Name: Gluten-Free Beef Tacos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 tacos
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup diced yellow onion (from ½ large onion); ½ cup water; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (reduce to ¼ teaspoon if you want it less spicy); 12 corn tortillas (make sure they're gluten-free); 1 avocado (diced or sliced); 1 tomato (diced, I like roma or tomatoes on the vine); ¼ cup cilantro (chopped); ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); lime wedges (for serving)

Aerial view of a plate of ground beef tacos with limes, a bowl of cilantro, tomatoes, and sliced avocado.

These easy gluten-free beef tacos are ready in 20 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef and a simple homemade taco seasoning, they’re a family favorite for Taco Tuesday.

The homemade taco seasoning is key. It only takes 6 ingredients you probably already have, and it’s naturally gluten-free. Store-bought taco seasoning packets usually contain gluten as a thickener, so making your own is the easiest way to keep these tacos safe. Plus, it tastes way better.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Ready in 20 minutes. Brown the beef, add the spices, and dinner is done. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick.
Homemade taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most store-bought taco seasoning packets contain gluten as a thickener. This homemade version uses 6 simple spices you probably already have.
Customize with your favorite toppings. Load them up with cheese, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, or whatever you like. Everyone can build their tacos exactly how they want them.

Aerial view of ground beef tacos in charred corn tortillas, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.

Ingredient notes

Ground beef – I use 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor. You can use leaner beef like 90/10 or 93/7, but the tacos won’t be as flavorful. Ground turkey or ground chicken also work if you prefer.
Taco seasoning spices – This homemade blend uses chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Start with 1/4 teaspoon if you don’t like heat.
Corn tortillas – Use gluten-free corn tortillas to keep these tacos celiac-safe. Warming them before filling makes them more pliable and less likely to break. I char mine directly over the gas flame for extra flavor.
Onion – I use yellow or white onion, but sweet onion works too. You can also skip the onion if you prefer just plain seasoned beef.
Toppings – Use whatever you like! My favorites are diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

CHAR YOUR TORTILLAS FOR EXTRA FLAVOR

Heat corn tortillas directly over a gas burner flame for 20-30 seconds per side. The charred edges add so much flavor and make the tortillas sturdier so they don’t fall apart. If you don’t have a gas stove, warm them in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes instead.

An aerial view of a plate of gluten-free ground beef tacos, with a bowl of diced tomatoes, a half of an avocado, a bowl of cilantro, and limes.

FAQs

Are corn tortillas gluten-free?

Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label. Some brands add wheat flour or are processed on shared equipment with gluten. Look for packages that say “100% corn” or “gluten-free.”

How do I keep corn tortillas from breaking?

Always warm your tortillas before filling them. Charring them over a gas flame or warming in the oven makes them more pliable. Don’t overfill them, and serve immediately after filling.

Expert Tips

Drain the fat after browning the beef. Even if you use lean ground beef, there will be some fat. Drain it before adding the spices so your taco meat isn’t greasy.
Cook until the water evaporates. After adding the water and spices, keep cooking until the liquid is absorbed. This cooks off the raw powdery taste of the spices and concentrates the flavor. The meat should look coated in seasoning, not soupy.

Storage instructions

Storage: Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep toppings stored separately so they stay fresh.

Reheat: Reheat the taco meat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

Freeze: Cool the taco meat completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.