How Simple Is THAT: Taco Seasoning - Low-carb, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Grain-Free

It's Tuesday - must be tacos!! We love tacos, taco salads and all that yumminess. With warmer weather coming on, easy menus are on my mind and tacos and taco salads fit that bill well.

Did you know that a packet of taco seasoning has carbs? A LOT of carbs. The culprit is usually cornstarch -- a totally unnecessary ingredient! It can also have added sugar in the form of maltodextrin - also unnecessary. Don't even get me started on things like MSG, lol. 

Well, taco seasoning is super simple to make. I started making it long before my low-carb journey as a frugal alternative to those little packets. You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry. 

The low-carb tortillas I make are from Maria's recipe. I also use a very low tech piece of equipment -- a tortilla press. I purchased mine at a Hispanic grocery store for around $10.00. I would hate to make tortillas without one.

Tortilla Press

I also use this seasoning blend to coat chicken or fish pieces or sprinkle on burgers before grilling -- very yummy!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend

Low-carb, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Grain-Free

3 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional -- omit if you prefer mild)
2 Tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper

Mix together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. When you are ready to use use your Homemade Taco Seasoning, use about 2 Tbsp per 1 pound of meat (feel free to add more or use less to suit your tastes). Brown your beef and drain off fat. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over meat and add 1/3 cup of water. Simmer until water is adsorbed. Makes about 3/4 cup seasoning blend. Store in an airtight container. Each 2 Tbsp portion contains 25 calories and 2.46 net carbs -- that is for your full batch of meat!