Homemade Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning – Gluten-Free Palate (2024)

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you know that a good taco seasoning can take your dish from mediocre to mouthwatering. That's where this homemade gluten-free taco seasoning comes in! Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it is Paleo, Grain-Free, and Whole30, and also packed with delicious flavors that will elevate your tacos, burritos, and more.

Looking for more ways to use this gluten-free taco seasoning? Check out my Paleo Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Soup, or use it to make beef Gluten-Free Enchiladas.

For even more recipe ideas, try it with gluten-free tortillas or enchilada sauce, or add it to your Instant Pot Salsa Chicken.

Whether you're in the mood for tacos, fajitas, or enchiladas, this versatile seasoning is the perfect way to add natural flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes.

With the Udemy course on making gluten-free artisan bread, you can take your gluten-free game to the next level and learn how to create your own tasty, fresh bread.

Gluten-Free Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

We love tacos! We eat tacos every week and rotate our tacos between fish tacos, beef, chicken, and chorizo. Taco seasoning purchased in packets can contain gluten.

You can make this easy gluten-free homemade taco seasoning recipe to have readily available when you are ready to make gluten-free tacos or gluten-free enchiladas.

When making gluten-free tacos, I typically make chicken tacos with salsa in a crock pot, gluten-free beef tacos, or gluten-free fish tacos on the stove with this easy gluten-free taco seasoning.

Our local store doesn't carry gluten-free taco seasoning, so I either order it online or make this homemade gluten-free taco seasoning. We eat tacos at least twice a month.

Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

It's easy to make - all you need to do is whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl and store it in a glass jar or airtight container.

It's versatile - you can use this seasoning with ground beef, ground turkey, or on fish tacos.

The recipe uses common spices - that you might already have in your kitchen, so you won't need to go out and buy any special ingredients.

Control over ingredients added - Because this homemade taco seasoning is made with gluten-free products that you have purchased, you can enjoy it without worrying about unwanted ingredients. You don't need to have in the back of your mind are spices safe.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

Chili Powder - Adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the seasoning.

Paprika - Provides a mild sweetness and a bright red color to the seasoning.

Cumin - Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the seasoning.

Onion Powder - Gives a subtle sweetness and onion flavor to the seasoning.

Garlic Salt - Provides a savory and garlicky flavor to the seasoning.

Cayenne Pepper - Adds heat and spiciness to the seasoning.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

Small mixing bowl - You'll need a small bowl to combine all ingredients.

Measuring spoons - You'll need measuring spoons to measure the spices accurately.

Glass spice jar or airtight container - Once you've mixed the seasoning, you'll need a glass jar or an airtight container to store it in.

Whisk - To combine the spices together.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in a glass jar or an airtight container. Shake jar or container before using in recipes.
2. Use 6-8 teaspoons of the mix (equals one 1.2oz package) per 1 lb of ground meat.

How To Make Gluten-Free Tacos

1. Cook your meat of choice in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
2. Add 6-8 teaspoons of gluten-free taco seasoning mix and stir.
3. Add ¼ cup water to help incorporate the seasoning into the meat.
4. Continue to cook until combined, and all water cooks off.

Tacos are one of those meals that you can set out all the toppings, and people can make their tacos the way they like. It's also a meal I tend to make when guests come over.

Who doesn't like gluten-free tacos? On occasion, there will be someone who doesn't. I also ensure I have chips or extra lettuce on hand if they want to make a taco salad or a plate of nachos.

I love that I can double up on the batch of taco meat using this gluten-free taco seasoning to feed a crowd or freeze it for later.

My husband and I leave some taco meat in the fridge for leftovers. Then we freeze weighed proportions for busy nights to reheat and serve.

I usually make tacos with beef or chicken; if I made gluten-free fish tacos, I use about half as much of the gluten-free taco seasoning mix.

You can check out my recipe for gluten-free tacos for more information.

Tips for Using Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

Adjust the spice level - If you prefer a milder or spicier seasoning, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper accordingly in this gluten-free taco mix.

Store it properly - Keep your gluten-free taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Use it on more than just meat - Try using this seasoning on roasted vegetables, in soups or stews, or even on popcorn for a tasty snack.

Make it ahead of time - Whip up a big batch of this easy homemade taco seasoning and store it in your pantry for easy meal prep.

Pair it with other Mexican-inspired ingredients - Combine this seasoning with other Mexican-inspired ingredients like cilantro, lime, and avocado to take your dishes to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What spices go into gluten-free taco seasoning?

You are going to get a different answer from each person. I like to make my gluten-free taco seasoning mix from the following spices:

• chili powder
• paprika
• cumin
• onion powder
• garlic salt
• cayenne pepper

Some like to add dried oregano too, but I like this mix. Because there are only spices in this gluten-free taco seasoning recipe, this seasoning is also Paleo, Grain-Free, and Whole30.

How Much Taco Seasoning Blend for 1 Pound of Meat?

For 1 pound of meat, you must use approximately 6-8 teaspoons of gluten-free taco seasoning. Simply cook the meat in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked, then add the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water, and stir until combined. Continue to cook until all the water has cooked off, and then enjoy your deliciously seasoned meat in tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired dish!

Is old el paso taco seasoning gluten-free?

Yes, old el paso taco seasoning is gluten-free. There are no gluten ingredients and no declared allergens. Ingredients per Old El Paso website: Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Corn Starch, Sea Salt (Potassium Magnesium Chloride, Salt).

Please always check labels, as ingredients can change.

Which Brands of Taco Seasoning Are Gluten-Free?

Here is a list of some popular brands of taco seasonings that are gluten-free. Some of the below products are not labeled gluten-free but do not contain gluten as per the ingredient list. However, be mindful of cross-contamination and use certified gluten-free products. When in doubt, make your own taco seasoning with this recipe.

1. McCormick Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix - certified gluten-free
2. Old El Paso Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix - not labeled gluten-free
3. Ortega Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix - not labeled gluten-free
4. Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix - not labeled gluten-free
5. Simply Organic Gluten-Free Spicy Taco Seasoning - certified gluten-free

It's always a good idea to double-check the ingredients list on the packaging to ensure that there are no hidden sources of gluten and products can change.

How Do You Store Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning?

While spices have a long shelf life, I recommend using up this gluten-free taco seasoning mix within 6 months. Spices tend to lose strength in flavor when it sits too long.

This gluten-free taco seasoning recipe will take you less than 5 minutes to make. You can use it just like you would use the taco seasoning packets from the store.

You will know exactly what you put into your tacos and don't have to worry about additives or cross-contamination. This recipe will yield the equivalent of 3 store-bought packages.

My friend Maya from Wholesome Yum has a fantastic Healthy Taco Salad Recipe that would be perfect for this seasoning. She incorporates many fresh veggies and taco meat, making it the ideal salad.

If you like making your own seasoning mixes, you might like my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Mix.

Did you make this gluten-free taco seasoning mix recipe? If so, please let me know what you thought. If you have a question, please leave a comment below, and I will get back to you.