Tacos are a beloved staple in many households, and this keto taco seasoning recipe offers a delicious and healthy way to enjoy them. If you're someone who could happily eat Mexican food every day, this recipe is definitely for you. Forget store-bought packets loaded with unnecessary sugars, fillers, and anti-caking agents. This homemade keto taco seasoning is fresher, more flavorful, and free of maltodextrin, corn starch, sugar, and other unwanted ingredients.
Why Make Your Own Keto Taco Seasoning?
Before embracing the keto lifestyle, many people rely on convenient store-bought taco seasoning. Some popular brands, however, contain hidden carbs in the form of whey, sugar, and potato starch. While these ingredients might seem insignificant in small doses, they can quickly add up, especially when using a generous amount of seasoning. Creating your own keto-friendly version allows you to control the ingredients and eliminate unnecessary carbs, without sacrificing flavor.
The Best Low-Carb/Keto Taco Seasoning
This recipe aims to replicate and even surpass the flavor of store-bought taco seasoning, without the added carbs and questionable ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder (adds heat)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt (kosher salt is recommended)
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions:
- Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the spices and mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Store: Transfer the seasoning mix into a sealable jar or airtight container, such as a 4 or 8-ounce mason jar.
Storage:
- Store the taco seasoning at room temperature, in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture to avoid clumping and caking.
- The seasoning mix will keep well for at least 6 months, with the flavor potentially fading after a year. Don't freeze the taco seasoning.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Taco Seasoning
- Adjust the Taste: This spice mix is very forgiving, so feel free to taste and adjust it to your liking.
- Fresh Spices: Seek out fresh spices for the most intense flavor. Pre-packaged spices from the grocery store may have been packaged for a long time and have a less potent flavor. If you don't have a warehouse membership, check out the Hispanic aisle at Walmart or your local stores.
- Salt: If using regular table salt or sea salt, you’ll need less than the amount specified for kosher salt. As written, the recipe contains about 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt per pound of beef.
- Spice Level: For spicier tacos, use closer to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Versatility: Make as much or as little as you need. You may prefer a mild taco seasoning blend, something spicier, or making it with more garlic or onion powder.
How to Use Your Keto Taco Seasoning
This keto taco seasoning recipe makes enough spice mix for 4 pounds of ground meat. It's perfect for seasoning ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
- Brown your beef, chicken, or turkey and drain the grease.
- Season with 3 tablespoons of this spice mix along with 2 tablespoons of water per pound of meat.
Serving Suggestions
We use taco seasoning more than probably any other spice in my house.
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Is Store-Bought Taco Seasoning Keto-Friendly?
- McCormick taco seasoning: No, McCormick’s taco seasoning mix is not keto friendly as it contains sugar. Both brands' nutrition labels list 3g carbs per serving and 6 servings per 1-ounce packet.
- Old El Paso taco seasoning: No, El Paso taco seasoning isn’t keto, as it contains anti-caking agents like maltodextrin and corn starch. However, since you use one packet for cooking 1 pound of ground beef, the same quarter-pound serving has 4.5 carbs.
Nutritional Information
Calculated based on using 3 tablespoons of seasoning per 1 pound of beef, then divided into 4 servings. Serving size may not be accurate.
Gluten-Free
Yes, taco seasoning is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
A Thoughtful Homemade Gift
Need a last-minute gift for a teacher or coworker? I like to make a big batch of homemade taco seasoning mix. So I buy the big canisters of spices at my favorite warehouse store. I store the mix in a couple of large canning jars.
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