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I’ve been a bit delayed on sharing some big news – to me, anyway. It actually happened about a week and a half ago, but I was waiting for the right time to share. It seemed like my super awesome announcement had to be paired with an exceptionally awesome recipe. So, I thought the perfect time to tell you was with a staple recipe that I already use in lots of my other popular recipes. My homemade, keto low carb taco seasoning recipe!
So, what’s the news? If you’re following me on Instagram, you may have heard already. (And if you aren’t, why not? I share sneak peek stuff there all the time!)
The big surprise is, I left my day job to run Wholesome Yum full time!! And even though it was a hard decision – I loved my job as a senior software engineer – it was the right thing to do.
I am over the moon excited to focus on Wholesome Yum! It means more time to create great recipes for you, to help you guys in our support group, and to create resources like low carb food lists, meal plans and cookbooks.
And, I’m not going to lie. It also means more time with my family, my kids and my friends. Working two full-time jobs has been so taxing, and I am ready to restore some balance in life.
Okay, let’s talk low carb taco seasoning mix!
When it comes to seasoning mixes, many of them have ingredients that are not so great. And, they are expensive! That’s why I prefer to make my own keto taco seasoning mix. It’s actually really easy to do.
What Is Taco Seasoning?
What’s in taco seasoning? If you’re doing it right, it’s basically just a bunch of Mexican spices mixed together.
Most commonly, the main spices in taco seasoning are:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika – smoked or regular
- Dried oregano – or coriander, or dried cilantro
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
The main differences in homemade taco seasoning mix recipes are the ratios, and a few of the seasoning options.
For example, some skip paprika altogether. I actually have not seen smoked paprika in a taco seasoning, but always use it in mine because I believe it tastes better. Feel free to use regular paprika if you want to.
The dried oregano can be replaced with coriander or dried cilantro, if you prefer those.
Finally, sea salt is optional depending on if you want a salty taco seasoning or not. I’ll explain more about that shortly.
But first, can I just tell you how much I love using this keto taco seasoning in recipes?
My healthy taco salad recipe is one of the most popular recipes on this low carb blog, and my all-time favorite way to use low carb taco seasoning.
Of course, taco seasoning is also delicious in actual tacos. Wrap the meat along with taco fillings in some low carb coconut flour tortillas, and you’re good to go!
Stay tuned for more recipes using this keto taco seasoning mix in the next few months.
Better DIY Taco Seasoning Ingredients
As you can see, low carb taco seasoning mix is just a matter of mixing spices together. Sadly, that’s not all you’ll find in store bought seasonings, but it should be. And it can be. Just make homemade taco seasoning yourself.
I’ve been making my own homemade taco seasoning for a long time, but prior to that, I searched for them in stores. Unfortunately, the options I found were filled with chemicals and sugar, and the few that weren’t were expensive.
I wanted an affordable recipe that I could call low carb taco seasoning. And keto taco seasoning. And gluten-free taco seasoning. And paleo taco seasoning. And even whole30 taco seasoning. So, I knew I had to make my own to accomplish all of these.
To figure out what spices to include in homemade taco seasoning, I looked at the packaging of about half a dozen store bought brands. I looked for common themes and skipped the artificial ingredients, starches, fillers and preservatives. (Spices store just fine without them!)
I came up with my list of DIY taco seasoning ingredients, mentioned above.
Finally, I played around with ratios. Obviously, taco seasoning mix that you buy at the store isn’t going to list how much of each spice they included. I knew that chili powder was the main ingredient, and everything else was just testing.
Except one thing. Salt! I knew how much I would need even before I started testing.
A long time ago, I read somewhere that Julia Child recommends a teaspoon of salt per pound of meat. Her advice was not specific to gluten-free taco seasoning, or any kind of mix at all, but simply a general rule of thumb.
I’ve been using this amount of salt ever since and it has yet to fail me. So, I made sure that the amount of salt in this low carb taco seasoning mix also matches Julia’s recommendation.
So, I bring to you, the best taco seasoning ever. With a well-tested spice ratio and Julia Child’s recommended amount of salt, how could it not be?
How To Make Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef
Are you ready to learn how to make your own taco seasoning? There isn’t much to it.
All you have to do is stir together the ingredients! Grab all your spices, stir them together in a bowl, then transfer to storage.
Or, if you don’t want to dirty extra dishes, you can place the seasonings right into your storage container, cover it, and give it a good shake.
How To Store Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
My easy taco seasoning recipe makes a large batch, because I think it’s annoying to make it every time I need it. It makes enough taco seasoning mix for 3 pounds of meat, which is usually three separate meals at our house.
