Skip packaged spice mixes from the grocery store and MAKE YOUR OWN! This low carb taco seasoning recipe is done in minutes. The ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry!
Original recipe: May 2019 | Updated: April 2021
Why This Recipe Works
Recently I made my famous Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken (this is THE BEST easy dinner) and got hung up on the fact that the taco seasoning packets I had in my pantry contained ingredients that my husband’s tummy does not like.
So I begrudgingly made my own. I didn’t have high hopes for the end result, but I was super pleasantly surprised.
I will not be buying taco seasoning mix from the store EVER. AGAIN. This version is low carb, yeast-free and gluten-free. It is a great addition to my Cilantro Lime Chicken and also went great with ground beef for taco night. If you are on a low-carb diet or keto diet, every carb counts, right?! This is a great solution to spruce up your food without increasing the carbs.
Once I started making my own seasoning, I couldn’t believe how often I was reaching into the cupboard for it. This is such an awesome recipe!
Recipe Ingredients
Chili powder – Make sure the variety used is gluten-free.
Paprika – Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for a smokier flavor.
Garlic powder – Cut amount in half for a less salty seasoning.
Salt – Omit salt entirely for a less salty seasoning. Sea salt tastes best for this recipe!
Black pepper – Pepper can add spice, so omit for a milder seasoning.
Cayenne pepper – This is an optional ingredient. Omit for a milder seasoning.
How to Make This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
If you use this low-carb taco seasoning regularly, the homemade version is worth making. It is super affordable and you probably have all of the simple ingredients sitting in your spice cupboard!
A little bit really does go a long, long way. Plus you have control over exactly what you are seasoning your meat with. Ditch the store-bought taco seasoning mixes and say hello to homemade!
In a small bowl, combine these natural ingredients: chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and dried oregano. Mix well and that is IT! Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
- If you know you will be using a lot of this, make a big batch! Double or even triple the recipe to have a ton on hand.
- If you find this mixture is too salty for your taste, feel free to cut the salt, garlic powder and onion powder in half.
- To add more spice to the recipe, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make a larger batch to have it on hand constantly. Just double or triple the ingredients used.
How To Make Taco Meat
I absolutely love that taco meat is so easy to make AND it is so super delicious. It tastes great in about a thousand different recipes. To make a batch, cook 1 pound of ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink.
Drain the grease from the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water and cook until the liquid has reduced. This will take approximately 10 minutes.
Uses For Taco Meat
I love that there are so many different recipes and types of Mexican food to put taco meat into and so many ways to use it to make food tastier. Here are a few ideas for you. Take Taco Tuesday to the next level!
- Make Taco Cups! This is one of my favorite finger foods to serve at parties. Enjoy a taco in just a few bites!
- Traditional tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas or enchiladas were made for taco meat.
- Add it to chili for an extra kick!
- TACO SALAD! Or throw some into your next batch of Taco Ranch Pasta Salad for a meatier party food.
- Add it to your next batch of Mac & Cheese!
- Throw it on top of a plate of nachos and top it with sour cream.
- Replace ground beef with taco meat in Shepherd’s Pie.
Uses For Homemade Taco Seasoning
If you grow tired of taco meat, we need to have a chat. I’m kidding, but here are a few other ideas for ways to use taco seasoning if you don’t love taco meat like I do.
- Stir it into any creamy dip (yum).
- Add it to pasta salads or taco salads.
- Really, you could add it to just about any meat-based meal to transform it into a tasty, spicy food. I’m thinking meatballs, burgers or even chicken.
- Use it as a rub on your next Rotisserie chicken or batch of ribs!
- Add it to salad dressing for an extra zing.
FAQ About Taco Seasoning
Some store-bought taco seasoning varieties contain gluten, so be sure to read labels before purchasing. If you want to be 100% sure no gluten goes into your taco seasoning, make your own! Double check the chili powder to ensure it is entirely gluten free.
Use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per 1 pound of meat.
Go homemade for a keto-friendly taco seasoning, with only 2 grams of carbs per serving. Keep a close eye on labels when purchasing store-bought varieties.
Taco seasoning contains a mixture of seasonings and spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders, salt and pepper. When mixed together, it can be added to cooked meat to add flavor and a touch of spice. It is frequently used to season taco meat.
Store-bought varieties of taco seasoning can contain up to 4 grams of carbs per serving. Homemade taco seasoning has only 2 grams/serving.
Taco seasoning can be stored in an airtight container such as a mason jar at room temperature in your spice cabinet, pantry or another dry place. Be sure to add it to a mason jar or a small container that seals tightly. Store for up to 1 year.
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Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl and mix well. Pour into a sealed container and store at room temperature for up to a year.
Notes
- Cayenne pepper is optional. Omit this ingredient for a mild seasoning.
- Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for a smokier flavor.
- If you know you will be using a lot of this, make a big batch! Double or even triple the recipe to have a ton on hand.
- If you find this mixture is too salty for your taste, feel free to cut the salt, garlic powder and onion powder in half.
I love making my own taco seasoning, but it’s never the same twice! Yours looks wonderful, Megan. P.S. Sharing your yummy pudding cookies on Thursday 🙂
Thank you! I have found its easy and cheap to make my own plus its easy to tweak if you like a little more or less of an ingredient. Can’t wait to see the pudding cookies!
Megan
Thank you so much! I’m following such a strict diet (and it is working), but just really need to find some new flavours to play with, so I will use this seasoning mix in my dinner tonight 🙂
I hope this "spices" things up! It helped me get through the Whole30 with extra flavor too.