Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

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With our homemade keto taco seasoning recipe, you won't have to sacrifice your carb counts or deal with questionable ingredients like with some store-bought sugar-laden taco seasonings. We are using a blend of common dried herbs and spices, most you probably have in your cupboard already, to help you whip up a low-carb taco seasoning in less than 10 minutes that is a WHOLE LOTTA YUM!

Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (1)

Homemade Keto Taco Seasoning

We make a lot of Mexican-inspired dishes in our home. It's a go-to style of cooking that allows us to enjoy some bold flavors and venture far away from home, without ever leaving our cozy little corner of the globe.

However, a lot of the store-bought sauces and seasonings available don't line up with the healthy lifestyle we try to follow - especially a low-carb. Thankfully, it's super easy to make a homemade taco seasoning that complies with many of the common healthy eating plans and tastes just as good (if not better!) than any packet you can pick up at the grocery store.

Plus, our homemade taco seasoning recipe doesn't have any questionable ingredients or chemicals. It's simply a mix of authentic herbs and spices that are exactly what your taco Tuesdays are calling for.

So the next time you are looking to make a keto taco salad, some Mexican shredded chicken, or even a low-carb taco soup, pass over the packet and instead reach for a bowl of your homemade no-sugar taco seasoning instead!

Why You'll Love This!

  • Our homemade taco seasoning tastes better than store-bought seasoning and is ready in just a few minutes!
  • Make your own taco seasoning mix at home makes it easy to adjust the seasoning to fit your preferences.
  • When you have taco seasoning premade in your cupboard, or know how to make up a batch, you will never again have to make a last-minute, 5-o'clock run to the store again when you realize you are out of packet taco seasoning mix.
  • Because we are making our homemade seasoning without added sugars, it's not only low-carb and keto, but it's also sugar-free, no-carb, gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, and dairy-free as well.

Looking for additional recipes to use our keto taco seasoning recipe in? Look no further than our most popular low-carb, Mexican-inspired dishes like green chili enchilada casserole, chicken fajita casserole, low carb taco casserole, low carb crock-pot taco soup, and crustless taco pie.

On Keto? Grab our FREE keto foods list here OR Snag our Keto Binder HERE

Ingredient Notes

We are going to combine several different herbs and spices to make our keto-friendly taco seasoning, but most of them are probably in your spice cabinet already!

Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (2)
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • garlic salt
  • smoked paprika
  • cayenne pepper
  • ground black pepper

Variations

  • Arrowroot - Most store-bought packets do include corn starch as a thickener. If you would like to include a thickener, but want to stay low-carb, arrowroot powder will work.
  • No-sugar sweetener - We are skipping any sort of sweetener in our taco seasoning mix, but you may be partial to having some of that element simply because commercial packets do include sweeteners. If you would like to have a sweet element to your spicy mix, include a pinch of stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

Step by Step Instructions

Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (3)

It's ridiculously easy to make your own homemade keto taco seasoning, and once you make this recipe you'll NEVER go back to store-bought again! Not only does it taste better than store-bought, but it's also sugar-free and no carb taco seasoning too.

Assemble

In a small bowl, add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.

Stir to combine.

Store in an air tight container.

Usage

To use the homemade taco seasoning in tacos, you'll want to use 2- 3 tablespoon of the low carb taco seasoning recipe with 1 lb of ground beef. Feel free to add more than that if you want a stronger or spicier flavor.

Recipe Tips

  • To make a less spicy version, the black pepper, cayenne, or chili powder can be reduced.
  • Double or triple the recipe to use for tacos, fajitas, and other keto-friendly Mexican recipes.
  • Arrowroot powder can be added as a thickener if you prefer to add water to the ground meat before adding the taco seasoning.
  • Most store-bought taco seasonings have added sweetener, our homemade low carb version does not but a pinch of stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol can be added for a touch of sweetness.
Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (4)

Common Questions

Can I Have Taco Seasoning on a Keto Diet?

Yes, but you are going to want to look for a seasoning that does not contain sugar, corn starch, or other fillers. Making your own homemade taco seasoning is ideal if you are following a keto lifestyle.

How Long Does Homemade Taco Seasoning Last?

Store your keto taco mix in a small glass container with a lid, like a mini mason jar, and it will last a year or two as long as it's stored in a cool, dry place.

Can This Recipe Be Doubles?

Yes! You can easily make double or triple of this taco seasoning keto recipe to use in your Mexican-inspired dishes.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

Looking for more Mexican-inspired recipes?

  • Baked salsa chicken
  • Fish taco bowl
  • Low carb margaritas
  • Keto taco salad (beef or chicken)

Please leave a review if you make our recipe! We love feedback from readers, plus it helps others too.

Come connect with us on Instagram! Be sure to tag us (wholelotta.yum) when you make a recipe. You can also find us on Facebook, and Pinterest.

📖 Recipe

Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (5)

Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe

Jen Koel

An easy 5 minute homemade keto taco seasoning recipe that is sugar free and carb free. This tastes so much better than the packaged kind and can be used in place of store-bought seasoning.

Use 2-3 tablespoon for any recipe that calls for a taco seasoning packet.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Keto

Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

  • In a small bowl add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

  • Mix all of the low carb taco seasoning recipe ingredients together in the bowl.

