Taco Seasoning Recipe – Gluten and Dairy Free

One of my favorite things to do is “hack” the recipe for store bought products to make them healthier and cheaper at home.

There’s not a single recipe in this category I use more than my homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe.

Trust me when I tell that there is no need to buy a store-bought packet of taco seasoning ever again. Raid the spice cupboard for a few everyday ingredients and you’ll be digging into a platter of crunchy tacos, or a loaded taco bowl in no time!

Single Serve Taco Seasoning Recipe

I’ve been making this simple, flavorful recipe and teaching it to others for over a decade. Heck I even organized a “DIY taco seasoning bar” at a MOPS event when I had babies, because every busy parent and person needs to know about this store-bought taco packet hack!

Truly it takes just 1 minute to make your own homemade taco seasoning that’s free from gluten, grains, dairy, artificial flavoring and coloring, thickeners, and additives — all you need are a handful of everyday seasonings and spices.

Sprinkle over 1 pound of cooked ground or diced meat, beans, or tofu with broth or water then stir to combine. Easy!

5 Reasons Why You’ll Love this Recipe

There are SO MANY REASONS to love my taco seasoning recipe, though I’ll try to narrow it down for you.

1. No packet needed. Forgot to pick up a taco seasoning packet at the store for taco night? No problem! Simply use this recipe which packs the same seasoning power as a standard-size taco seasoning packet (usually around ~1oz).
2. Less expensive. Some of the organic brands of taco seasoning packets are selling for up to $3 or more depending on where you live. This recipe is much more economical and tastes the same.
3. No fillers. Even organic brands of taco seasonings are full of fillers and flow agents like rice powder and rice concentrate, cornstarch, and maltodextrin. Guess what — YOU DON’T NEED IT!
4. Adjust the sodium. Sensitive to salt? Simply use less salt or eliminate the salt altogether from this recipe.
5. Versatile. Of course this recipe is perfect for taco night, but you can use it to flavor any recipe that calls for a taco seasoning packet. Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe makes a heaping 2 Tablespoons of taco seasoning that can be used interchangeably with a store-bought seasoning packet.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chili powder. Most chili powders are sold as a blend and include garlic and salt, just a heads up!
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Paprika. You can use smoked paprika, but use half the amount called for in this recipe (smoked paprika is very potent).
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Simply add them to a small bowl then stir to combine (or add them straight into the skillet. No need to dirty an extra bowl, right?!)

Gluten Free Herbs and Spices

I’m frequently asked about the gluten free herbs and spices I use for my recipes.

Technically, fresh and dried herbs and spices are gluten free but they can become contaminated if they’re processed on shared lines with gluten-containing products, combined with non gluten-free ingredients like dried soy sauce, or use wheat flour as as thickener.

That said, I recommend McCormick brand for single gluten free herbs and spices like chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, etc. — they will always call out allergens on their product labels (as of 10/24).

How to Use Taco Seasoning

This recipe makes enough to season 1lb cooked meat, cubed pressed tofu, or beans. While ground beef tacos are an obvious choice for when, where, and how to use homemade taco seasoning — feel free to use it in any recipe that calls for a packet of store-bought taco seasoning including skillets, soups, and chili.

Here are some ideas:

Use in Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper

How to Make this Recipe

Step 1: Cook the protein.

Start by browning or cooking 1lb of the protein of your choice. These photos show ground beef.

Diced or ground chicken or ground turkey are great options, as well as cubed pressed tofu, or black or pinto beans.

Step 2: Add the seasoning mix.

Drain the beef, in this case, if necessary then sprinkle on the seasoning mix and add 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock or broth, or water then stir to combine.

That’s it!

How to Store

Feel free to make the seasoning mix then store it in an airtight glass container for up to 6 months in advance. If you’re looking to make a large batch to have on hand, definitely check out my Large Batch Homemade Taco Seasoning.

Cheers to never having to buy a packet of taco seasoning again! Enjoy!

Photos by Ashley McLaughlin

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