Taco Seasoning Recipe (Gluten-Free)
Skip the store packets and make this gluten free taco seasoning recipe at home in minutes. It’s bold, but mild, naturally gluten-free, and a much healthier, cheaper option. No fillers, no preservatives, no ‘anti-caking’ agents – just real spices from your pantry.
Homemade Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
Homemade seasoning means you’re in control – lower salt, no sneaky additives, sugar-free, and no risk of gluten cross-contamination. Plus, if your family has another allergy (like garlic or cumin), you can simply leave it out and adjust the other spices – I’ll show you how below.
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?
- Gluten-Free Peace of Mind – packets can contain wheat, barley malt, or starches. Making your own guarantees it’s safe.
- Budget-Friendly – pre-mixed packets are expensive for what’s basically pantry spices.
- Healthier – no MSG, no fillers, no extracts instead of real herbs, and no preservatives.
- Lower Salt – you control the salt level to suit your family.
- Customizable – prefer smoky? Add more smoked paprika. Sensitive kids? Skip the chili flakes. Have an allergy? Leave out what you can’t use, and I’ll guide you on how to balance it.
What Spices Are In Taco Seasoning Mix?
Here’s what you’ll find in this homemade taco seasoning, and why each spice matters:
- Chili Powder – the backbone of taco seasoning. Mild chili powder adds depth, not just heat. If yours is quite spicy though, reduce slightly, especially if your family are not big on spicy foods.
- Ground Cumin – adds earthiness and warmth. Can’t tolerate cumin? Replace with extra paprika for colour and smokiness.
- Paprika – gives sweetness and colour. You can use sweet, smoked, or hot paprika. Smoked paprika gives depth, sweet paprika is mild and kid friendly.
- Garlic Powder – brings savoury richness. If allergic, leave it out and add a touch more onion powder.
- Onion Powder – rounds out the flavour and balances acidity. If avoiding, add a pinch more garlic powder.
- Dried Oregano – adds herby freshness. Mexican oregano is traditional used in taco seasoning, but Italian oregano is more commonly found in the pantry, and works just fine too.
- Salt & Pepper – basic seasoning to enhance everything. Adjust to taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat. Skip if cooking for kids.
💡 Any paprika is fine to use – just know each type shifts the flavour slightly. Likewise, oregano can be swapped without worry. This flexibility is why homemade taco seasoning is so reliable.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix all ingredients in a bowl or jar until combined.
Step 2: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Step 3: Use 2–3 tbsp per 1 lb (450-500 g) meat with ½ cup (125 ml) water for taco filling.
How Much Homemade Taco Seasoning To Use
The golden ratio is:
- 2–3 tablespoons (~20 to 25 g) per 1 pound (450 to 500g) of meat
- Add with ½ cup (125 ml) water and simmer until thickened.
This gives you the classic saucy taco meat filling that’s easy to spoon into shells or wraps.
Common Allergies in Store-Bought Taco Mixes
Many packet mixes are risky if you’re avoiding allergens like:
- Gluten – common in fillers, starches, or anti-caking agents.
- Garlic / Onion – hidden in most blends. With this recipe, just leave them out and adjust: add more cumin/paprika for depth, or a pinch more salt and oregano.
- Dairy / Soy – some brands include powdered dairy or soy protein. This homemade version is naturally dairy-free and soy-free.
Homemade = safe, flexible, and healthier!
How to Use Taco Seasoning
- Classic tacos – simmer with ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
- Nachos – Sprinkle over chips, cheese, or beans before baking.
- Quesadillas – Mix into filling for extra flavour.
- Soups & chili – Stir in for a Tex-Mex flavour boost.
- Veggies & potatoes – Toss before roasting.
FAQs About Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
Not always – many brands add flour, fillers or starch. This recipe is 100% naturally gluten-free.
Check the label for wheat, barley malt, or ‘may contain gluten.’ If it’s not certified GF, it’s too risky.
Yes! Try adding extra paprika and a pinch of coriander for warmth. It still works really well.
Simply leave out the salt and add it separately when cooking, or leave out altogether if your diet requires it. The salt does help the seasoning mix preserve and not clump, so I would recommend only making one batch of seasoning at a time.
In a pinch, yes – but fajita seasoning is smokier and lighter. Taco seasoning is bolder and more ‘chili-forward’, best for ground meat flavouring.
Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place, homemade taco seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months. After that, it’s still completely safe to use, but the flavour of ground spices and dried herbs does start to fade. For the best flavour, make smaller batches more often – or a larger batch only if your family uses taco seasoning regularly.
Interested in more gluten-free Mexican inspired meals:
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl or jar until combined.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months (see notes below).
- Use 2 – 3 tbsp per 1 lb (450-500g) meat with ½ cup (125 ml) water for taco filling.
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe card is set to 1 serve = enough seasoning for 1 pound (450-500g) of meat (and yields about 2 ½–3 tablespoons). Use with ½ cup (125 ml) of water for classic taco filling.
- If you want more, then toggle the “2x” or “3x” button above to quickly scale the recipe for multiple meals or to make a larger jar for pantry storage.
- For frequent taco nights, check the table above for regular and bulk batch measurements.
- Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place, homemade taco seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months. After that, it’s still safe to use, but the flavour of ground spices and dried herbs does start to fade. For the best flavour, make smaller batches more often – or a larger batch only if your family uses taco seasoning regularly.
- Reduce chili powder by 25%.
- Skip red pepper flakes altogether.
- Swap smoked paprika for sweet paprika.
Did you make this recipe?
Mention us @theglutenfreekids or tag us using #theglutenfreekids so we can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!
