I have found over the years that when I buy packaged taco seasoning, it seems to be getting higher and higher in sodium or my tolerance for high sodium spices has changed. I like to add in my own salt and a spice mix like this No Sodium Taco Seasoning. Plus, it is so easy to make, taking only minutes at home and I bet you have all the spices on hand!!
A little chili, onion, and garlic powder, and then cumin, paprika, and pepper are all you need to make a good no-sodium taco seasoning recipe. Do you want to add some salt? Sure go ahead, this way I find you totally can control your salt intake. Also, try our salt-free fajita seasoning or Herbs de Provence, which is perfect for roast chicken.
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?
You would probably be shocked at the high level of sodium in our packaged foods. And for something like this, how much time does it really save?? Never mind the expense of buying taco seasoning packets when you have the no-sodium taco seasoning ingredients already at home!!
Once you try making your own seasoning you will never go back to store-bought taco seasoning again. I still add in some water like the package says but I don’t add in any flour for thickening. The water seems to make the seasoning and meat come together nicer. I cook and stir to evaporate the water and then serve.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chili powder no salt – Chili powder can contain salt so if you don’t want any then make sure that is not included.
- Onion powder – This gives the taco seasoning a lovely onion flavor.
- Cumin – This spice is used a lot in Mexican cooking and it is perfect in our blend of seasoning.
- Garlic powder – Garlic always adds the perfect notes.
- Paprika smoked or plain – I love the smoked paprika as it amps up the flavor.
- Freshly ground pepper – This is so simple to add to almost every savory recipe you make.
Don’t limit this spice to tacos; make extra and put it into fajitas, chili, burgers, or whatever you like. This no-sodium taco seasoning mix is the perfect accompaniment to ground beef. Add some red pepper flakes or chili pepper if you want to heat things up. So now you see how to make taco seasoning, which is very easy, and you can make this spice your own! Play with it and name it whatever you like!
How To Make Salt-Free Taco Seasoning
- Place spices in a small bowl and mix well. Makes enough for 1 1/2 lbs. of meat or veggies.
- Cook meat or vegetables as desired. After cooked add in the seasoning and cook stirring for 2 min.
- When cooking the meat or vegetables I add about 1/4 cup of water at the end after the spices have cooked their 2 minutes and then stir to evaporate. It lets the spices meld with the other ingredients better and you can scrape up any caramelized bits also.
Recipe Pro Tips!
How many tablespoons of taco seasoning are in a typical store-bought package?
There is about 1 ounce or 3 tablespoons of product in a package of taco seasoning. With shrinkflation that can change so look at the package and refer to these amounts above.
How much of this seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of beef but adjust to your preference either up or down.
Storage Instructions
You can use this immediately or store it for up to a year in an airtight container or zipped sandwich bag.
Ways To Use Taco Seasoning
We love the spice blend of our No Sodium Taco Seasoning and it sure helps if you are looking at reducing salt intake in your diet. Here are some of our favorite recipes using this seasoning.
Even if the recipe doesn’t call for taco seasoning it is a great substitute for individual similar seasonings.
No Sodium Taco Seasoning Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder no salt
- 2 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika smoked or plain
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Place spices in a small bowl and mix well. Makes enough for 1 1/2 lbs. of meat or veggies.
- Cook meat or vegetables as desired. After cooked add in the seasoning and cook stirring for 2 min.
- When cooking the meat or vegetables I add in about 1/4 cup of water at the end after the spices have cooked their 2 minutes and then stir to evaporate. It lets the spices meld with the other ingredients better and you can scrape up any caramelized bits also.
Comments & Reviews
Julie says
I was just wondering, if this recipe is the same amount as in a taco seasoning packet.
Tara Noland says
I believe it is pretty darn close but you can always season to taste. For a package which is 24 grams it would equal about 3 Tbsp. approximately. I usually make up more and have it in the cupboard to use as needed.
April says
Thank you for this great recipe! My mom and sister are on a low sodium diet due to heart issues and this has been a lifesaver. We love tacos at our house and everyone raves when we have them. I do add about a teaspoon or so of Mexican oregano to the mix but otherwise follow the recipe. I have made this several times and now make a large batch to have on hand. It’s a staple in my kitchen.
Tara Noland says
Thank you so much for telling me, so glad you like using it. Happy Taco Tuesday!!
Lynn Teska says
Great idea! How do you store homemade seasoning? Thanks!
Tara Noland says
Just in a small sandwich bag in with your spices or a jar.
Cynthia says
This is the only taco seasoning i will make. Thank you! God bless!!
Tara Noland says
I am so glad to hear Cynthia, thank you for telling me too!
Jim R says
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I mixed up a batch of this with some lean ground beef and corn tortillas for a delicious practically sodium free taco and did not miss the salt AT ALL. I made a pound and a half and refrigerated the rest and it was even better the next day! I’ve found some no-salt added chili beans and I’m gonna mix up some chili next. I just started my low sodium journey and with so few choices this will be a weekly staple. Maybe every Tuesday???
Tara Noland says
We love making our own too nothing worse than super high sodium package mixes in my opinion. So glad it has helped you.
Dawn says
Making your own seasoning is much better than prepackaged, and lower in sodium. But this recipe is not “NO” sodium. The chili powder is the biggest culprit with hundreds of mg of sodium per tablespoon. The good news is that you have already included most of the ingredients needed to make your own chili powder. I make my own and use it in recipes.
Chili Powder:
4 Tbsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Dried Oregano
2 tsp Ground Cumin
1.5 tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
Tara Noland says
Thank you very much for this, you can find no salt chili powder. I will make a note on that so people understand that.
Janet Gulbransen says
Thanks for the tip, but do we also add rhe rest of the ingredients from the original recipe, minus the chili powder?
Tara Noland says
I believe she is saying this is just for the chili powder.
Tess says
I like that take on sesasoning. I need to make my own too!
Jennifer G says
This looks like such an amazing and healthy alternative. I am going to have to try it out. Healthier Tacos!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This is really amazing! Such a healthier alternative!
Dawn Lopez says
I think this healthier recipe for taco seasoning sounds like a great idea. It can be so hard to control sodium with all the store bought and pre-packaged foods.
Sinisa says
This is a great idea. Sodium is in everything processed. This makes taco Tuesday way better
Sarah says
Love this! I need to start making some more of my own homemade spices. This sounds like a great one.
Claudia Krusch says
Tacos is a popular dish in our house. I will have to give this No Sodium Taco Seasoning a try this weekend. We are always looking for ways to reduce our salt intake.
Meagan Ivie says
I love making my own taco seasoning! I need a new recipe though, going to have to try this!
reesa says
We love making our own taco seasoning! Packages have so much salt!
Jamie says
I always make my own taco seasoning, but do add sodium. I need to work on limiting my sodium intake so this recipe will be just right.
Lisa Favre says
I have been wanting to have taco night for the longest time but it keeps on getting pushed back. This seasoning would be ideal to have once we decide to go on with it!
Jenna Wood says
Around the holidays I make a lot of my own spices and seasonings but I just don’t do it during the year- I really need to though, I have so many spices on the rack!
Jeanette says
I have a friend that has to lower their sodium level by a lot. One of his favorite food is Mexican, so I am definitely going to show this to him so that he can still enjoy what he loves without all the extra sodium.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is so awesome! I’ve been trying to lessen my sodium intake, and that has meant no tacos. Not anymore! Yay!