How to Make Taco Seasoning (Gluten-Free)

Move over store-bought packets of taco seasoning and hello to making your own! Today we are sharing my to-go way of how to make taco seasoning. It’s so simple and delicious!

Have you ever looked at some of the spice mixes in the grocery store? Or some of the spices. Just recently I was trying to buy chili powder and every single one they had in the store had silicone dioxide in it.

Whether it’s the taco seasonings that come in spice jars or packets, they usually have more than just spices. A lot of time they are filled with a ton of salt, preservatives, and added sugar.

Fortunately, making your own taco seasoning couldn’t be easier to make, it’s cheap to make, and I think it tastes way better than the store-bought kinds! I make a batch every couple of months to have on hand for quick meals or recipes. It makes 1/2 cup, so it lasts a long time, although that will depend on how often you eat tacos.

Ingredients

• chili powder – for some heat
• garlic powder
• cumin – adds a little bit of earthy taste
• smoked paprika – I like using smoked for a nice smoky flavor, but regular works great too
• cayenne pepper – adjust according to your spice preference
• cinnamon – not in your typical taco seasoning mix, but I love it to add a little sweetness to the blend
• crushed red pepper flakes
• salt
• black pepper

Pro tip – if your grocery store has a bulk spice section, I would suggest stocking up on the spices there to make this homemade taco seasoning recipe. It is one of the cheapest ways to get spices. You can fill up a small bag, which is about the same amount as a regular spice jar, for less than a dollar. You can also get the perfect amount you need without buying a whole bottle!

How to make homemade taco seasoning

1. Add all spices to a small bowl or jar and stir well to combine.
2. Store in a small glass jar in a cool and dry place.

What to use homemade taco seasoning with

We use this DIY taco seasoning to spice up lots of our meals or add it to different proteins. Here are some of my favorite things to add it to:

• taco meat – about 1 tablespoon of seasoning is good for one pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken
• fajita veggies
• in scrambled eggs
• to make a “blackened” fish or shrimp
• in a taco salad

How much seasoning for 1lb ground beef?

Use one tablespoon of taco seasoning per pound of ground meat. Add more to taste if desired.

To make taco meat, heat up a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it get hot. Then add your ground meat to a skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or meat chopper. Once almost browned, stir in your taco seasoning. Saute until meat is cooked through. You can add a little water or broth if you want a saucier meat sauce.

Storage

Store in a resealable glass jar or airtight container and store it in the pantry. I love these smaller weck jars or even small mason jars will work. It will keep for up to 6 months in the pantry.

Recipes using homemade taco seasoning

• chicken taco casserole
• shrimp fajitas
• fish taco bowls
• beef & rice stuffed peppers
• chicken fajita soup

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!