There’s no need to spend extra money or time figuring out which taco seasoning brands are safe for a GF diet! Make an easy gluten-free taco seasoning, perfect for ground beef, chicken, or to spice up your favorite Mexican dishes, using simple, staple spices you have right in your kitchen.
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Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe
I get it. When it comes to getting easy weeknight gluten-free dinners on the table, anything you can do to make your life easier is a welcome relief. And opening a taco seasoning packet is pretty freakin’ easy.
BUT. Hear me out. Why spend extra money on a convenience when I bet you have everything you need to make homemade gluten-free taco seasoning right in your spice rack. Plus, it will only cost you a *smidgen* more time than opening a pouch.
Full disclosure, though, I created this recipe not only because I dislike deciphering complicated ingredient labels, but I have a teensy tendency to be forgetful at the grocery store. No one likes to being stuck with all the makings for the word’s best gluten-free tacos without a crucial ingredient!
It’s also happened when I pick up ingredients for this family-favorite walking taco casserole, but forgetting the seasoning. A grocery store run in the middle of dinner prep is never welcome!
No time lost, though! I based my gluten-free taco seasoning recipe off another Mexican dinner option – easy ground beef gluten-free taco salads. (Similarly warrants cheers from the fam, just like tacos!) Game on.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
Here’s where I prove you can make homemade taco seasoning mix gluten-free using what you already have on hand. The spices are listed below, as well as substitutions and extra flavor boosts if you really want to go all out!
For all the spices, be sure to double check with the manufacturer they are certified gluten-free, especially with seasoning mixes.
- Chili powder – Be sure you are using chili (with an “i”), rather than chile (with an “e”) powder, unless you really want to pile on the heat. McCormick brand spices are safe for a gluten-free diet. Penzey spices sells chili powder will different heat levels, so you customize your seasoning.
- Paprika – I stock a variety of paprika, so when prepping this seasoning I like to use smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor. There’s also sweet or hot paprika, which would work.
- Cumin – If you love it, add it, if you don’t feel free to leave it out.
- Oregano – If you really want to get fancy, use Mexican oregano, but I generally just throw in the regular stuff here.
- Garlic Powder – Make sure to use garlic powder and not salt. However, if you only have garlic salt on hand, omit the salt from the recipe. Onion powder would also work as a substitution.
- Cayenne pepper – Vary the amount based on spice preference, anything from ⅛-¼ teaspoon. Red pepper flakes may also be used or black pepper for more subdued spice.
How to Use taco seasoning in recipes
The seasoning mix ingredients in the recipe below makes 2 tablespoons of blend, which is enough for one pound of ground meat, beef or turkey, or 1 ½ pounds chicken, cooked and shredded.
When using in a recipe, cook the meat in a large skillet and drain off grease, if necessary. Sprinkle on the seasoning, then add pour in ½ cup liquid to create a sauce. Some options are water, GF broth, tomato sauce, quick gluten-free enchilada sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, salsa or combination of any of these things.
Once the meat, seasoning, and liquid are combined, bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken. Prep your favorite taco Tuesday ingredients, like cheese, sour cream, guac, lettuce, or any other veggies, and dinner is served!
Making a larger batch
If you are a meal prep pro, or just like to think ahead, another option would be to whisk together scaled-up amounts and store in an airtight container. When ready to use, scoop out 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to add to one pound of meat.
For big batch GF seasoning mix combine in a small bowl or a lidded pint glass jar, shake, and store. You will need ½ cup chili powder, 2 tbsp + 2 tsp paprika and cumin, 4 tsp oregano, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp. salt, and 1-2 tsp. cayenne pepper.
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Simple Homemade Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika I prefer smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together all the spices. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
- Makes 2 tablespoons of blend, which is enough for one pound of ground meat, beef or turkey, or 1 ½ pounds chicken, cooked and shredded.
Notes
Tips for Use
When using in a recipe, cook the meat in a large skillet and drain off grease, if necessary. Sprinkle on the seasoning, then add pour in ½ cup liquid to create a sauce. Some options are water, GF broth, tomato sauce, quick gluten-free enchilada sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, salsa or combination of any of these things. Once the meat, seasoning, and liquid are combined, bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken.Nutrition
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