Does it get any better than taco night? These gluten-free tacos are cheesy, crisp perfect for all your favorite toppings!

These tacos are one of my family’s all-time favorite weeknight dinners! Read on for tips on making perfect beef tacos with freshly cooked corn tortilla shells.

Gluten-free tacos on a plate with toppings


 

As I kid, I always looked forward to the nights my mom made crunchy tacos for dinner. Now that I’m a mom, not much has changed! I still love taco night, and thankfully my kids love it too.

These gluten-free tacos are a meal EVERYONE loves, whether or not they eat gluten-free. Warm tortillas, flavorful taco meat, crisp lettuce, and fresh cilantro toppings…what’s not to love?

Tacos are one of those meals where you don’t have to change much to make them gluten-free. Just make sure you’re using gluten-free taco seasoning and gluten-free corn tortillas, then you’re in business!

I love using my homemade taco seasoning mix for this recipe — it has the BEST flavor and I always have peace of mind knowing it’s 100% gluten-free.

Pull out your favorite toppings and enlist the help of the whole family, because this easy recipe is sure to be a hit at your next taco night!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy weeknight meal
  • Flavorful meat filling
  • Hot and crispy corn tortillas
  • Endless topping options
  • Uses simple ingredients

You also might like these recipes for chicken fajitas, gluten-free enchiladas, slow-cooker pinto beans, gluten-free enchilada sauce and our favorite sweet pork tacos.

You also might like this article on the Chipotle gluten-free menu or these taco cups.

Taco Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy taco filling:

Gluten-free taco ingredients on a counter top
  • Ground beef or turkey: Use ground beef or turkey for this recipe. Turkey is lower in fat, but equally delicious for gluten-free tacos!
  • Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor to the meat. You’ll hardly notice it once it’s all cooked up!
  • Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce creates a beautiful base for the meat and adds a bit of moisture. It’s a more flavorful alternative to adding water!
  • Taco seasoning: Many taco seasoning packets are naturally gluten-free! I also like to use my homemade gluten-free taco seasoning mix for this recipe.

Tortilla Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to heat the corn tortillas:

Tortillas and oil on a counter top
  • Oil: Use canola or vegetable oil to make the corn tortillas nice and crispy!
  • Corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect option for those with Celiac disease. I like to warm them in the microwave for a few minutes to avoid tearing/breaking them when cooking.

How to Make This Recipe

Make the Taco Meat

Seasoned ground beef cooked in a skillet
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey, onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often and breaking the meat into small pieces, until the meat is cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
  • Drain off any excess grease and return the skillet to the stove top.
Ground beef and seasoning in a skillet
  • Add the 1/2 cup tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Stir together until the meat is coated in the sauce. This mexican seasoning would also be delicious.
Raw ground beef in a skillet
  • Simmer the taco fillings for about 5 minutes then remove from the heat.

Cook the Tortillas

A tortilla in a pan
  • Meanwhile, cook up the corn tortillas. Pour 1/2 cup oil in a medium skillet, heat over medium high heat for about 2 minutes. (If the tortilla sizzles when it hits the oil, it’s hot enough!) 
  • Gently lay the tortilla in the oil and fry each side for about 30 seconds, until slightly browned and lightly crisped. 
A flat tortilla on a paper towel, and a folded tortilla and tongs on a paper towel
  • Remove the tortilla to a paper towel to absorb oil, and using tongs, carefully fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape.
  • Fill the tortillas with taco meat. Add desired toppings and enjoy! Try topping them with this 4 ingredient guacamole! You also might like this collection of Mexican appetizers.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Tortillas are best made right before serving.

Gluten-free tacos and salsa on a plate

FAQs

What types of tacos are gluten-free?

Tacos made with a corn tortilla are usually gluten-free, since corn (and most other taco ingredients) are naturally made without gluten. Avoid tacos made with a flour tortilla, since wheat flour is a main ingredient in these tortillas.

Can you eat tacos on a gluten-free diet?

Yes, you can eat tacos on a gluten-free diet. Most taco ingredients are naturally gluten-free, including taco meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. Just make sure you eat your gluten-free tacos with a corn tortilla!

Are hard shell tacos gluten-free?

Yes, most hard shell tacos are made with a corn tortilla, which is naturally gluten-free.

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Most taco recipes say to add water to the meat, but tomato sauce adds SO much more flavor and helps the seasoning adhere to the meat. Once you try it this way, you’ll never use water again!
  • Frying your own corn tortillas only takes a few minutes and makes a huge difference in flavor! Don’t skip this step!
  • Don’t love ground meat? You could also use chicken breasts and gluten-free taco seasoning mix to make chicken tacos.
  • There are so many ways to customize this with your favorite taco toppings! Try jalapenos, pickled red onions, avocado crema, sour cream, hot sauce, black beans, pico de gallo, etc! You could also use all of these ingredients to make an amazing taco salad or taco bowls.
Gluten-free tacos on a plate

MORE GLUTEN-FREE RECIPES

I hope you love this easy weeknight meal recipe as much as we do! If you try these gluten-free tacos, be sure to leave me a comment/rating below. I’d love to hear from you!

Gluten-free tacos with toppings on a plate
5 from 3 votes

Easy, Gluten-Free Tacos

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Does it get any better than taco night? These gluten-free tacos are cheesy, crisp perfect for all your favorite toppings!
These tacos are one of my family's all-time favorite weeknight dinners! Read on for tips on making perfect beef tacos with freshly cooked corn tortilla shells.

Ingredients

For the Taco Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • ½ cup onion diced
  • 1 recipe gluten-free taco seasoning
  • ½ cup tomato sauce

For the Corn Tortillas:

  • 8-12 corn tortillas
  • ½ cup oil canola or vegetable

Toppings:

  • Cheese
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Sour Cream
  • Salsa
  • Hot Sauce

Instructions 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey, onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often and breaking the meat into small pieces, until the meat is cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
  • Drain off any excess grease and return the skillet to the stove top.
  • Add the 1/2 cup tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Stir together until the meat is coated in the sauce.
  • Simmer for about 5 minutes then remove from the heat.
  • Meanwhile, cook up the corn tortillas. Pour 1/2 cup oil in a medium skillet, heat over medium high heat for about 2 minutes. (If the tortilla sizzles when it hits the oil, it’s hot enough!)
  • Gently lay the tortilla in the oil and fry each side for about 30 seconds, until slightly browned and lightly crisped.
  • Remove the tortilla to a paper towel to absorb oil, and using tongs, carefully fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape.
  • Fill the tortillas with the taco meat. Add desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

RECIPE NOTES
  • Most taco recipes say to add water to the meat, but tomato sauce adds SO much more flavor and helps the seasoning adhere to the meat. Once you try it this way, you’ll never use water again!
  • Frying your own corn tortillas only takes a few minutes and makes a huge difference in flavor! Don’t skip this step!
  • Don’t love ground meat? You could also use chicken breasts and gluten-free taco seasoning mix to make chicken tacos.
  • There are so many ways to customize this with your favorite taco toppings! Try jalapenos, pickled red onions, avocado crema, sour cream, hot sauce, black beans, pico de gallo, etc! You could also use all of these ingredients to make an amazing taco salad or taco bowls.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 108IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

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Hi, I’m Erin!

BS Food Science,

MS Nutrition

I believe you can make amazing, gluten-free food with everyday ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I’m here to share my tried-and-true recipes with you!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These were amazing! My family loved them so much. Thank you for sharing, I think they just became a new favorite in my house!

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