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    Home » Food » Sugar-free Keto Taco Seasoning Mix

    May 20, 2021

    Sugar-free Keto Taco Seasoning Mix

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This low-carb keto taco seasoning mix is delicious, quick, and just as convenient as the pre-mixed commercial seasoning packets you'll find at the grocery store. This recipe gets two thumbs up from keto dieters all over the world for two main reasons. One, it tastes excellent. And two, it's not loaded with sugar, starch, or fillers, unlike its store-bought counterpart. 

    That's right––just pure, unadulterated spices to take you to taco meat paradise. It's incredibly flavorful, smells heavenly, and the nutrition aligns with a ketogenic dietary pattern. What's not to love? 

    Going the DIY route is well worth the (very minimal) effort it takes to whip up a big batch of homemade keto taco seasoning. Not only does it make the best keto taco meat ever, but it's fantastic for burrito bowls and healthy taco salads.

    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🧪 Variations 
    • 🥄 Single batch 
    • ⚖️ Bulk batch 
    • 📦 Storage
    • 🌮 Taco Meat 
    • ❓FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe

    This recipe was originally published November 18, 2017 but has been updated with new photos, video, and answers to frequently asked questions, including instructions for single batch mix for 1 pound ground beef, bulk batch mix, and how to make taco meat.

    🥘 Ingredients

    Taking a peek at the ingredients list of a commercial taco seasoning packet reveals some of the primary spices and expected flavors (not to mention the additives that you're probably trying to avoid).

    The main ingredients in taco seasoning include: 

    • Ground cumin
    • Chili powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Paprika 
    • Salt

    Sea salt, Kosher salt, Himalayan salt, or table salt are all acceptable––use what you prefer.

    Overhead view of ingredients in small dishes placed in straight line.

    🧪 Variations 

    You can also add in extras or make swaps if desired to suit the dish you'll be using it in. 

    Standard paprika is fantastic if you're going for a traditional flavor profile, but opting for smoked paprika adds a subtle layer of complexity with smoky undertones.

    Oregano is a popular herb that works well in taco seasoning to add an earthy, peppery flavor with a beautiful touch of color.

    Black pepper is another spice that makes a great addition to the mixture if you're looking for a sharp flavor with a bit of extra bite.

    For a spicy version, consider mixing in cayenne or ground chili peppers.

    These spices are all keto-friendly and can add to the complexity of your planned dish. Don't be afraid to play around with the quantities or new herbs and spices to switch things up, and leave a comment down below if you find a keeper!

    🥄 Single batch 

    If you're running low on spices, the single batch recipe is perfect for one pound of meat. It's also an excellent place to start if you want to test the recipe before committing to a bigger batch or trying out variations.

    In a small mixing bowl, combine the following:

    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1/12 teaspoon paprika (a decent-sized pinch will do if you don't have a measuring spoon this small)

    This mix is ready to use for browned meat or other taco-flavored dishes.

     Collage of seasoning recipe steps.

    ⚖️ Bulk batch 

    If you have enough spices to go around, I recommend making a big batch of taco seasoning. The bulk recipe is a make-ahead time-saver––just as convenient as the store-bought taco seasoning packets but without all the sugar! 

    We're using all the same ingredients as before, just scaling the recipe up. 

    The big batch recipe makes 12 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix. However, you can adjust the scale if you'd like in the interactive recipe card below.

    To keep things simple, use a storage container with a lid, like a mason jar.

    Add the following to your container:

    • ¼ cup ground cumin
    • ¼ cup chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon paprika

    Secure the lid and shake until the spices are well mixed. The seasoning is ready to use or store for later use.

    Spices for taco seasoning on plate.

    📦 Storage

    Spices are considered a shelf-stable product, meaning they have a naturally long shelf life and don't expire in a way that affects food safety if stored properly. However, the flavor tends to decline over time.

    To keep the flavor of your spice mix fresh, store in a sealed, air-tight container in between uses for up to 1 to 2 years.  

    Mason jar filled with seasoning and tablespoon scooping mixture out.

    🌮 Taco Meat 

    To make keto taco meat, brown your meat in a saute pan over medium heat and break into smaller pieces as it cooks. 

    There may be a good amount of fat that renders out, depending on the protein you choose. Once the meat has browned, drain most of the fat from the pan.

    Add one tablespoon of taco seasoning for each pound of meat used.

    Add ¾ cup water to the pan.

    Photo collage of taco meat preparation steps.

    Stir ingredients to evenly distribute the seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil, continuing over medium heat. 

    Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid cooks down into a thicker sauce, then remove from heat.