  • To use the homemade taco seasoning in tacos, you'll want to use 2-3 tablespoon of the low carb taco seasoning recipe with 1 lb of ground beef. Feel free to add more than that if you want a stronger or spicier flavor.

  • The keto taco seasoning will last for 1-2 years when stored in a small glass container with a lid in a cool, dark place like a pantry.

Notes

To make a less spicy version, the black pepper, cayenne, or chili powder can be reduced.

Double or triple the recipe to use for tacos, fajitas, and other keto friendly Mexican recipes

Arrowroot powder can be added as a thickener if you prefer to add water to the ground meat before adding the taco seasoning.

Most store-bought taco seasonings have added sweetener, our homemade low carb version does not but a pinch of stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol can be added for a touch of sweetness.

Keyword carb free, keto, low carb, no carb

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (6)
Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have enough taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  1. 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  2. ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  4. Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  5. ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  6. ½ teaspoon paprika.
  7. 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  8. 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

Do you count spices on keto? ›

Black pepper, basil, oregano, turmeric powder, garlic powder, and powdered ginger are all safe spices on Keto when taken in moderation.

Does taco seasoning have a lot of carbs? ›

Most store bought taco seasoning mix can have over 4 grams of carbs per tablespoon. This recipe for keto taco seasoning has 1.6 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon! Not to mention, the taco seasoning packets from the store are loaded with fillers and preservatives.

Can I use fajita seasoning in place of taco seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but they are not the same. Taco seasoning typically has more oregano and chili powder than fajita seasoning. With that being said, however, you can use fajita seasoning and taco seasoning interchangeably in recipes, it may just warrant a slightly different flavor.

What can I substitute for paprika in taco seasoning? ›

Our favorite smoky substitutions are:
  • Chipotle chili powder (For smoked sweet paprikas)
  • Cayenne pepper powder (For hot/sharp paprikas)
  • Ancho pepper powder (For sweet paprikas)
  • Guajillo Pepper powder (For hot/sharp paprikas)
  • Chili powder (For hot/sharp paprikas)

What seasonings to avoid on keto? ›

High-Carb Sauces and Condiments

Many seasonings contain sugars and starches that can quickly add up and disrupt ketosis. Examples of condiments to avoid include ketchup, BBQ sauce, and sweet dressings.

What are 3 rules for seasoning? ›

How to Season Food
  • Rule #1: Taste as you go. It's a bummer when a finished dish is bland, and it's harder to correct at the end of cooking. ...
  • Rule #2: Stick to a theme. Certain flavours belong together. ...
  • Rule #3: Build layers of flavour. ...
  • Rule #4: Pair contrasting elements. ...
  • Rule #5: Salt, taste and repeat if necessary.

Is salt bad for keto? ›

With people consuming more sodium than ever in a diet rich in processed food, you're probably not used to hearing the call to eat more salt. But on keto, it's necessary. “As ketones build up in the body, they are excreted from the body through urine, which takes water and sodium out with it,” says Tucci.

Is Greek yogurt OK on keto? ›

Plain Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are nutritious, high protein foods. While they contain some carbs, you can eat them in moderation on keto. Both yogurt and cottage cheese have been shown to help decrease appetite and promote feelings of fullness (33, 34 ).

Can I have a banana on keto? ›

Despite the many health benefits of fruit, there is an issue with some fruits on the keto diet. Grapes and bananas, for instance, contain high quantities of carbs. 1 cup of grapes has approximately 26 grams and a medium banana, 24 grams of carbohydrate. As a rule, these fruits should be avoided.

Is Cucumber good for keto? ›

Cucumbers are made of 90% water and are almost calorie-free. One cup of cucumbers contains only 16 calories and 3 grams of net carbs, making it a sure fit for a keto plan.

Does Old El Paso taco seasoning have carbs? ›

Old El Paso Taco Spice Mix (0.1 pack) contains 1.8g total carbs, 1.5g net carbs, 0.1g fat, 0.1g protein, and 9 calories.

Why is taco seasoning so high in carbs? ›

Most commercial taco seasonings are loaded with fillers and it's usually posted as the first ingredients. These hidden fillers are high in carbs and can sabotage your low-carb efforts. Instead, try making your own homemade taco seasoning and you will notice a big difference in flavor without the added carbs!

What is in Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients: Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Spice, Sugar, Garlic Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Sea Salt (potassium magnesium chloride, salt), Citric Acid, Onion Powder, Vegetable Oil (canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor.

What is taco seasoning made of? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

How do you season without seasoning? ›

Acids act a little like salt in that they help bring out the natural brightness of foods and work to meld flavors together. Try making a quick salad dressing with lemon juice and zest or red wine vinegar with a smidge of oil—or toss veggies and grains with citrus or vinegar to brighten them up.

Can I use cumin instead of taco seasoning? ›

If I don't have taco seasoning (a rare occurrence!) I use a mixture of chili powder and cumin. If I really want to add a little extra heat, I add some cayenne pepper. For a bit of smokiness, you can add chipotle chili powder.

Is taco seasoning mostly cumin? ›

The ingredient list for taco seasoning will usually include chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. As you can see, it's quite a different list from what you may see in a Mexican seasoning.

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