Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe

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This is the easiest, gluten-free homemade taco seasoning! Throw out the stuff in the packet with and get ready for the best tacos of your dang life!

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Making tacos on Tuesdays is a tradition in most households, right? It is in ours.

But over the last few years, and especially since going gluten-free in 2009, I found myself increasingly frustrated by taco seasoning packets.

My beef (ha!) with them was twofold:

The taco seasoning packets usually don't have gluten-free on the label. It was rare that I could find one that did say that. Most of the time "natural flavors" gave me pause for concern. I found myself constantly searching the websites of different companies to determine in fact, if the product was safe to consume. In more recent years, I've noticed companies have gotten better about labeling, but that still doesn't solve my second complaint.

There's So. Much. Fake STUFF!

Why on earth does taco seasoning need ingredients I can't pronounce? Shouldn't taco seasoning be made up of spices? And, not to mention, so many taco seasoning packets have a large amount of salt. A lot of processed foods are already laden with salt in absolutely insane amounts, and it's not healthy.

Due to these frustrations and my desire to come up with my own taco seasoning with the right spices, not too much heat, and real ingredients, I began experimenting. Rummaging through my spice cabinet, I'd carefully pick out a selection of different colorful spices, throwing in a little of this, a little of that, tasting as I went, until the taco seasoning mix felt "right". Finally, after at least 20 different attempts, I have the perfect gluten-free homemade taco seasoning blend!

Tacos, Nachos, Burritos, Quesadillas - all perfect reasons to make this taco seasoning!

As with all of my recipes, you are welcome to customize this however you like. I don't like my tacos too spicy, so you'll notice there are lower amounts of cayenne and red pepper flakes. If you like more heat, add it!

This gluten-free homemade taco seasoning is perfect over ground beef or ground turkey, to be used in tacos, quesadillas, burritos, rice bowls, and more! It's also dairy-free, with a paleo option too. Instead of cornstarch, use tapioca starch. The addition of the cornstarch/tapioca starch helps bind the seasoning together.

Make sure you try it for these gluten-free crunchwrap supremes, a spin on a Taco Bell classic!

Here's how to make gluten-free taco seasoning from scratch!

Gluten-Free Homemade Taco Seasoning

Ingredients

2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ -½ teaspoon granulated salt (adjust based your preference)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional - we love dried rosemary)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup to ¾ cup water
1 lb ground beef/turkey

Instructions

Combine all ingredients into a bowl and whisk. Once ground beef/turkey is browned, add seasoning and ½ cup of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium/low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Add additional ¼ cup of water if needed.

You can double or triple this recipe and keep the seasoning stored in a jar or container with a lid at room temperature with your spices.

Notes

Use tapioca starch instead of cornstarch for a paleo option.

What do you put on your tacos?

Do you make your own taco seasoning?

Let me know in the comments!