Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe

This gluten free taco seasoning recipe uses spices you probably already have in your pantry! You can also adjust the ratios to get the perfect amount of heat for your family.

HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

I use a lot of taco seasoning. I mean A LOT! Not only do I use it regularly for my own family, but I also use it to make taco soup a couple times a month for friends who need a meal.

I used to buy premixed seasoning in a big jar at Sam’s Club; but when they switched to a brand that wasn’t gluten free, I decided it was finally time to make my own. Although no one in my home is gluten intolerant (that we know of), I prefer to use gluten free ingredients whenever possible when cooking for others. Especially when it’s easily avoidable.

Individual packets of taco seasoning are SO overpriced. But when I did the math I found out that buying bulk spices for making taco seasoning at home comes out to a little less than buying the bulk premixed seasoning…one more way to save a little!

WHAT IS IN TACO SEASONING?

Every taco seasoning mix is a little different. The most recognizable flavor is probably cumin. And the bright red color and smoky flavor usually comes from smoked paprika.

You also need some garlic and onion powder, and some peppers for heat. After tweaking my portions a few times, this has been my go to recipe for 8 years.

If you want to make your taco seasoning mild, skip the red pepper flakes and just use 1 tablespoon of black pepper.

TACO SEASONING DIRECTIONS

• Brown your ground beef or turkey in skillet. Drain off any fat.
• Mix 1/4 cup gluten free taco seasoning with 2 cups of water.
• Pour over your meat and mix well.
• Simmer on medium high, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly evaporated.

We like our taco meat very spicy and flavorful, so I use 1/4 cup of seasoning for a pound of ground beef or turkey. If you aren’t sure you want it that strong, you can start with 2 tablespoons.

Do you see those tiny flecks of green in that taco meat? I put finely chopped broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots in the beef. My kids don’t like lettuce or tomatoes, so this way they’re guaranteed to get some veggies in them on taco night!

You can skip the water, and just stir the spices in halfway through browning the meat. I’ve done that before and it has tasted great. But using the water gives you that nice saucy texture to the meat and keeps it from being dry.

PIN TO SAVE GLUTEN FREE TACO SEASONING FOR LATER:

BUYING SPICES ONLINE

You can likely find better deals at big box stores like Costco. But you can also get all the ingredients from Amazon. If you click one of these links before buying anything on Amazon, we get a little commission without it costing you anything extra. Thanks for supporting our family business!

TACO SEASONING RECIPES

• Beef Mexican Rice Recipe
• Easy Taco Lasagna Casserole
• Healthy Seven Layer Dip

Continue to Content

Yield: 5

Gluten Free Taco Seasoning

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This gluten free taco seasoning recipe uses spices you probably already have in your pantry! You can also adjust the ratios to get the perfect amount of heat for your family. If you want to make your taco seasoning mild, skip the red pepper flakes and just use 1 tablespoon of black pepper. I usually double this recipe since we use the seasoning so often.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1/4 cup cumin
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 2 TBS paprika
• 1 TBS garlic powder
• 1 TBS onion powder
• 1 TBS dried oregano
• 1 TBS red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients well and store in an airtight container.
2. To use, mix 1/4 cup seasoning with 2 cups of water. Stir into browned meat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly evaporated.

Notes

Approximate cost/serving: By getting my spices in bulk I end up paying about $1.50 for this recipe.  That's just 50 cents per 1/4 cup serving. Vegetarian/gluten free: Yes to both.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

5

Serving Size:

5 Servings
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 26Sodium: 5689mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gProtein: 1g