    Now you have rich, flavorful taco meat that's ready to serve immediately or store for later use.

    You can use it on keto tacos, lettuce wraps, soups, casseroles, burrito bowls, meal prep, you name it. The possibilities are endless!

    Keto taco meat in lettuce leaf wrap on plate.

    ❓FAQ

    How much taco seasoning do you need per pound of meat?

    This recipe works great for keto taco meat! For best results, use one tablespoon of seasoning mix per pound of meat or protein of choice. 

    One tablespoon of the homemade seasoning mix can be used as an equivalent replacement for a 1-ounce commercial packet.

    What protein should I use to make keto taco meat?

    While ground beef is the most popular choice, ground chicken, turkey, or pork are all great options for omnivores.

    If you don't have ground meat on hand, you can season chopped or shredded meat with excellent results. Just be sure to brown or cook the meat before adding the seasoning mix.

    For the plant-based crowd, extra-firm tofu can be used in place of animal protein while still keeping carbs relatively low. Cauliflower florets can also make a tasty taco meat replacement!

    Is taco seasoning keto?

    It depends. Store-bought taco seasoning packets are loaded with sugar and starch, increasing the number of carbs per serving. This has the potential to add up if used in large quantities, which may negatively influence ketosis. These high carb ingredients are best kept to a minimum when eating a ketogenic diet.

    When you make your seasoning mix at home, you can omit the ingredients that boost your carb count and use only low-carb herbs and spices to ensure it is keto-friendly.

    A good rule of thumb is to avoid pre-mixed seasoning packets and use a homemade recipe instead.

    How many carbs in taco seasoning?

    For the keto taco seasoning recipe, one tablespoon has only 2.5g net carbs. 

    When used for taco meat, these carbs are distributed throughout an entire pound of meat or protein of choice. That means you will have less than 1 net carb for a quarter pound (4 oz./113g) serving size of the seasoned meat. 

    Net carbs for keto taco meat serving = 2.5g / 4 = 0.63g

    Let's compare that to the popular commercial brands, McCormick and Old El Paso. 

    McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix nutrition label lists 3g carbs per serving. Many incorrectly assume a serving size is an entire packet, but the label specifies there are 6 servings per 1-ounce packet. This yields a whopping 18 grams of carbohydrate per packet.

    3g carbs x 6 servings = 18g carbs

    Depending on how you use the seasoning and how big your portions are, this could significantly impact your daily carb count. 
    The Old El Paso Original Mix has the same nutritional values and serving sizes. 

    nutrition label from McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Packet

    If your goal is to keep carbs low to support ketosis, consider avoiding the commercial blends and stick to a tried and true homemade keto taco seasoning mix.

    Spilled seasoning near mason jar and salad.

    📖 Recipe

    tablespoon scooping taco seasoning from mason jar

    Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe

    Boost the flavor and skip the sugar packets with this delicious, easy homemade taco seasoning mix.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 2 minutes
    Course: Seasoning, Spices
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Special Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Keto, Paleo, Vegetarian
    Servings: 12 tablespoons
    Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
    Net Carbs: 2.5g
    Author: Tasha

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup ground cumin
    • ¼ cup chili powder
    • 2 tbsp garlic powder
    • 1 tbsp onion powder
    • 1 tbsp salt
    • 1 tsp paprika
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Taco Seasoning Mix

    • Combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika in a lidded storage container.
    • Secure lid on storage container and shake until well mixed.
    • Store with lid sealed between uses.

    Taco Meat Option

    • Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add ground meat to pan and break into smaller pieces as it cooks. 
    • Once the meat has browned, drain any excess fat that has cooked off from the pan.
    • Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the cooked meat, adding one tablespoon of taco seasoning for each pound of meat used.
    • Add ¾ cup water to the pan and stir ingredients to evenly distribute the seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue cooking over medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid cooks down into a thicker sauce, then remove from heat.
    • Use immediately in your favorite keto taco recipes or store covered in refrigerator.

    Video

    Notes

    Seasoning to meat ratio: 1 tablespoon per pound of meat. Adjust to taste if needed.
    Nutrition information is based on a single serving and is provided as a convenience for Ketogasm readers. Data may vary based on brand and recipe variation. Click here for more detailed nutrition information.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe
    Serving Size
     
    1 tablespoon
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    22.86
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    0.87
    g
    1
    %
    Sodium
     
    670.77
    mg
    29
    %
    Potassium
     
    117.14
    mg
    3
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    3.94
    g
    1
    %
    Fiber
     
    1.44
    g
    6
    %
    Sugar
     
    0.33
    g
    0
    %
    Protein
     
    1.07
    g
    2
    %
    Magnesium
     
    13.5
    mg
    3
    %
    Net Carbs
     
    2.5
    g
    5
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KETOGASM or tag #ketogasm!
    Tasha
    Tasha

    Hi, I'm Tasha–nutritionist, recipe developer, and multi-published cookbook author.

