Low sodium taco seasoning doesn’t have to mean bland taco night.
This homemade taco seasoning is made without added salt, fillers, cornstarch, or mystery ingredients, just real spices from your pantry. It’s bold, customizable, and perfect for everything from classic ground beef tacos to taco salad, walking taco casserole, or even Mexican soups.
And the best part? You control the sodium.
Around here, we don’t wait for Taco Tuesday. Tacos and I? We have a thing going on. 🌮
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Taco Seasoning
- It’s pantry-friendly. You likely already have everything you need sitting in your spice cabinet.
- No salt added. Most store-bought packets are surprisingly high in sodium. This blend skips the salt so you can season to taste.
- No fillers or cornstarch. Many taco seasoning packets contain cornstarch or anti-caking agents. This one is pure spice.
- Budget-friendly. One batch makes about 14 servings which is way cheaper than buying individual packets.
- Family approved. You control the heat level, which means no accidental five-alarm tacos for the kids.
Is Taco Seasoning High in Sodium?
Unfortunately, yes. Most store-bought taco seasoning packets contain 250–350 mg of sodium per serving (and that’s before you add it to meat).
When you make taco seasoning without salt, you:
- Reduce overall sodium
- Control how much salt goes into your meal
- Avoid hidden additives
- Keep the flavor bold and fresh
If you’re cooking for heart health, reducing sodium, or just want cleaner ingredients, homemade is the way to go!
Homemade Taco Seasoning vs Store Bought
Here’s how they compare:
| Homemade (This Recipe) | Store Bought Packet |
|---|---|
| No added salt | High sodium |
| No cornstarch | Often contains cornstarch |
| No preservatives | Anti-caking agents |
| Adjustable heat | Fixed spice level |
| Costs less per serving | Higher cost per use |
And let’s be honest — homemade tastes fresher.
Ingredients
Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
You'll need:
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Black pepper
Farm Girl Tip
If you have chipotle chili powder from making chipotle mayo or some Mexican oregano hiding in the back of your cabinet, this is the perfect time to use them up!
How to Make Taco Seasoning Without Salt
Making your own taco seasoning couldn’t be easier.
- Measure spices.
- Mix together.
- Store in an airtight container or mason jar.
That’s it.
If you have kids old enough to measure, this is a perfect kitchen job for them. Someday they’ll thank you for teaching them this survival skill. 😉
How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Meat?
For one pound of meat:
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- Use 1–2 Tablespoons seasoning
- Add ¼ cup water
- Simmer until thickened
This works for:
- Ground beef
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- Shredded chicken
- Beans
- Taco soup
If you want more saucy taco meat, add a splash more water and simmer a little longer.
Can You Make Taco Seasoning Without Salt?
Yes, and you’re looking at it right here, friend.
Salt-free taco seasoning is ideal because you can:
- Add salt directly to your meat instead
- Adjust for different recipes
- Keep sodium lower overall
- Season vegetables and soups without oversalting
This recipe gives you flavor first and salt second.
Is This Like Old El Paso Taco Seasoning?
Many people search for “Old El Paso taco seasoning recipe” because they want a copycat version without additives.
This homemade blend has:
- Similar base spices
- No added sugar
- No cornstarch
- No preservatives
- No artificial flavors
The flavor is very comparable, but fresher and customizable.
If you love that classic taco flavor, you’ll feel right at home with this seasoning!
Ways to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
This seasoning works beautifully in:
- Big batch taco meat or ground beef tacos
- Walking taco casserole
- Taco Dorito salad
- Taco stuffed peppers
- Mexican street corn soup
- White chicken chili
Once you start keeping a jar in your pantry, you’ll find excuses to use it everywhere.
Storage Tips
Store your taco seasoning in:
- A mason jar
- Airtight spice container
- Cool, dry pantry
It will stay fresh for 6–12 months, depending on the freshness of your spices.
Pro tip: Label the jar. Your future self will appreciate it!
More Healthy Mexican Recipes
Do you love tacos as much as I do? Grab your Taco Bar Checklist so you can plan your own taco bar party!
Recipe
Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
Method
- To make: Combine all ingredients and mix together.
- Store in an airtight jar or container.
- To use: Add 1-2 Tablespoons seasoning with ¼ cup water to one pound cooked meat as you would with regular taco seasoning.
Jane says
I don't like too much salt, which all the packets have. I want the actual flavors.