If you’ve never made your own taco seasoning at home before, you’re in for a real treat today. You’ll find that making it at home eliminates an additives you may not want, but also allows you to customize and control the ingredients. For example, black pepper isn’t a traditional taco seasoning ingredient, but since you’re in charge, you get to choose.
The recipe I’m going to share will make you a big batch of seasoning that you can pull from as needed. You can use this taco seasoning on:
- Any Ground Meat (ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, ground rabbit, and so on).
- In a delicious fish taco.
- Grains such as Rice & Quinoa (you can make taco leaning sides this way).
- In a Mac n Cheese (yup, why not? taco mac is on the menu!).
- Burgers, sauces, and anything else you can think of that can be made with a taco flare.
If you manage food allergies or other dietary restrictions, not only is this Paleo taco seasoning recipe grain free, but it’s also a gluten free taco seasoning that’s top 9 free more. I’ve also included an alternative that’s free from maple sugar and nightshades, as well as an alternative that’s top 14 free & seed free.
This is where I should add that meme of Oprah because you get a taco, and you get a taco, and EVERYBODY GETS A TACO!!
Paleo Taco Seasoning Recipe Ingredient List
- 11 – 14 tsp Sea Salt
- 8 TBSP Organic Maple Sugar
- 8 tsp Organic Smoked Paprika
- 7 tsp Organic Ground Ancho Chili
- 4 tsp Organic Ground Mustard
- 3 tsp Organic Garlic Granules
- 1/4 tsp Organic Chili Powder
- 1/4 tsp Organic Ground Chipotle
Ingredient Notes
This Paleo taco seasoning recipe packs flavour, but not heat, making it very kid and family friendly. However, if you’re a fan of heat, a great way to increase the heat is to use more of the chili powder and more of the chipotle powder. You could also experiment with adding cayenne pepper to your taco seasoning as well.
I will say, my kids love that this is a mild taco seasoning since they don’t do well with spice. If you have a mixed home, you could make two versions of your own homemade taco seasoning and label the jars well, or have a spicy sauce that you serve alongside the tacos.
Alternative Recipe: Maple Sugar Free Taco Seasoning (Garlic Free)
This is for 1 pound of taco meat. If you’re nightshade free, you can use this as a jumping off point. Your AP seasoning will need to be nightshade free as well, but this gives you great ratios to work with.
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 2 tsp Organic Onion Granules
- 1 tsp All Purpose Seasoning of Choice
- 2 tsp Organic Ground Mustard
- 1 tsp Organic Dried Parsley
Alternative Recipe: Top 14 Free Taco Seasoning (Mustard & Seed Free)
This is for 1 pound of taco meat. Use this option if you need zero added sugar, including from natural sweeteners such as maple.
- 1 TBSP Organic Onion Granules
- 2 tsp Organic Ground Ancho Chili
- 2 tsp Organic Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Organic Oregano
- 1 tsp Himalayan Salt
- 1/2 tsp Organic Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Organic Garlic Granules
Directions
OK, let’s get into the complicated directions. Grab an empty glass jar. Add the seasonings. Mix them up together really well (or pop the lid on and shake well). That’s it. You’ve got a delicious homemade Paleo taco seasoning ready to use. I know. So complicated.
Great Ways to Use Your Paleo Taco Seasoning Recipe
OK, obviously you can have a Taco Tuesday, or make a classic taco salad. However, I think it’s a lot more fun to look at creative ways to use your taco seasoning, so let’s take a look.
Pineapple & Pork Tacos
One of my kids’ favorite things to eat is pineapple pork balls. These kids literally can’t get enough. With that in mind, I decided to make them pineapple and pork tacos and it’s one of their favorite ways to eat pineapples.
I cook 2 pounds of meat with the taco seasoning, and whilst that’s cooking, I grill the pineapple. I make a little quick marinade of organic maple sugar, ancho chili, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to reinforce the taco vibe. This is all served with tortillas and shredded carrots.
Air Fried Chicken Breasts
You can use your seasoned and air fried chicken to make chicken tacos, chicken wraps, or even serve with a creamy risotto for a fun twist on taco night. When I do this, I like to take organic chicken breasts, cut them into strips, and put them in a bowl. I add the seasoning and mix very well, then transfer to my air fryer.
You can season whole chicken breasts then slice if you’d prefer, but I find it easier to pre-slice and let all the side crisp up a little bit.
