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Once you make my keto taco seasoning recipe, you’ll see why my family adores it! It’s quick to make and so versatile. Plus, there are no sugar or fillers needed. Virtually zero net carbs.
Ready to use your low-carb taco seasoning? Try my keto tacos, keto enchiladas, or keto taco soup next.
Table of Contents
We use taco seasoning more than probably any other spice in my house. And no, we don’t have tacos every meal of the day. It’s just a really versatile seasoning blend–sue me!
That being said, most store-bought seasoning blends sneak in loads of anti-caking agents and fillers, which get converted to carbohydrates. Since I started watching my carbs, I came up with my homemade keto taco seasoning recipe that keeps the flavor but ditches the fillers.
Why I love this recipe
- Ready in seconds. All you do is mix the spices, and voila! Instant seasoning mix.
- Versatile. We like using this blend in classic Mexican recipes, though it’s also a great way to season meat and veggies.
- Make as much or as little as you need. Once you have the ratios sorted out, you can make this on a whim right when you need it…or make a big batch to store for later.
Key Ingredients
- Cumin. The key ingredient to give the seasoning a lovely fragrant flavor.
- Smoked paprika. For smokiness and subtle sweet flavor.
- Chili powder. Adds some heat. You can also use cayenne pepper.
- Garlic powder. Don’t substitute this for garlic salt, or the seasoning mix will be too salty.
- Onion powder. To complement the garlic.
- Salt. I suggest going easy on the salt since, depending on what you’re using this seasoning with, you’ll likely add more salt anyway.
- Black pepper. Give a little extra kick.
- Red pepper flakes. Optional, but only add this if you’d like this to be a spicier seasoning.
How to make keto taco seasoning mix
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Mix. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
Step 2- Store. Store the blend in an airtight container or jar.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Adjust the taste. This spice mix is very forgiving, so feel free to give it a little taste and adjust it as you see fit. I love a very fragrant seasoning, so I often double the cumin.
- Try to seek out fresh spices. Those pre-packaged spices (think McCormicks from the grocery store) have usually been packaged for a long time and have a less intense flavor. If possible, try to get fresh spices from a market or specialty grocer.
Frequently asked questions
No, McCormick’s taco seasoning mix is not keto friendly as it contains sugar.
No, El Paso taco seasoning isn’t keto, as it contains anti-caking agents like maltodextrin and corn starch.
Yes, taco seasoning is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
More keto staples
Keto Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder can substitute for cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the spices and mix well, until combined.
- Transfer into a sealable jar or container until ready to use.
Notes
- Chicken lettuce wraps
- Keto taco casserole
- Infuse more flavor into keto cheese taco shells
- Add it to keto yogurt for a low calorie, low carb veggie dipSeason chicken, ground beef, or taco meat
BEST I’VE USED EVER.
Thanks, Deni!
Very 😋 tasty.
where to buy cauliflower rice?
We have tried several of the 5 Star rated Keto Taco Seasoning recipes we found online. So far, this is way above and beyond yummy! It is so good added to “Beyond Beef” with cheese, tomatoes, and green onions in an Almond Taco Shell, as is or with some salsa. Yeah!
Would there be any advantage to adding a little swerve to it as there is sugar in store bought seasoning?
You can!
Is this too spicy for two toddlers who don’t like spicy food? Should I use less chili powder?
Hi Kylie- I don’t think it’s overly spicy but you can reduce the pepper and smoked paprika just in case 🙂
I ran out of the store bought packets of taco seasoning and my 14 yr old son was already browning the beef. So, I checked your blog for taco seasoning, made it and what awesome-ness! When we make tacos, we use 4 lbs of beef, I double your seasoning recipe and it’s perfect everytime!We first tried it several months back and it’s the only taco seasoning we’ve used since and the only one that we will ever use. My guys like tacos 2 – 3 times a month and this has no sugar and taste way better than anything you can buy. Thank you, Arman!
Can you tell me what is a serving size, need it to count macros
1 tablespoon
A million stars for all your recipes.. I love spicy so I tweaked with crushed red chilli
Yes, that would be great to know. Thanks!
3-4 tablespoons
Can you tell me how much I would use of this taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat?
Thank you,
E Moore
Hi Elise! Yes- 3-4 tablespoons, depending on how salty you’d like it 🙂