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Home » Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe (Keto, Gluten-free)

Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe (Keto, Gluten-free)

By Kim Hardesty

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 An easy gluten-free and low carb taco seasoning mix for ground beef that’s perfect for Keto Taco Tuesdays.

Homemade Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe #lowcarb #keto #glutenfree #sugarfree #easy

I grew up in the Southwest were tacos were a part of life! Of course, authentic tacos back then meant seasoned shredded chicken (or shredded beef) served in soft or fried corn tortillas. That’s quite different than what usually comes to mind when one hears “Taco Tuesday”; thanks in part to elementary school cafeteria lunches and Taco Bell!

What most people know as tacos is ground beef mixed with a taco seasoning packet and stuffed into a yellow preformed taco shell. My mother made tacos this way when she was pressed for time and needed an easy family friendly meal. She browned her ground beef and added a packet of taco seasoning from the store. She layered taco meat, cheese, sour cream, black olives and lettuce into the shells and they were tasty.

Homemade Low Carb Taco Seasoning

The problem with the taco seasoning packets you get in the store, is that they contain sugar and starch and are not gluten-free. You can get a similar flavor with ingredients you already have at home without the sugar, carbs or gluten.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe #lowcarb #keto #glutenfree #sugarfree #easy

One ingredient I strongly recommend for a more authentic flavor is pure ground chile powder. It’s the ingredient that makes my low carb gluten-free enchilada sauce so good. It’s mandatory in my mind. It’s found in the Mexican aisle in the grocery store. I buy both California Ground Chile Powder and New Mexico Ground Chile Powder and mix them together.

Gluten-free Taco Seasoning Recipe

The ingredients most often found in homemade taco seasoning are chile powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Honestly, I add a little sugar-free sweetener to mine because I think it mellows the sharpness in the chile powder and makes a bridge to pull all of the flavors together. Of course, it can be omitted. If you want your taco seasoning spicy, add some cayenne pepper.

Although this is a low carb taco seasoning recipe, it is not a no-carb recipe. All powdered ingredients like chile powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper are going to have carbs. But, since this recipe does not contain the milk powder, sugar, or starch (often found in store bought products), it’s much lower in total carbs.

Ground beef for tacos in a pan with bamboo spatula

How Much Taco Seasoning To Use Per Pound of Meat or Per Person

The taco seasoning packets you buy in the store are made for 1 pound of meat, contain roughly 2 tablespoons of seasoning and list 6 servings. That equates to 1 tsp per person. My low carb taco seasoning recipe yields about ¼ cup of seasoning and can be used to season 1 – 2 pounds of ground beef (enough to feed 6-12 people). It really depends on how much flavor you want.

Low Carb Taco Seasoning is 1 carb per 2 teaspoons or .5 carbs per 1 teaspoon.

[Recipe and post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through a link may result in my earning a small consideration.]

Homemade taco seasoning ingredients in a bowl

Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe (keto, gluten-free)

An easy gluten-free and low carb taco seasoning mix for ground beef that's perfect for Keto Taco Tuesdays.
4.89 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Basics
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: taco, taco seasoning, taco tuesday
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 5kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp ground chile powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp granulated onion
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano, rubbed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Optional

  • 1 tsp low carb sugar (Swerve Granulated or sugar if not low carb)

Instructions

Method:

  • Measure all of the ingredients into a small bowl and whisk with a fork. Keep in a airtight container.
  • Serves 6-12 depending on your taste. 1 carb per 2 teaspoons of seasoning or 1/2 carb per 1 teaspoon of seasoning. 

To Use:

  • Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a pan. Add 2 tbsp - 4 tbsp (half of the recipe or the whole thing) to the ground beef along with 2 tbsp of tomato paste and 1/2 cup beef broth. Simmer gently until most of the sauce evaporates. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. 
  • Carb counts will depend on how much seasoning you use.
  • Note: Pure ground chiles can be bitter. Temper any bitter flavor with a little more sweetener. 