Taco Bowls
I recently heard someone say that bowls are this generation’s casserole, and I can totally see that. I didn’t eat casseroles growing up, but apparently, a lot of people did. Anywho, you can take a pound of ground beef or other ground meat you enjoy and season it with your Paleo taco seasoning recipe.
To build the bowl, start with a grain you love such as rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or something else all together. Top with the meat, then any other taco toppings you enjoy. Finally, drizzle a sauce all over.
What’s nice about this kind of idea, well, tacos in general if I’m being honest, is that it’s so versatile. For example, you could build the bowl, then drizzle with ranch dressing if that’s your jam for a really tasty combo. Remember, you’re only limited by the safe-for-you ingredients you have access to, and your imagination.
DIY Taco Bar
Taco bars are great for dinner or even a party. Essentially, it’s serving tacos family style where each of the components is served in a bowl/on a plate, and each person can take what they want. You’d have the taco shell (or even a soft tortilla), seasoned meat, slaw (and other veg), guacamole, salsa, and so on.
You can even include less traditional ingredients in your DIY taco bar such as caramelized onions, grilled fruit, or salad dressing (along with other sauces).
Halibut Fish Tacos
Fish tacos aren’t the normal go-to for most households, so I thought it would be good to mention it. Like meat-based tacos, fish tacos can be made with any type of seafood you enjoy. Lobster taco anyone?
You can also pair fish tacos with a wide range of toppings and create amazing, and totally unique eating experiences each time. Halibut and black sea bass are two of my fave fish to use when making fish tacos for my kids. Sometimes I properly fry the fish and other times it’s a pan sear.
When I make these with a fried fish, I season the fish with taco seasoning, but I also add some taco seasoning to the frying batter to really reinforce the flavour. The end result is a a delicious homemade taco that everyone wants more of.
If you’ve never made fish tacos before, look up recipes online (there are thousands to choose from). Know that fish tacos pair really well with fruits, bright ingredients, and slaws.
Vegan Cashew Creamy Taco Sauce
OK, for all my sauce fans out there, have you experimented with making very non-traditional sauces at home? I love making out of the box sauces, and this is one of them. To make a taco sauce, you’ll soak cashews first.
Once your cashews are ready, drain them and add them to your blender. Then, add taco seasoning and a milk of choice. Blend until ultra smooth and you’ve got a vegan creamy cashew taco sauce. I’ve been making sauces like these for a long time and my kids love them.
If you’re a cheese fan, you can add a cheese of choice, but make sure it compliments rather than clashes with the taco seasoning.
Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly Taco Recipes
- Gluten Free Taco Pot Pie (top 9 free)
- GF + Top 9/14 Free Taco Spaghetti
- Street Tacos (GF, Top 9 Free, Top 14 Free, Truly Corn Free)
- Kid Friendly Apple & Chicken Tacos (GF, Top 9/14 Free)
 |
 |
 |
 |
Purchasing Individual Spices
If you’re new to making your own spice blends at home, let’s talk about purchasing individual spices. One of the biggest pros is that you’ll reduce a lot of extra cost on your grocery bill, however, you have to shop smart to reap the reward.
Now, there are two schools of thought here. If you plan on cooking at home often and leaning into spices, then you purchase in bulk and you’ll save loads of money. If you only plan to do this a little here and there, purchasing in bulk may cost you more in the long run, which we want to avoid.
Let me give you a real world example. My organic spices are about $8 a jar in the store, but if I buy them in bulk online, it’s about $17/bag. The bag contains 12 – 20x the amount of what’s in the jar, depending on the spice/ That means I’m saving well over $100 PER SPICE that I do this for. The good news is, you can enjoy these savings as well.
Know that the case price of seasonings at your local grocery store most likely won’t beat this style of purchasing, however, you have to really be committed to cooking at home and using your supplies. If you’re not, it’s a colossal waste of money.
Due to my severe corn allergy (corn derivatives are commonly used in spices), the only brand I purchase from is Spicely Organics. Sometimes I grab an item on Amazon (free shipping), and get items on their website for Black Friday (i place a huge order then). I also order select items from Mountain Rose Herbs. However, you can use any brand you love.
Answering Your Paleo Taco Seasoning Questions
Is this a healthy taco seasoning?
I feel like this has become a regular question in a time where people are more aware of eating nutritious, real food rather than highly processed foods. Generally speaking, store-bought packets aren’t going to be horrible for your health. At least, the organic ones I see (I shop almost exclusively organic for medical and allergy reasons).