    « How to Do Keto Without Tracking Macros [19]
    Keto Chili Con Carne »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine says

      November 26, 2017 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is so great thank you! Just getting started on my keto journey and this will definitely help to get Hubby on board!!

      Reply
    2. Johnnie Totherow says

      January 07, 2018 at 4:19 pm

      Great! I will never go back to the packs if taco seasoning! Saved taco night! I use Cream cheese pancakes as a wrap. 1 carb per pancake. Family used low carb wrap. 6 carbs each.

      Reply
    3. Angela says

      January 13, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      Can this be used for chili instead of chili seasoning packs?

      Reply
    4. Brandi says

      January 15, 2018 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      Trying to make this tonight but I can’t believe I have no cumin! Can you recommend a substitute?

      Reply
    5. Dee says

      March 20, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      2 stars
      This was just okay for me. Needed something else. Had to use 3 tablespoons to get anywhere near the same flavor of the packet. Maybe it needs oregano and pepper? I added extra cumin to the meat. When I calculated the carbs for this recipe, It was 3.8 total per tablespoon and 1.33 fiber so 2.5 net carbs per tablespoon. I made the big batch so I will add some extras to it next time. Overall not bad.

      Reply
    6. bob says

      April 10, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      You literally never say how much seasoning to use for how much meat. What. The. fuck.

      Reply
      • Tasha Metcalf says

        April 11, 2018 at 10:19 am

        "My guess is that you are making taco meat, though. You’ll want to brown your meat first and remove any excess fat that renders. Add in one tablespoon per pound of meat, add 3/4 cup of water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few more minutes, then use your taco meat however you so choose." F me, right?

        I'll add a note to the recipe too. Thanks for the feedback.

        Reply
        • Mj says

          April 10, 2019 at 5:12 am

          You did have that in there already

          Reply
      • Ruby Miller says

        August 24, 2018 at 5:46 am

        5 stars
        No need for that Bob, you need to say sorry.

        Reply
      • Mike S says

        September 25, 2018 at 4:15 pm

        5 stars
        You literally never read the entire article before making an ass of yourself, boob.

        Reply
      • Tania Salling says

        January 29, 2019 at 5:13 pm

        Yes she does 1 tablespoon per pound of meat. Adjust to taste

        Reply
      • Heather T says

        September 20, 2019 at 11:44 am

        Classy, bob. Maybe read the entire directions before demonstrating your lack of education with obscenities.

        Reply
      • Jody says

        August 09, 2021 at 9:41 am

        Clearly stated in tge recipe. Q Tablespoon of mix per 8oz meat

        Reply
    7. Zoe says

      May 16, 2018 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Fabulous! I prepared the single-serving batch. I like a lot of spice so after I mixed the seasoning into the beef I added 1/3 more of everything. I love that there's no thickener. I just simmered it until all the liquid reduced, about 10 minutes.

      Reply
    8. Randy says

      June 19, 2018 at 4:36 pm

      3 stars
      Hi. Tried this with 1 lb of hamburger.
      Used 1 tbsp and 3/4 cup water, etc.
      Bland. Added more chili powder and it was doable. I think I'll knock the cumin down to 2/3 of however much chili powder I use. Oh yeah...Bob you need to watch your mouth and try thinking about how much YOU would like to use.
      Pretty weak saying that to a woman that is just trying to help people with a simple recipe.

      Reply
      • Amy says

        August 24, 2019 at 1:11 pm

        5 stars
        This is great taco seasoning. I’ll never use the packaged stuff again. Thanks!

        Reply
    9. Ruby Miller says

      August 24, 2018 at 5:47 am

      No need for that Bob, you need to say sorry.

      Reply
    10. Sally says

      September 16, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      4 stars
      We made this tonight, but used closer to 3TBS of the seasoning per pound of ground beef! Turned out delicious. Thank you!

      Reply
    11. Michael S says

      September 25, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you Tasha for providing me with a reasonable Taco Seasoning recipe. Unlike knuckleheads like bob, I have enough sense to adjust your great base recipe to my own liking. I think your production of this page was great along with your ingredients! bon appétit, y'all !

      Reply
    12. Di says

      October 12, 2018 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      So I used 2 Tbls per lb of meat and found it just a tad too salty. Otherwise it was excellent so i ate it any way. Next time I'll halve the salt since I'm doubling the spice. Nice recipe, thank you.