Notes

This recipe makes 1/4 cup of seasoning. You may use the whole recipe for 1 pound of ground beef or half of the recipe (2 tbsp per pound of meat) depending on your taste. Nutritional Facts assume the whole mix divided between 6 people. 
Nutritional Facts for whole mix per 6 people or 2 tsp per person: Calories: 5g, Total Fat: trace, Total Carbs: 1g, Fiber: trace, Protein: trace.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g

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About Kim Hardesty

Kim HardestyKim is a self taught cook with over 30 years experience in the kitchen. She develops and tests low carb and keto recipes in her California home. She began her low carb journey in 2009 and at the urging of friends, started blogging in 2014. Kim shares delicious low carb and keto recipes no one would believe are sugar-free. Her recipes are featured in newsstand publications and on sites all over the internet.

View all posts by Kim Hardesty | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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Filed Under: Basics, Beef, Ground Beef, Mexican Tagged With: No Bake, Under 30 Minutes

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  1. AvatarRory

    December 20, 2020 at 11:00 am

    You said we can store this in an airtight container. How long does it last?

    Reply
    • Kim HardestyKim Hardesty

      December 20, 2020 at 2:43 pm

      Hi Rory. It’s spices, so it will last for many months. -Kim

      Reply
  2. AvatarPhillip B Overmyer

    May 25, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    I followed your recipe but added a tsp of crushed red chili peppers and cilantro and it turned out amazing. Thankyou for the recipe!

    Reply
  3. AvatarNita

    January 14, 2020 at 11:09 am

    It is wonderful to have such wonderful flavors to taste when on a carb free diet.

    Reply
  4. AvatarCharm

    January 6, 2020 at 8:00 am

    Hi Kim. Thank you for sharing your taco recipe. I’d like to try this recipe. However, I can’t find any Chile powder in our groceries. here in the Philippines. Will there be much difference if I use McCormick’s Chili Powder? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kim HardestyKim Hardesty

      January 6, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Hi Charm. I just looked at their ingredients and it looks like they add cumin and probably garlic and onion. I think it should still work fine with just a little difference in taste. -Kim

      Reply
      • AvatarCharm

        January 8, 2020 at 9:31 am

        Thank you so much Kim! I will use your recipe with McCormick’s Chili Powder and I will update you on how it will taste.

        Reply
  5. AvatarKevec

    August 14, 2019 at 11:08 pm

    I used this to season regular pork skins and it tastes better than any of the store bought flavors and no added maltodextrin or other non-Keto sweetener! Love it

    Reply
    • KimKim

      August 15, 2019 at 7:14 am

      I’m so glad you like the seasoning, Kevec. Thanks for coming back to let me know. Have a great day. -Kim

      Reply
  6. AvatarEdwin Sotomayor

    July 23, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    Dont brown the meat, most authentic mex restaurants do tbe following. In a sauce pan place raw ground beef, season with the seasoning from above but add larger amt. Add chopped onion, garlic (the garlic with purple viens in skin is mexican garlic.) And a poblano pepper. Add a half cup of cilantro. Cover meat with cold water and simmer for an hr uncovered. Drain excess water. Your ready for tender moist tacos

    Reply
    • AvatarJoe

      April 23, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      Good advice, I do it this way all the time now!

      That said, I have to point out that no authentic mexican restaurant ever used ground beef :)

      Reply
      • Kim HardestyKim Hardesty

        April 24, 2020 at 8:38 am

        Shredded beef all the way, Joe! -Kim

        Reply
  7. AvatarKeto girl

    June 30, 2019 at 11:15 am

    Awesome recipe, I doubled the recipe and added some 1tps cayenne (love hot and spicy) and used two packets of stevia instead- definitely have a ton of great seasoning for a few awesome keto taco nights! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  8. AvatarLor Wagner

    June 10, 2019 at 6:31 am

    Easy to put together with seasonings I had in the cupboard and quite honestly much better than any i have bought at the grocery. Definitely a keeper. I did not buy any special chili powder and mine was quite mild I only used as directed for 1# of meat

    Reply
  9. AvatarBrian

    May 30, 2019 at 6:50 pm

    I left a message earlier but it seems to of disappeared. Anyway, I tried this recipe and it was fantastic, way better than store-bought and definitely healthier. My question is, since I am long good with measurements, what would the measurements be to make say a 10 ounce jar of this recipe? Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • KimKim

      May 31, 2019 at 10:37 am

      Hmmmm. That’s a good question, Brian. I would double or triple the recipe – maybe triple the recipe. I’m glad you were happy with the taco seasoning. Enjoy your weekend. -Kim

      Reply
  10. AvatarBrian

    May 14, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    If I’m using 2lbs of ground beef do I double the broth and tomato paste?

