Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe – Gluten Free!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check our privacy and disclosure policy.
Homemade Taco Seasoning is the perfect blend of herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne. It’s great for both turkey and beef taco meat, or in enchiladas, fajitas, and more!
I love making my own seasoning blends because I can make them exactly how I like them. Plus homemade seasoning blends make great gifts! If you like this DIY taco seasoning, check out my Fajita Seasoning, Ranch Seasoning, and Jamaican Jerk Seasoning!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe – Gluten Free!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe is the only way to make tacos as far as my house is concerned, made with chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, red pepper flakes, and more! You can use this for both ground turkey and ground beef, or use it with shredded meat for enchiladas, taquitos, or fajitas. I also use this seasoning blend in other recipes like meatballs or my favorite meatloaf muffins. You can make this as spicy or mild as you’d like by adding more or less cayenne and red pepper flakes. Plus you know it’s 100% gluten free taco seasoning when you make it at home!
What is taco seasoning made of?
Taco seasoning is made from a blend of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. You can add more spices to suite your tastes, like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. A touch of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add even more depth to your homemade taco seasoning flavor!
Can you use fajita seasoning for tacos?
Yes, you can use fajita seasoning for tacos, and taco seasoning for fajitas. There are only minor differences between the two. Some fajita seasonings contain turmeric, while taco seasonings usually have more chili powder and other hot spices.
How much is in a packet of taco seasoning?
A packet of taco seasoning typically has 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning in it for 1 lb of ground meat. You can use the same amount of homemade taco seasoning for 1-2 lbs of ground meat. Use more or less to suite your taste. With homemade taco seasoning, you can make as much or as little as you’d like!
Tips for How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Add an additional teaspoon of corn starch to the taco seasoning if you want a thicker taco sauce when cooking.
- Add more or less cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to make this more or less spicy.
- You can use different chili powders to change the flavor up a bit. Try a pinch of ancho chili powder.
- Add a small amount of cocoa powder or cinnamon to add deeper flavors to your blend.
- Leave the salt out entirely if you want this to be lower sodium.
Is taco seasoning gluten free?
Taco seasoning can be gluten free or not gluten free, depending on who makes it. Not all store-bought blends are gluten free, usually because of fillers or cross-contamination at the factory it’s made at. That’s why I like making my own homemade taco seasoning, because I can be 100% sure that it is gluten free.
Do you need to add water to taco seasoning?
Add 1/4 cup of water to the ground meat when you add the taco seasoning. The corn starch in the seasoning will heat up with the meat and create a flavorful taco sauce that will help keep the meat moist.
Can you make homemade taco seasoning without chili powder?
Chili powder is just a blend of spices on its own. If you run out, it’s really easy to throw together, using 1 tbsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin, plus 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less depending on how spicy you like it). You can also ditch the chili powder in your taco seasoning altogether and just higher the levels of each of these spices in your blend.
How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
Homemade taco seasoning will last 2-3 years, sealed in an airtight container and stored in a cool dry place. Do not get any moisture into your container, or the spices may clump together. Moisture from the air can also get in and cause this if the seal on the container is not tight enough.
Homemade Taco Seasoning - Gluten Free!
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp dried onion
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tbsp sea salt
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
We are a participant in both the RewardStyle and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and through RewardStyle.