If you have a larger family, or if you want to make it even less often, feel free to double, triple or even quadruple this homemade taco seasoning recipe.
As for how to store taco seasoning, just keep it in a cool, dry place. I’ve kept the spices used for gluten-free taco seasoning for years this way without a problem. Why would it be any different if you’re storing them combined into a mix?
If you really want to, you can store your taco seasoning mix in the freezer. I don’t see much point, and you run the risk of freeze drying if there is any exposure to air. It’s up to you if you feel it’s necessary.
Besides, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love this keto taco seasoning mix so much that it’s not going to last long enough to make freezing worth it. 😉 It goes so fast at our house!
On the other hand, if you really want enough gluten-free taco seasoning for just one batch, change the number of servings on the recipe card from 12 to 4. That way, it will make 2 tablespoons of mix. Why 2 tablespoons? More on that in a second.
How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Meat?
Okay, so you’ve made the best taco seasoning recipe ever. How to season taco meat with it? It’s really easy.
And, whether you want taco seasoning for ground beef, steak, chicken, or fish, the amount to use is the same.
Simply use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix per pound of meat. All the premade packets recommend this, and it’s actually the same for homemade taco seasoning, too.
I’ll go over how to use taco seasoning for ground beef, because this is the most common.
Always start by browning the meat first. Once it’s cooked through, add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water per pound of meat. Stir well, then simmer until the water mostly evaporates.
There you go – you have taco seasoned ground beef!
If you are using gluten-free taco seasoning in a recipe that expects it to be without salt, or if you just want to salt to your liking, you can.
It’s totally fine to omit the salt in the seasoning. If you do, reduce the seasoning amount per pound of meat from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons. That will get you the same ratio of spices.
Who’s ready to make some delicious tacos?
Tools To Make Taco Seasoning:
Click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Measuring Spoons – These measuring spoons are perfectly shaped for reaching into spice jars, which will make whipping up this low carb taco seasoning a breeze!
- Glass Jar with Lid – Keep you new gluten-free taco seasoning fresh by storing it in an airtight jar. These do the job nicely, and are easy to clean once you’ve used all your spice mix.
Gluten-Free Keto Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe:
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RECIPE CARD
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Gluten-Free Keto Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe
An easy 5-minute recipe for how to make homemade gluten-free taco seasoning mix! This natural, keto low carb taco seasoning recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any store.
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Instructions
Get RECIPE TIPS in the post above, nutrition info + recipe notes below!
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- Stir all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.
- How to use taco seasoning mix: Brown the ground beef (or other meat) first. Then, add 2 tbsp (28 g) seasoning and 1/2 cup (120 mL) water per pound of meat. Simmer until the extra liquid evaporates or absorbs into the meat.
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Recipe Notes
Recipe makes approximately 6 tbsp total. Use 2 tbsp per 1 lb meat, with no additional salt - more details in the post above. Serving size is for enough seasoning for 1/4 lb of meat, which would be 1/2 tbsp seasoning.
Serving size: 1/2 tbsp
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Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Net carb count excludes fiber, erythritol, and allulose, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. (Learn about net carbs here.) We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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62 Comments
Lex
I tried this recipe to make the seasoning for Wholesome Yum’s taco soup. I have to say that you don’t need all the preservatives, yeast extracts, MSG, sugar, HFCS or a truckload of salt to make a great taco seasoning. After trying this one, I have vowed I will never go back to that ancient Texas city brand ever again. It’s just too easy to make your own and store it in a spice shaker called, “Taco Seasoning”.
sheila haliotis
Excellent!!
Lynda Pedersen
I make tacos fairly often and have always bought the premixed taco spice. I tried your recipe for the first time tonight and it is way better than the store bought stuff. I used about half the salt called for and it was perfect!
Jill Fuller
You inspired me. I had all the ingredients and it was delish!!! Thank you!
carmenahanna@gmail.com
I use this taco seasoning all the time! Thanks for the great recipe!
dana
I would like sodium count in the nutrition information
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Dana, I’m sorry, I don’t track the sodium content of my recipes. If you are interested in knowing this information, feel free to enter the recipe in an online recipe calculator!
Sarah
From what I understand of gluten, it is that anti-caking agents are made from gluten. And many spices have anti-caking agents in them. So it is important to either read the label or look up the brand ingredients to be sure. Otherwise you will have a gluten reaction without knowing why.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Sarah, Most commonly with seasonings, the problem is with cross-contamination. So the seasonings may not disclose that they contain wheat flour, but there may be trace amounts from the manufacturing process, or yes, anti-caking agents.
