Homemade Taco Seasoning Quick & Easy

Name: Homemade Taco Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons cumin; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

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This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is perfect for low-carb diets as it is sugar-free, starch-free, and gluten-free. Use it in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning.

Homemade Taco Seasoning in glass jar with spoon

We're excited to share this Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe in our basics series. The basic series is all about providing staple recipes like this spice blend that can be used in all sorts of Cast Iron Keto recipes.

Now, you may be wondering "why do I need to make my own homemade taco seasoning" and there are a few answers to this. One, you don't have to make your own spice blends but we find that it can be super handy to have spice blend recipes in your pocket for that inevitable time you go to make dinner and realize you're out of the spice mix you need.

It's also relatively hard to find store-bought taco seasoning without flour or anti-caking agents so making your own ensures that you have a gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly spice mix.

The taco seasoning packets that you're most familiar with typically contain the following ingredients:

Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Corn Starch, Sea Salt. Contains 2% Or Less Of Vegetable Oil (Canola, Soybean And/Or Sunflower Oil), Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Citric Acid, Sugar, Natural Flavor.

Now, we don't know about you but those are not ingredients that we especially want in our food. There's no reason for a simple spice mixture to have the highly processed ingredients in bold above. Plus, if you have a well-stocked spice cabinet then there's really no reason not to whip up your own.

If you do want to buy store-bought taco seasoning, this one from Frontier Co-Op is the cleanest sugar-free and starch-free one we can find readily available in our local grocers.

That being said let's jump into how to make your own big batch of seasoning!

Homemade Taco Seasoning spread out with the word taco written in it

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Preparation and cooking overview

In this Keto Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe, you'll effortlessly create a delectable and versatile spice blend. The process involves gathering essential spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Simply measure the required quantities of each spice, mix them in a small bowl, and store your seasoning in an airtight container. With minimal effort and a few minutes, you'll have a fresh, gluten-free, low-carb taco seasoning ready to enhance your favorite dishes.

Chef's note

Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste buds when making this Keto Homemade Version of Taco Seasoning. Reduce the chili powder or cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder seasoning.

Conversely, if you're looking for a spicier kick, feel free to add more heat. This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your personal preferences.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 10 Tablespoon Servings

For more inspiration check out our Mexican recipe.

How to use taco seasoning?

One way to use this spice blend is by adding it to recipes that require taco seasoning. You can use it to make taco meat with ground turkey, beef, or chicken. Taco recipes, taco soup, or even taco salads are all good options to put this recipe to use

Preparation time - 5 mins

One of the best things about this gluten-free Taco Seasoning is that it requires minimal preparation time. In just 5 minutes, you'll have a fresh and flavorful seasoning blend ready to be used. No need to worry about running out of store-bought seasoning ever again!

Difficulty level - easy

This recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels, as it's incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is combine the spices in the right proportions, and you'll have a homemade seasoning blend that rivals any store-bought option. This recipe is easy to follow, even if you're new to cooking or just starting your keto journey.

Ingredients in Homemade Taco Seasoning:

4 tablespoons chili powder (24g / 0.85 oz)
2 tablespoons cumin (14g / 0.49 oz)
1 tablespoon paprika (6.8g / 0.24 oz)
1 tablespoon salt (18g / 0.63 oz)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (3.1g / 0.11 oz)
1 teaspoon onion powder (2.8g / 0.1 oz)
1 teaspoon oregano (1g / 0.035 oz)
1 teaspoon black pepper (2g / 0.07 oz)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (2g / 0.07 oz)

This awesome recipe makes a large batch of taco seasoning mix, about 10 tablespoons worth so it's enough for multiple recipes. Just store in an airtight jar for up to 1 year.

Ingredient substitutions

If you need to make substitutions or want to try variations of the recipe, consider the following options:

Chili powder: Substitute with ancho chili powder or a blend of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.
Ground Cumin: Replace with ground coriander for a milder, slightly sweeter taste.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor or hot paprika for added heat.
Oregano: Swap with marjoram or thyme for a different herbal note.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust the amount to your desired heat level, or omit them entirely for a milder seasoning.

Additional ingredients

½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a hint of warmth and sweetness
½ teaspoon ground allspice for a subtle, earthy spice
½ teaspoon ground chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper for extra heat

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe:

Measuring spoons
A small mixing bowl
An airtight container for storage

Using these basic kitchen tools, you can quickly and easily mix your spices, ensuring a perfectly balanced blend every time.