      Reply
    13. Taylor says

      January 03, 2019 at 2:43 pm

      What if we don’t have onion powder?

      Reply
      • Tasha Metcalf says

        January 04, 2019 at 4:50 pm

        You can still give it a go if you don't have onion powder--I would suggest mixing the small batch amount together instead of the large batch first, just to test it out. And if you use onion in your dish, that could help bring the onion flavor as well. Hopefully, that helps!

        Reply
    14. KELLY says

      January 21, 2019 at 7:36 pm

      GREAT RECIPE, I JUST LOVE TACOS, HOW ABOUT A KETO TACO SAUCE RECIPE.

      Reply
    15. Erika says

      February 07, 2019 at 4:07 am

      Thank you so much! I’ll never buy a pack of taco seasoning again...it came out great.

      Reply
    16. CAREY says

      March 27, 2019 at 11:04 pm

      4 stars
      Great recipe

      Reply
    17. Lisa Barbee says

      April 04, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      Thanks for such an easy recipe. I did add more garlic powder, salt, and 2 packs of truvia. Delish!

      Reply
    18. Stephanie says

      April 18, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      I just added this recipe into MyFitnessPal and it claims the seasoning is 102 calories and 13.4g carbs per serving. I added the large batch and set the serving number to 12. That's can't be right, can it?

      Reply
      • Tasha Metcalf says

        September 13, 2019 at 1:01 pm

        Hi Stephanie, I'm not sure where the nutrition info is sourced on MyFitnessPal but it sounds a bit off. I much prefer Cronometer for their database accuracy and detailed micronutrient information. I've updated the recipe card with a link to the nutrition info in Cronometer so you can see a detailed breakdown.

        Hope it helps!

        Reply
    19. Claudia says

      April 27, 2019 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much, this is excellent! Most of the commercial taco seasonings have weird additives and/or too much salt, so this is perfect. I also really appreciate that you included a single serving recipe, so I could see if I liked it before making a big batch.

      Reply
    20. Scott Pikula says

      May 07, 2019 at 2:21 am

      Started Keto a couple months back and I've been craving tacos or taco salad so I was so happy to find your recipe! It worked out wonderfully! I used two tblsp per pound of meat and it was good. We made taco salad with it and it was great! Definitely cured the taco cravings and was pretty healthy overall especially without the chips!

      Reply
    21. Darlene says

      August 05, 2019 at 4:42 am

      I love your recipe and I will be using it only without the salt because of congestive heart failure! Thank you!❤

      Reply
    22. Idelle says

      September 08, 2019 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      Thank you just started Keto and taco are favorite of mine! Was so worried that I would never get to have that taste again. Made my first batch LOVED IT! My grandkids never knew the difference. They had their shells and I had my salad. Thank you for giving me a great start and proof that flavorful food can still be a part of my life. Now I am driving into the program and excited to do so.

      Reply
      • Tasha Metcalf says

        September 09, 2019 at 4:31 pm

        So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for taking the time to leave such positive feedback!

        Reply
    23. Amy says

      October 07, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been using this recipe for months for low carb eating and I love it. More cost efficient to make it myself instead of buying packaged seasoning with sugar in it.

      Reply
      • Tasha Metcalf says

        October 07, 2019 at 5:56 pm

        Heck yes! DIY spice mixes are super cost effective and honestly, they taste way better!

        So happy you have been enjoying the recipe. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and positive feedback. We always appreciate it! ❤️

        Reply
    24. Anne Richardson says

      October 30, 2019 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      This was great, I lowered the amount of chili powder for personal tastes but this is perfect. I'll be making this repeatedly. Thanks!

      Reply
    25. michael says

      December 30, 2019 at 5:04 pm

      4 stars
      Awesome work T, have you ever tried adding in a touch of xantham gum to thicken?

      I also like to add a little chipotle powder for some extra smokiness!

      Reply
    26. Casey says

      January 23, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      I add the seasoning straight to the raw meat, 1 TBS per pound, then cook it. I think it tastes great!

      Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Tasha Metcalf says

        January 27, 2020 at 7:49 am

        You're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment and leave feedback! I think it's super helpful for other readers to get alternative ways of cooking, tweaking the recipes, and insight into how it will turn out for them.

        Reply
    27. cindy says

      April 22, 2020 at 6:02 am

      5 stars
      Very good. I increased the chili powder. Add some xanthine gum if you want it to thicken up like the packets do. Nice alternative to the overprice packets you can buy.

      Reply

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