Deb Seeley
Thanks for this. I use it regularly.
Shirley
I just made this as I was craving soft tacos. This is some awesomeness. Thank you!
Cindy Wuer
This is a fantastic recipe however, it was a little salty for me (and I do like my salt). I use Kosher salt so that was not the problem. Next time I will cut it back to 1/2 or 3/4 TB. If you use the full 2Tb seasoning per pound it will be pretty strong, so it you want a milder flavor don’t use the full 2T all at once. I will definitely be making this again. Better than what you can buy and KETO! BTW, if you want it to thicken like the store-bought packets add a pinch of xanthan gum.
Carri
I made up my own taco seasoning / taco meat recipe years ago. I don’t care for the taste of chili powder, so I omit that. I use most of your other seasonings but I also fry up some onion and garlic. Add white pepper, 2 to 3 heaping tbsp tomato paste and 1 to 1 1/2 cups water. Mix it all in with the cooked hamburger and let it simmer down about 15 minutes so the sauce cooks down but not dry. I like it somewhat saucy but not too much. Love beating the system and not having to buy seasoning packets that usually contain MSG and other junk.
Pauline Ondrajka
Best taco Seasoning ever, I add it to chili and soups as well! My daughter is now hooked on it too! I usually do 36 servings at a time. I have given this to my friends as gifts as well. I’ve been using this for a couple of years and thought I would come leave a review, as I am printing this to put in my book in the kitchen for most used and most delicious recipes! Thanks for sharing!!
Diane
Wonderful flavor! Plus, I didn’t need to buy any special ingredients since I happened to have everything including the smoked paprika on hand (just bought that a few weeks ago when it was used in a Publix demo). I may never buy taco seasoning again. Thank you for doing all the experimentation for us, Maya!
Karla
Omg!! I just made the taco seasoning, and then made tacos with it. I used the Mission low carb soft tortillas. This was amazing! I heartily recommend it!
Patti
This is DELICIOUS!!!!! I went extra heavy on the Cayenne Pepper since we love spicy. It was extremely flavorful in our low carb Taco Skillet. Thank you!!!
Kim Hunt
If you are using sea salt or iodized salt instead of kosher, it will taste saltier.
Mary C Ekroos
thank you for this recipe! I plan to make it for many applications! Chili, Taco Meat! But I also make an Egg Fast Dish with hardboiled eggs with spices and Parmesan cheese, so I plan to make this & sprinkle on the egg halves before I put the Parmesan on them and crisp them up in a skillet! so glad to see this recipe! Thank you!
Charlie Gilliam
I really like using Mexican oregano. It has a distinct flavor difference compared to Italian oregano.
Mike
I’d just like to make sure that the recipe is correct where it asks for 1 TBSP of sea salt and it’s not 1 TSP. Also, if I’m understanding this correctly, I can use kosher salt instead of sea salt and be fine, just don’t use fine salt?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Mike, The amount listed is correct. Kosher salt will work fine. Alternatively, you can omit the salt completely and season the final dish to taste.
Tom
This was great. Can I leave onion powder out. Having a party and some people are allergic
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Tom! Yes, feel free to leave it out.
Susan
I absolutely LOVE your taco seasoning recipe!
Sue M
I made this recipe and it is very tasty. I prefer low sodium, so I reduced the salt to 1/2 teaspoon. Perfection. It also saves me money by not having to buy low sodium taco seasoning. Thank you for the recipe.
Jessie Davis
Thanks for this. I’m prediabetic by redospostional genetic gene. I saythisbcozI run and eat healthy anyways…but. Now… I count every carb and this so much better than a packet
Caroline Shaw
I haven’t had taco seasoning before so looking forwards to giving it a try. Plan on making a Taco Pie using this spice mix. Silly question… what do you serve with it to make it a filling family meal for working men with big appetites? We are still feeling our feet with a Keto lifestyle. Thank you for any help and advice given x
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Caroline, Taco pie is a great idea! One of my other go-to’s is taco salad. You can also make tacos with jicama tortillas or coconut tortillas.
Diana
I made a recipe for a taco bake tonight and needed a fast and easy recipe for taco seasoning. Found this one in my online recipe book. It is a winner! This is THE best taco seasoning I’ve ever made/used.
Thank you for sharing this!
Kim Parker
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!! This recipe is perfect, wonderful taste, husband approved and no junk ingredients. When I looked at store bought taco seasonings, I couldn’t believe how much “other” stuff was in it. Thank you so much for taking time to post this.
Chrystal Myers Patterson
Did I miss the ratios? I don’t see how much to add of each ingredient.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Chrystal, Ingredient amounts don’t show up properly in Safari reading mode. If you turn that off you should see them.
