingredients may seem overwhelming at first glance, in reality none of these spices are rare or obscure. I am sure you already have most of these.
I love cooking with lots of spices, therefore I always have quite the variety on hand to make my own sweet and savory spice mixes.
I like to buy my spices in small amounts from the bulk bins. This way I hope to ensure my spices are always fresh and flavorful (ground spices start losing their flavour after about 6 months).
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
When I make taco seasoning I first pull up my recipe - because I can never seem to remember the ratio although I have been using this same recipe for at least 2 years now.
Equipped with the recipe I take out all the spices I need and put them on the counter within reach. There is nothing worse then having to run back and forth to keep getting more ingredients you need.
When I make just a single batch for immediate use, I simply measure all the spices into a bowl and whisk them up to combine.
However, most of the time I actually make a bigger batch because I use homemade taco seasoning not only for making taco meat, but also in many recipes that call for mexican seasoning (see below).
In that case I measure all the ingredients straight into a spice container (small Mason jar works well too). Then I close the lid and shake everything up to mix and combine.
The Mexican spice mix is now ready to use or store.
Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe Modifications
If you prefer your homemade taco seasoning mild, there are a couple substitutions you can make.
First of all omit the cayenne pepper! Secondly, substitute at least half of the chili powder with more sweet paprika powder.
This way anyone with any level of spice tolerance will be able to handle this taco seasoning from scratch.
How Much Taco Seasoning to Use
This recipe ratio is good for seasoning 1 - 2 pounds of ground meat (or vegetables). It equals about how much taco seasoning is in a packet once you take out the fillers.
You can mix up a batch of this easy taco seasoning as needed for one time use. Or you can multiply the recipe (bulk measurements listed below as well) and store the taco seasoning mix in an airtight container for future use.
Use 2-3 generous tablespoons of the bulk taco spice mix to season 1-2 pounds of meat or vegetables. When adding this simple taco seasoning to browned ground beef, I also like to add ½ cup of water for extra moist taco meat.
Where to Use Taco Seasoning in
This beef taco seasoning is perfect when you are making taco meat for your own taco bar dinner.
But you can also use it in many other recipes that call for a Mexican spice blend. Here are some ideas:
Recipe
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Measure all spices into a bowl and stir or whisk to combine.
- Add to 1-2 pounds of ground beef while browning together with ½ cup of water.
- If not using right away, store taco seasoning in a spice jar, small Mason jar or any other container with a tight fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
Omit the cayenne pepper, and substitute at least half of the chili powder with sweet paprika Bulk Taco Seasoning:
makes 1 scant cup of seasoning for 5 pounds of beef (use 3 generous tablespoons per pound)
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2-½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2-½ teaspoons onion powder
- 2-½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 2-½ teaspoons paprika
- 1-¼ teaspoons oregano
Pin Gluten Free Taco Seasoning tutorial for later?
Random Questions
You can create your own taco seasoning with common spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and others. I provide a homemade taco seasoning recipe you can easily follow.
A typical taco seasoning mix includes spices such as chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne, onion & garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. These ingredients combine to create the distinctive flavor profile of taco seasoning.
Mexican seasoning is a broader blend of spices used in various Mexican dishes, while taco seasoning is a specific mix designed to flavor taco meat. However, the two may share some common ingredients depending on the recipe.
Traditional taco seasoning does not usually contain tomatoes. It primarily consists of a combination of various spices and herbs to impart the classic Mexican flavor.
Marlene
Perfect recipe!
Thank you.