Hey everyone! Today I’m going to share my top-secret recipe for the best tasting gluten-free taco seasoning mix. This stuff is seriously delicious, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you! 🙂
Making large batch taco seasoning from scratch is not only economical and easy on your budget, but it’s also a great way to control the flavor and sodium content. But for me, it is essential. I recently started having incredibly vicious migraines and after almost 2 years of near-constant suffering and finally figured out that gluten is my migraine trigger. <insert super sad face here>
It came on quite all of a sudden as I’ve been eating gluten all my life. Pasta, bread, donuts – all of that yummy gluteny goodness. I don’t get any other side effects aside from long-term migraines, but sadly even the smallest amount hiding in soy sauce will now induce 3 days of absolute misery.
So I’ve had to really start paying attention to everything I buy and use. Thus this recipe was born – because, I mean, there are two things I can’t live without – my vegetable garden and tacos. And this taco seasoning is just as good (if not better) than any I’ve ever bought from the store.
When it comes to taco seasoning, you really can’t beat the flavor of homemade. Store-bought taco seasoning packets are often loaded with salt, preservatives, and fillers – yuck. This big batch taco seasoning recipe is gluten-free, and you can make it as mild or spicy as you like. Plus, it’s super easy to make and only takes about five minutes to whip up!
What is taco seasoning made of?
Taco seasoning is a blend of dried herbs and spices that are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. The most common taco seasoning ingredients include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Some recipes also call for onion powder, oregano, and black pepper.
All of these taco seasoning ingredients are naturally gluten-free. So this taco seasoning recipe is perfect for those who need to eat a gluten-free diet.
Best of all, you probably have most, if not all, of these spices in your pantry already. And if not, they’re easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s what gives bread its chewy texture and helps it to rise. Gluten is also used as a food additive in many processed foods.
When people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity eat gluten, it can damage the lining of their small intestine. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, and other health problems.
Some people avoid eating gluten as a personal choice, even though they don’t have any gluten-related health issues. This is often referred to as a gluten-free diet.
And in some people, like myself, gluten can trigger migraines.
Is store bought taco seasoning gluten-free?
The answer to this question is maybe. Many store-bought taco seasonings do not contain outright gluten ingredients, however, some brands may use gluten-containing wheat flour or yeast extract as a thickener or preservative.
Since wheat contains gluten, and we know yeast extract is made from barley, both of these ingredients are not considered gluten-free.
Additionally, many store-bought taco seasonings are processed in facilities that also handle wheat products. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination. So if you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it’s best to avoid store-bought taco seasoning and make your own.
Is this large batch taco seasoning recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This large batch taco seasoning recipe is naturally gluten-free and does not include any ingredients that contain gluten.
Can I make this spicy or mild?
Yes! You can easily adjust the spice level of this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For a milder taco seasoning, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used. For a spicier taco seasoning, replace more of the chili powder with cayenne pepper instead.
Can I make this low sodium?
Yes! You can easily make this taco seasoning low sodium by reducing or omitting the salt or using a salt alternative. You could also use water or a low sodium broth when making your taco meat.
Does homemade taco seasoning go bad?
No, technically this taco seasoning will not go bad or expire. However, over time the individual spices may start to lose their potency and flavor. For the most flavorful and best results, it is recommended that you use your homemade taco seasoning within two years of making.
How much bulk taco seasoning per pound of meat?
The usual recommendation is 2 tablespoons, but I’m a huge fan of lots of flavor and spice so I use 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of bulk taco seasoning mix. There are 16 tablespoons in a cup, so it will season about 10-16 pounds of taco meat.
Store bought packets of taco mix usually contain about 2 tablespoons of seasoning.
How to use bulk taco seasoning mix
There are many ways you can use this taco seasoning recipe! The most obvious way is to use it as a taco meat seasoning.
When you are ready to make tacos:
- First brown 1lb ground meat and drain the fat.
- Mix 2–3 tablespoons of your bulk taco seasoning with 1/3 cup warm broth or water, and add it back to the pan with your browned meat.
- Simmer, until the liquid is absorbed and has thickened, about 2 minutes.
Alternative ways to use taco seasoning
There are so many ways you can use taco seasoning! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Use it as a dry rub for grilled chicken or steak. Just massage the taco seasoning into your protein of choice and grill as normal.
- Mix it with rice, beans, or vegetables while cooking.
- Add it to soups or stews for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle it on top of popcorn for a tasty snack.
How to make a homemade taco seasoning mix
To make this taco seasoning mix recipe, you will need:
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup ground cumin
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup pepper
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and store in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to use it, simply add two tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. Feel free to use more or less depending on your preferences.
Brown the meat, drain the fat, and add the taco seasoning along with about a third cup of water. Simmer until the liquid has absorbed and the taco meat has thickened, about two minutes. And that’s it!
Quick Taco Recipe Ideas
So why in the world am I talking about how to make your own taco seasoning on a gardening site? Because you can grow a lot of the basic ingredients found in most Mexican recipes in a basic vegetable garden – tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, hot peppers, avocado, potato, lettuce, beans, corn, lime, mango and lemon. I love being able to make fresh salsa from 100% my garden whenever I feel like it 🙂
So what else can you make from your new taco seasoning plus vegetable garden? Here are some ideas:
Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and roast in a 400 degree oven until tender, about 25 minutes. Scoop out the flesh, leaving a ½” border, and mix with taco meat. Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream.
Taco Salad
Mix taco meat with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and your favorite salad dressing. Serve chilled or over nachos.
Taco Pizza
Spread refried beans or taco sauce over a pre-made pizza crust. Top with taco meat, shredded cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Bake at 400 degrees until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Taco Soup
Mix taco meat with black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, and taco seasoning. Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and sour cream when served.
There you have it! An easy and delicious big batch taco seasoning recipe that is sure to please everyone at your next taco night. And don’t forget, this taco seasoning mix also makes a great gift for your favorite foodie friends. Simply place it in a cute jar with a bow and they’ll be set for their next Mexican-inspired meal. Buen provecho!
Do you have a go-to taco seasoning recipe? What’s your favorite way to use taco seasoning? Let us know in the comments below.
Gluten Free Bulk Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup ground cumin
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup pepper
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and store in an airtight container.
- When you’re ready to use it, simply add two tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. Feel free to use more or less depending on your preferences. Brown the meat, drain the fat, and add the taco seasoning along with about a third cup of water. Simmer until the liquid has absorbed and the taco meat has thickened, about two minutes. And that’s it!