    Reply
    • KimKim

      May 14, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      Hi Brian, I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you earlier. I have been sick in bed. Yes, double the tomato paste and broth. Enjoy the recipe. -Kim

      Reply
      • AvatarBrian

        May 14, 2019 at 6:21 pm

        Thank you! Hope you’re feeling better soon.

        Reply
      • AvatarBrian

        May 30, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        I just wanted to let you know I had recently made this and I must say it is outstanding. My honest opinion it is better than anything store-bought because you can tweak it and natural ingredients. My question is if I were to make this in bulk, I am lazy with figuring out measurements, are you able to tell me how I could make, say an 8oz bottle of this stuff. Once again great recipe.

        Reply
  11. AvatarJames Cutter

    April 24, 2019 at 3:40 pm

    That recipe was awesome but I had to go to the store to get spices for it. I tried a seasoning called Mr Binghams seasoning on skirt steaks and it tasted almost the same as this recipe. They say that this seasoning is healthy and helps lower cholesterol and doesn’t give heartburn. I don’t know if it’s for Keto diet but I’m seeing good results.

    Reply
  12. AvatarKristopher Ewing

    March 23, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    Did I read this correctly? There are 5000 calories in your recipe? Or is this just a missprint?

    Reply
    • KimKim

      March 25, 2019 at 10:12 am

      Hi Kristopher. I’m sorry about that. It’s a problem with the recipe card plug-in I am using. We’re trying to get the developer to fix it. It is

        5 calories

      per serving. -Kim

      Reply
  13. AvatarHannibal Enchilada

    March 11, 2019 at 8:16 am

    Hi. You had mentioned “…can be used to season 1 – 2 pounds of ground beef or 6-12 people”. The ratios are off here, I find that the ingredient quantities need to be greatly increased when making tacos out of people.

    Reply
    • KimKim

      March 11, 2019 at 9:03 am

      Lol. Thanks for the laugh Hannibal Enchilada. I will change the wording! -Kim

      Reply
  14. AvatarShawn

    February 23, 2019 at 5:52 am

    4Tbs? If you add your ingredients up it equals 3Tbs. But thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • KimKim

      February 24, 2019 at 11:18 am

      Hi Shawn. I added the sweetener and when the ingredients are all fluffed up from mixing, it equals just about 4 TBSP. Thanks. -Kim

      Reply
  15. AvatarBrian

    January 30, 2019 at 9:09 pm

    What’s the total carbs in this recipe

    Reply
    • KimKim

      January 31, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      Hi Brian. There is no fat, no protein, very little fiber and just 1 TOTAL CARB per serving. -Kim

      Reply
      • AvatarBrian

        August 30, 2020 at 3:08 pm

        How many total servings?

        Reply
        • Kim HardestyKim Hardesty

          August 31, 2020 at 8:18 am

          Sure Brian. It’s included in the notes section of the recipe. Makes 6 servings of approximately 2 teaspoons each. -Kim

          Reply
          • AvatarBrian

            August 31, 2020 at 9:38 pm

            I’m sorry I’m slow so does that mean six total carbs for the recipe?

          • Kim HardestyKim Hardesty

            September 1, 2020 at 10:53 am

            Hi Brian. That’s a good rough estimation although not entirely accurate. Dried spices and seasonings do contain some carbs and fiber which may show up as “trace amounts” when considering a single portion, but will be larger when the recipe is considered as a whole. If you are using the whole recipe and splitting it between 6 servings, yes, you can assume 6 carbs.

            If you want more accurate numbers, I suggest entering the amounts into Fatsecret dot com. They have a great nutritional calculator. You may have to sub some ingredients like “paprika” for “pure ground chiles” and such. -Kim

  16. AvatarAlexis

    January 23, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    Hi, I was wondering if the tomato paste and broth was necessary? Would the meat and seasoning “thicken up” without the paste? On a particular diet and I cannot have tomato paste. Thanks!

