Make a batch of Salt Free Taco Seasoning right at home with common spices found in your pantry! Using less sodium than store bought packets, you’ll love this homemade spice mix that you can use in all your favorite taco recipes! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
This recipe was originally published on 3/24/15, and is getting a whole makeover with new photos, new info, and tips.
This Homemade Taco seasoning has been around since the beginning of the blog. One of the first recipes I EVER wrote. It’s a staple in our house and has become a staple in many of your houses over the years, too!
It has no added salt or sugar, like most of the store bought packets do. Another one of those times where reading your labels is so important!
Taco seasoning is so easy to make at home though, so go grab your spices and get mixing!
Ingredients for Salt Free Taco Seasoning
- chili powder – I’ve come to learn that most chili powders do, in fact, contain a small amount of salt but the amount is tiny in comparison to the sodium in store bought taco packets.
- paprika – gives a great smokey flavor
- ground cumin – there are some great health benefits of cumin, in addition to tasting great!
- onion powder – full of Vitamin B and C
- garlic powder – make sure it’s garlic powder, not garlic salt
- dried oregano – a little goes a long way
- cayenne pepper – for really picky eaters, you can leave this out, but most won’t notice the tiny kick that 1/8 tsp gives the spice blend. My kids eat it!
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Mix all of the spices together and store in a mason jar. I just put the lid on and give it a really good shake!
How long will Salt Free Taco Seasoning last?
It will last as long as the expiration dates on each of your spices, or 1 year. Whichever comes first!
But it never lasts long in our house! Tip: if you eat tacos weekly, you can easily double this recipe and not have to make it as often!
How much taco seasoning should I use in tacos?
Per each pound of meat, I use 1-2 Tablespoons of seasoning, 1/4 cup water, and 1 cup of canned tomato sauce. If you want to sneak in some hidden veggies try Hidden Cauliflower Taco Meat– I promise, no one will know!!
Looking for recipes using Homemade Taco Seasoning? Check these out-
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Salt Free Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 6 teaspoons chili powder
- 5 teaspoons paprika
- 4½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 2½ teaspoons onion powder
- 2½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix ingredients together and store in a mason jar. I just put the lid on and give it a good shake!
- Spice mixture will last 1 year when sealed properly!
Georgene Billingsley says
This is an awesome recipe! Unfortunately, it’s not actually salt free unless you make your own chili powder….. chili powder has sodium in it!
Nancylynn says
Oh my word – you are so right! I ran to my pantry and checked…I never noticed before! Thank you for pointing this out!
Georgene Billingsley says
You’re very welcome! I didn’t know either until I looked for a recipe for salt free taco seasoning and it wasn’t in it.
Georgene Billingsley says
how much corn starch is there supposed to be, as I am not getting the updated version?
Nancylynn says
I replied over email, but in case anyone else is curious, there is no longer cornstarch in this recipe!
Nicole says
We use this ALL the time! So easy to make!! Thanks!
Nancylynn says
YAY!! So glad!
Rebekah Ruth Weissert says
Hi NancyLynn…how would you measure this out to use in place of a standard taco seasoning packet? (Like how many Tablespoons and water?)
Nancylynn says
Hi! I use 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1-2 T of seasoning, and 1/4 cup of water per pound of meat!
Christine Samardich says
So you always add tomato sauce then, not just water? Just want to be sure, thanks! Does it make it thicker or why use the tomato sauce?
Nancylynn says
Hi! Yes, when making taco meat I always add 1 small can of tomato sauce and 1/4 cup water per pound of meat. It makes it a little thicker and adds good flavor!
Emily says
Is the cornstarch necessary? I don’t think I have any in the pantry at the moment!
Nancylynn says
not at all!
Leigh says
I do not see cornstarch in the list of ingredients.
Nancylynn says
It’s because I updated the recipe 🙂