Barsillae
The BEST taco seasoning recipe I’ve found ANYWHERE. Keto or otherwise. 10/10 would recommened, tastes better than some of the package mixes.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much!! That really means a lot!
Eryn
I don’t use sea salt – but I use kosher salt. Do you know if it would still be a tablespoon of salt with kosher? Or should I come off of that a bit? I know it’s different to cook with and different amounts.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Eryn, The same amount should be fine since they are similar size granules.
Heather Kuhn
That probably depends on what brand of kosher salt that you’re using. There are two major brands, Morton and Diamond Crystal, and their crystals are sufficiently different enough to have a major impact on food.
Kathy
Its pickle time :>) and I like Bread & Butter pickles, BUT what do I use in place of brown sugar when making the brine? thanks
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Kathy, You can use a sugar-free sweetener – read about them in my sweetener guide.
Sonya
I love this seasoning recipe. It works great for chili too!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Yes, I love this seasoning in chili too, Sonya! Thanks for stopping by!
Teresa Rantanen
We love this seasoning mix so much. I make 60 servings at a time so I don’t have to make it every week. My son puts it on everything but breakfast. But I have adjusted it a little and I thought you might want to try. I keep a star anise pod in the jar. It contributes that little something nutmeg is usually used for and is the thing my kids miss when they eat someone else’s food.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Teresa! Thanks for stopping by!
Debi
Hi Maya,
This recipe sounds great. Quick question I have never tried cumin and I was wondering if it was on the spicy side, because I can’t eat very spicy food. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to try this taco seasoning mix.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Debi! No, cumin is not spicy hot at all. It just adds flavor. You may want to omit the cayenne pepper if you don’t want spicy hot.
Chantelle
It’s Cinco De Mayo so I decide to make my own healthy version of tacos using this taco mix, let me say absolutely amazing!
Keep the recipes coming. This was easy for someone who doesn’t cook very often. Can you provide guidance on how to prepare chicken tacos?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy you liked them, Chantelle! Thanks for stopping by!
Gina C
Very good taco seasoning. I like the option of making my own seasoning mix, because of high blood pressure I can adjust the salt content. It will certainly become part of my spice rack.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Gina! I am so happy you liked the taco seasoning! Thanks for stopping by!
Jules Shepard
This recipe fits every bill and you can’t go wrong with Julia! Will definitely try!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much, Jules! Agree, she would know. 🙂
Jeanette Clayton
Looking forward to putting this in all of my mince dishes
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Jeanette! Hope you love it!
Nicola
Hi Maya,
Congratulations on your career change.
We’ve never eaten tacos before.
The quantity of chili is a bit spicy for my family. If I reduce the amount to 1 tbsp, which of the other ingredients would you recommend adding to make the same quantity?
Would you suggest onion powder over garlic powder, for example?
Many thanks, in advance.
Nicola
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Nicola! If you don’t want spicy, I’d actually skip the cayenne pepper which is more spicy than the chili powder. The reason is because the chili powder provides a big part of the flavor. So, you could try it as written but with no cayenne pepper – in that case everything else can just stay the same. If you still want to reduce chili powder to 1 tbsp, I’d probably replace that with an additional 1/2 tbsp cumin and 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika. Let me know how it goes if you try something different!
Susan
Can you make this without cumin? My younger daughter is deathly allergic to peanuts and awhile back there was a cross contamination.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Susan, Yes, you can. The flavor would just be a little different. If you omit the cumin, the right amount of seasoning mix to use per pound of meat would be 1 3/4 tbsp, which is 1 tbsp + 2 1/4 tsp. Otherwise, you could replace the cumin with more smoked paprika, if you like the flavor of that.
SUsan
Thanks, Maya. I really enjoy your recipes! Thanks for the tip… I’ll definitely make this!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I hope you like it, Susan!
Malcolm
Maya, I need a little help with the directions on How to Use the mix.
How to use taco seasoning mix: Brown the ground beef (or other meat) first. Then, add 2 tbsp seasoning and 1/2 cup water per pound of meat. Simmer until the extra liquid evaporates or absorbs into the meat.
What do I add the 2 tbsp of mix to? Do I simmer the mix and water in with the meat in the skillet, or is the simmering in a separate pan and then stirred in with the meat after the water evaporates? I can see doing it either way—the point is to get it into the meat. Thanks and congratulations on leaving the corporate rat race.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Malcolm, Great question, thanks for asking! Add both the mix and water directly to the meat in the skillet. You don’t need a separate pan. And thank you, I’m really grateful to be able to do this!