    Reply
    • KimKim

      January 23, 2019 at 7:31 pm

      Hi Alexis. It tastes better with it, but leave it out if you can’t have it. No, it won’t really thicken up, but will be flavorful. -Kim

      Reply
  17. AvatarDestiney Baxter

    August 22, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    I did1 tsp. Of dried cilantro instead of oregano.

    Reply
  18. AvatarKathy

    June 25, 2018 at 4:21 pm

    So happy to have found your site. I have a long list of recipes I’m planning to try. Everything has been wonderful so far. Love this taco seasoning mix. Tasty and economical. Thank you!

    Reply
    • KimKim

      June 25, 2018 at 7:10 pm

      Thank you, Kathy. I hope you find many great recipes on-line from my place and others. Have a wonderful evening. -Kim

      Reply
  19. AvatarAmy

    June 14, 2018 at 7:09 am

    So is this 1 carb per serving or total for all is 1 carb? TIA Amy

    Reply
    • KimKim

      June 14, 2018 at 9:03 am

      Hi Amy, it’s 1 carb per 2 teaspoons. Dried, ground herbs and spices have carbs with onions, garlic, and peppers having the most. -Kim

      Reply
  20. AvatarBarbara

    February 18, 2018 at 10:56 am

    Hi, First time on your site ! I knew that you are a very good cook when I read that you add a little sweetener to your taco mix. It indicates to me that you really know your business. I do the same with many recipes.
    thank you, I am happy to have found your web page.

    Reply
    • KimKim

      February 18, 2018 at 10:59 am

      Thank you for your kind words, Barbara. Yes, sometimes bitter ingredients need a little sweetener to temper them. I hope you find some recipes that you enjoy on the site. It’s nice to meet you. Enjoy your day. -Kim

      Reply
      • AvatarSteve Freeman

        January 8, 2019 at 8:05 am

        Would liquid stevia be a good choice to add sweetness to recipe?

        Reply
        • KimKim

          January 9, 2019 at 11:31 am

          Hi Steve. You can use liquid stevia, but let me caution you. I find liquid stevia very bitter. Ground chile powder is also bitter. Adding stevia to anything bitter (like chocolate) will increase the bitterness in both ingredients. That’s why I really like the stevia glycerite, which I do not find as bitter as the liquid stevias. I would add just a little and see how it does for you. -Kim

          Reply
  21. AvatarDonna strauser

    December 25, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    Do you add any water or other liquid?

    Reply
    • KimKim

      December 25, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      To make the taco meat, I add 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp beef base and 2 tbsp of tomato paste. I use lean beef and start it in a cold pan so the beef can be broken up into very small pieces. -Kim

      Reply
  22. AvatarDonna

    December 24, 2017 at 7:37 am

    Now I need a recipe for the shells. Thanks for all you do to help us to lose weight.

    Reply
    • KimKim

      December 24, 2017 at 7:38 am

      Hi Donna. I just posted a recipe for shells today! -Kim

      Reply
  23. AvatarAdina

    December 23, 2017 at 6:47 am

    How interesting! We never had tacos, but my kids asked me a few days ago if I can make some. They are watching an American animation program, where apparently the characters eat lots of tacos, so they want to try that too. If I manage to find some taco shells I could actually try this seasoning, a perfect timing for us! :) I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • KimKim

      December 23, 2017 at 7:07 am

      Adina, make the cheese taco shells. It’s just cheese! I add 2 tbsp tomato paste to my ground beef, 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 tsp of beef base along with 1/2 if this recipe or all of it. Make sure to simmer until mist of the liquid evaporates or the tacos will be messy! I hope your kids like them. Just a note: these are not authentic tacos, they are more what people who don’t have access to real tacos would make for their family at home. Merry Christmas to you! -Kim

      Reply
      • AvatarAdina

        December 23, 2017 at 12:22 pm

        Thank you for the suggestion, Kim, I will try it!

        Reply

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Kim HardestyHi, I'm Kim. I love coffee, steak, and love to bake. Are you looking for great Low Carb, Keto recipes that taste like the real thing? You're in the right place! Sign up for my NEWSLETTER and never miss a post!


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