In non-organic packets, you’d need to look for ingredients that are additives rather than actual spices. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for excessive added sugar.
To your question, is this particular recipe a healthy taco seasoning? I’d say yes, but remember, the term healthy isn’t a regulated one, and will mean something different to everyone.
If you need a super low carb diet or want to make this recipe even “healthier”, remove the organic maple sugar from the mix. Alternatively, use the Alternative Maple Sugar Free Taco Seasoning recipe that’s listed above.
How much seasoning mix should I use for a pound of ground meat?
2 – 3 Tablespoons of seasoning mix for a pound of meat is a great starting point when making your own tacos at home. I’d suggest using that amount, cook the meat, and then sample to see if that’s enough for you.
If you’re used to eating plain, simple, or bland foods, 2 Tablespoons is where you’ll want to start, but if you LOVE foods that pack a punch, 3 Tablespoons, and maybe even 4 are where you want to start.
Do I have to use glass spice jars?
No, however, your homemade seasonings should each be stored in an airtight jar. You can use plastic jars, and I’ve seen some that are metal. Personally, I choose glass because it’s not plastic, is dishwasher safe, and they fit nicely into my spice cabinet.
I will add this: it’s rare that I’ll buy empty spice jars. When I first got into using individual spices, I bought them from Spicely (one of only two truly corn free brands) and they come in a glass jar. Eventually, I started buying bulk spices to save money (a LOT of money is saved). I just keep refilling my old empty Spicely jars, and I love it because they’re already labeled and have a uniform look.
Could this recipe also work as a dry rub for ribs?
Yes, you could totally use this as a dry rub for ribs, as well as on other proteins. If you end up making a taco leaning rib, I’d suggest making a mole, similar to something like this, as a substitute to the BBQ/rib sauce you’d normally use. It will also help reinforce the taco vibe, and I think you’ll be really happy with the end results.
Would this Paleo taco seasoning taste good mixed into cauliflower rice?
Yes! Absolutely!! I get so excited to see people wanting to take an easy homemade taco seasoning and use it with something other than meat. You could make taco toast, taco mashed potatoes, season olive oil oven roasted veg with this, and so on. The only limit is your imagination, so start with your cauliflower rice, and then find more fun ways to use your taco seasoning.
When compared to seasoning packets, how good does this taco seasoning taste?
I have been told time and again that this homemade version of taco seasoning is a great recipe, and that it tastes better than what’s available in stores, and even some restaurants. Bottom line: you’re not going to be disappointed by this recipe.
Plus, you’ll have more for later use and you can get creative with how you use your taco seasoning.
Is this considered a Keto taco seasoning?
If you’re using 1 to 2 Tablespoons of this seasoning at a time, yes, this would be considered a Keto taco seasoning. Where you need to run the numbers will be the sugar content. The added sugar is from organic maple sugar which is gram for gram less sugar (per teaspoon) than cane sugar, but if it puts you over your carb count, reduce the maple sugar or eliminate it all together. All of the other ingredients are fine for a Keto diet.
Alternatively, use the Alternative Maple Sugar Free Taco Seasoning recipe that’s listed above.
Do I have to use organic spices?
i use organic ingredients only in just about all my spice mixes due to my severe allergies (and the needs of one of my kids). It’s important that I work with truly corn free ingredients and one of the only two brands that offer this is organic. However, a “benefit” to that has been that everyone raves about how they can taste the quality in the food I serve and recipes I develop.
If organic isn’t a priority for you, or not in your budget right now, use what you can and go from there. Ultimately, as long as the food is safe and delicious, that’s all that really matters. Don’t spend a lot of time stressing over organic vs non-organic, unless you really need to, or really want to.
Can this be stored at room temperature like other store-bought taco seasonings?
Yes, once you’ve made this easy recipe, you can store it room temperature for later use. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Is Thrive Market a good place to buy organic seasonings?
I personally don’t have a (paid) membership to Thrive Market, but have heard lots of great things about them. You’ll be able to get organic spices and powders such as onion powder, garlic powder, and so on, from a range of brands. I don’t know if Spicely is available on Thrive, should you choose to use the same brand as me.
Another great online shop to check out (no membership needed) is VitaCost. I’ve been using their site off and on for years and love it, plus the (free) shipping is usually super fast.
Would mason jars be a good storage option for my own spice blends?
As long as you use a lid that allows your mason jars to be an airtight container, yes, it’s an excellent choice. I personally use these newer plastic lids for my mason jars and they work like a dream.
