Gluten-Free Tacos

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When Taco Tuesday rolls around, there’s only one recipe I turn to. This classic recipe for gluten-free tacos is simple, straightforward, and always a winner. I love that I can easily swap out the ground beef for whatever I have on hand, and everyone can create the taco of their dreams with an array of delicious toppings. Gluten-free tacos have never been easier!

overhead view of 3 gluten-free tacos on a white plate.

Gluten-Free Tacos Recipe

Tacos are such a simple and classic meal– we make them at least once a month at my house. The filling is super easy to make– just cook some ground beef (or the meat of your choice) with tomato sauce and spices. This gluten-free taco recipe is a real weeknight hero.

Ingredients

  • Lean Ground Beef: I prefer to use 85-90% lean ground beef so there is less fat to drain off.
  • Tomato Sauce: Look for the can that is just tomatoes– no added spices.
  • Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper mimic taco seasoning. You can use store-bought taco seasoning, but make sure it is certified gluten-free.
  • Gluten-Free Soft Corn Tortillas: I like corn tortillas, but gluten-free flour tortillas or also work well.
ingredients for gluten free tacos

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Spray a medium frying pan with non-stick cooking spray and set the frying pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add the ground beef to the frying pan and cook until browned and fully cooked (no longer pink). Break ground beef apart into small pieces while cooking. Do not overcook or the meat will start to dry out. (pic 1)
  2. Remove frying pan from heat and drain fat from frying pan.
  3. Turn the stovetop heat down to low (the lowest heat setting) and place the frying pan with drained meat back onto the stovetop.
  4. Add the tomato sauce and all spices to the meat and stir well to mix. If the mixture looks too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water. Be sure that all spices are mixed well into the sauce (you should not be able to see any dry spices once it is properly mixed). (pic 2)
  5. Let the meat mixture simmer gently (stirring often) over low heat for about 5 minutes. If the mixture starts to dry out and stick to the bottom of the frying pan, add a tablespoon or two of water.
  6. Remove meat mixture from heat then start to assemble tacos. (pic 3)
  7. Heat the corn tortillas slightly in the microwave (about 20 seconds) just to make them softer and easier to work with.
  8. Fill the tortillas with ground beef and your choice of toppings. (pic 4)
how to make gluten free tacos

Tips and Suggestions

  • Be sure to read the corn tortilla package to make sure they are gluten-free. Some corn tortillas are made on shared manufacturing lines and can contain traces of wheat.
  • I recommend storing the meat separately from the corn tortillas and toppings. Corn tortillas can be saved at room temperature (in a sealed food-storage container).

What Taco Shells Are Gluten-Free?

Any taco shells that are labeled certified gluten-free work for this recipe. Other taco shells, like cassava flour, almond flour, or jicama tortillas work as well. As always, I recommend checking the label to be sure!

close up view of gluten-free tacos on a wooden cutting board.

Is Taco Seasoning Gluten-Free?

Not all brands of premixed taco seasoning are gluten-free. Many contain wheat flour as a binder, so check your labels carefully, or avoid all that and use the spice blend I recommend.

Storage Instructions

Store the meat and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortillas may be stored at room temperature. You can also freeze the cooked meat in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

overhead view of 2 gluten-free tacos on a wooden cutting board with taco sauce and sour cream.

This easy recipe for gluten-free tacos is sure to be a winner next Taco Tuesday!

More Gluten-Free Beef Recipes to Try!

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Gluten-Free Tacos

Servings: 8
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
overhead view of 3 gluten-free tacos on a white plate.
This classic recipe for gluten-free tacos is simple, straightforward, and always a winner. Perfect for Taco Tuesday!

Ingredients 

Meat and Taco Mixture:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce, without any added spices
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 gluten-free soft corn tortillas

Optional Toppings:

  • lime wedges
  • sliced jalapenos
  • chopped cilantro
  • diced tomatoes
  • shredded lettuce
  • shredded cheese
  • thinly sliced red onion
  • salsa
  • sour cream

Instructions 

  • Spray a medium frying pan with non-stick cooking spray and set the frying pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the frying pan and cook until browned and fully cooked (no longer pink). Break ground beef apart into small pieces while cooking. Do not overcook or the meat will start to dry out.
  • Remove frying pan from heat and drain fat from frying pan.
  • Turn the stovetop heat down to low (the lowest heat setting) and place the frying pan with drained meat back onto the stovetop.
  • Add the tomato sauce and all spices to the meat and stir well to mix. If the mixture looks too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water. Be sure that all spices are mixed well into the sauce (you should not be able to see any dry spices once it is properly mixed).
  • Let the meat mixture simmer gently (stirring often) over low heat for about 5 minutes. If the mixture starts to dry out and stick to the bottom of the frying pan, add a tablespoon or two of water.
  • Remove meat mixture from heat then start to assemble tacos.
  • Heat the corn tortillas slightly in the microwave (about 20 seconds) just to make them softer and easier to work with.
  • Fill the tortillas with ground beef and your choice of toppings.

Notes

  • Be sure to read the corn tortilla package to make sure they are gluten-free. Some corn tortillas are made on shared manufacturing lines and can contain traces of wheat.
  • Store leftover meat separately from corn tortillas and toppings. Corn tortillas can be saved at room temperature (in a sealed food-storage container).
  • To store: Store gluten-free taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze: Freeze gluten-free taco meat in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 14gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 275mgPotassium: 312mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 222IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Tried this recipe?Mention @mamaknowsglutenfree or tag #mamaknowsglutenfree!

About Cheryl Johnson

My name is Cheryl Johnson and I love foodโ€”lots of it! For 10 years, I owned a recipe and party planning blog, where I developed and photographed hundreds of recipes. After selling that blog in 2019, I decided to open up a bakery in my city. My bakery specialized in big over-the-top treats (think two-pound stuffed cookies).

My recipes have been featured on local news stations, Woman's World Magazine, and more. I'm excited to continue sharing my love of food with all of you!

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