Tools substitute options

If you don't have the same tools listed above, don't worry. Here are some substitute options that will work just as well:

If you don't have measuring spoons, use a regular spoon to estimate the amounts. Just be sure to keep the proportions of each spice consistent.
A small plate or saucer can be used to combine the spices in place of a small mixing bowl.
If you don't have an airtight container, use a resealable plastic bag or a small glass jar with a lid. Store your seasoning blend in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

How to make Keto Taco Seasoning: step-by-step guide

Instructions

To prepare your Taco Seasoning, follow these simple steps:

Gather all the required ingredients, ensuring accurate measurements.
Combine all the spices in a jar or a small mixing bowl.
Shake the jar or mix the spices in the bowl to combine them evenly.
Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container for storage.
Store at room temperature for up to a year, and use as needed in your favorite taco recipes.

How to make it healthier

This Keto Homemade Taco Seasoning mix is already a healthy alternative to store-bought versions, but you can make it even healthier by:

Opting for organic spices, which are free from pesticides and other chemicals.
Using high-quality, unrefined sea salt, which contains essential trace minerals.
Adjusting the sodium level by reducing the amount of salt, if needed, to suit your dietary requirements.

Time-saving tips

To save time when preparing this seasoning blend:

Measure out and mix larger batches of the seasoning to have on hand for future use.
Store the seasoning in a labeled container, making it easy to locate when needed.
Keep a digital or written record of the recipe for quick reference.

What can i prepare ahead of time

This seasoning blend can be prepared well ahead of time. Mix the spices, store them in an airtight container, and keep them at room temperature for up to a year. By doing this, you'll always have homemade spice mix readily available for your recipes.

Serving size suggestions

One tablespoon of this seasoning is typically sufficient for seasoning 1 pound of meat (0.45 kg). However, you can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences and the specific recipe you're using it in.

Nutritional facts

Here are the nutritional facts for this Homemade Taco Seasoning, per 1 tablespoon serving:

Calories: 19 kcal (Calories from Fat: 8)
Fat: 0.9 g (1% Daily Value*)
Carbohydrates: 3.4 g (1% Daily Value*)
Fiber: 1.8 g (8% Daily Value*)
Protein: 0.9 g (2% Daily Value*)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

Storage process and best practices

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness and flavor of your Seasoning. Follow these best practices to ensure your seasoning blend remains at its best for Taco Tuesdays:

Store the seasoning in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.
Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. A pantry or cupboard or spice drawer, or spice rack is ideal.
Label the container with the recipe name and date of preparation. This will help you keep track of the seasoning's age and freshness.
Keep a small spoon or scoop in the container for easy portioning and to avoid introducing moisture from your hands.
Regularly check the container for any signs of dampness or spoilage. If you notice any mold, off-odors, or clumping, discard the seasoning and prepare a fresh batch.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

In conclusion, this Keto Homemade Taco Seasoning is a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought options and a quick and easy recipe that you'll want to keep coming back to. Say goodbye to those unnecessary additives and hello to the mouth-watering, homemade goodness!

So, what are you waiting for? Your tacos are practically begging for a sprinkle of this flavorful blend! Once you've tried this homemade seasoning, you'll wonder how you ever settled for those store-bought packets. And don't worry; it's so simple that even if you burn water, you can still master this recipe.

Don't let this recipe be just another forgotten page in your mental cookbook. Share it with friends and family; soon, everyone will ask for your secret taco seasoning recipe. After all, who doesn't want to be known as the Taco Seasoning Guru?

Go on, try it, and transform your taco nights forever. Your taste buds, wallet, and waistline will thank you for it. Happy seasoning, and may your tacos be forever delicious!

P.S. If your homemade seasoning starts forming a fan club, remember to send us an invite to the annual Taco Seasoning Appreciation Party. We'll bring the guac!

Frequently asked questions

If you prefer a milder version, reduce it to 2 or 3 tablespoon chili powder. You can increase the chili powder to 5 or 6 tablespoons for a spicier version. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

For a pound of ground beef, it's recommended to use one tablespoon. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and desired level of seasoning.

It works well with various types of meat, including ground turkey, ground chicken, pork, or even fish. Simply adjust the seasoning amount to suit the specific meat you're using and your taste preferences.

Generally, use one tablespoon of this Keto Homemade Taco Seasoning per pound of meat. For example, if you have 3 pounds of meat, use 3 tablespoons of seasoning. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you're using it in.

Yes! This versatile seasoning blend can be used in vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat substitutes. Simply adjust the amount of seasoning to suit the specific ingredient you're using and your taste preferences.

This Keto Homemade Taco Seasoning can be stored at room temperature in airtight containers or spice jars for up to a year. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain freshness.

Yes, there are alternative spices you can use in this recipe. For example, you can substitute ancho chili powder for regular chili powder or replace cumin with ground coriander. Feel free to experiment with different spices to create a unique taco seasoning blend that suits your taste preferences.

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