Let’s Taco-bout Tacos: Ideas and Recipes
Looking for some ideas to spice up Taco Tuesday? With all these yummy ideas for tacos, you’ll likely find one that everyone will love!
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Jump to RecipeTacos Solve Everything
Ever since we’ve spent so much more time at home, it’s made me want take-out food even more. You know, the kind of food you’d spend half of your lunch break waiting in line for because it’s just that good? For me, that meal is Mexican street tacos. While nothing will ever beat the real thing, I’ve been making some at home that have been keeping me going. Although we encourage you to support your local Mexican food establishments by ordering take-out as you can, here are some recipes if you’re in a pinch for some tacos:
Make Your Own Corn Tortillas
Making your own taco shells from scratch may seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as you would think. And they taste so much better than anything you buy at the American supermarkets. Start by adding 1-1/2 to 2 cups of very warm water to two cups of Masa Harina flour. Mix and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Work the dough with your hands for several minutes, kneading and pressing like you would with bread dough. If the taco dough seems too dry or too wet to knead, add water or Masa as necessary. Pinch off a piece of the dough and shape it into a ball the size of a golf ball. It should make about 16-18 balls. Using either a tortilla press or a rolling pin, with dough between two pieces of plastic, press the dough into rounds with a diameter of about 4-5 inches (or smaller for street tacos). Carefully remove the dough from the plastic. One at a time, place on a well-seasoned cast-iron griddle or large cast-iron pan on high heat. Cook on each side 30 seconds to a minute, until lightly toasted.
Carne Asada Tacos
These beef tacos are delicious and a crowd-pleaser for sure! In a Ziploc bag, combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp oregano. Add 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces marinate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours). Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and marinade. Stir often and cook until the steak has browned about 5-6 minutes. Put the steak in the tortillas and top with onion, cilantro, and lime.
Pork (Carnitas)
This is one of my favorites to make ahead in the crockpot, or you can use the instant pot for a quicker meal that tastes slow-roasted. Cook in the instant pot with “mojo sauce:” one cup of chicken stock, 1 head of garlic (peeled and minced), 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
Beef Tacos
You can’t go wrong with classic ground beef. Prepared with the right spices and toppings, you’ll wonder why you ever went through that Taco Bell drive-through in the first place. While you can buy pre-made taco seasoning, it’s so easy to make your own. For each pound of ground beef, add to your skillet 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until browned and add to your tortillas.
If you have leftover meat and you’re on a budget, try this taco casserole:
Tasty Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 can whole kernel corn drained
- 2 packets low-sodium taco seasoning
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce (2 cups of tomato soup can be used if no tomato sauce is available.)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/3 bag tortilla chips even if they’re stale–they still work!
- 1 handful chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Tasty Taco Casserole
- Add canola oil, heat skillet. Brown meat and onions together.
- Add 2 packets of taco packets and follow directions of water needed. Mix well.
- Let this simmer for about 10 mins, then reduce heat.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and corn.
- Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray, place tortilla chips in the bottom.
- Pour in tomato sauce mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes on 350 F, or until cheese melts and is slightly browned.
- Add chopped cilantro for garnish and enjoy!
Nutrition
Grilled Chicken Tacos
I don’t eat beef, so chicken tacos have always been my go-to. The chicken marinade is simple: whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 cloves fresh minced garlic, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1-1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp pepper.
Pour mixture over 1-1/2 lb chicken in a plastic bag. Then seal it, rubbing marinade over the chicken. Transfer to the refrigerator and marinate for at least 1 hour. Preheat a grill over medium-high heat. Grill until chicken has cooked all the way through, turning once halfway through grilling, about 5 or 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, cover, and let it cool for 5 minutes. Dice chicken into cubes and sprinkle over tortillas. Serve warm, topping each taco with your favorite toppings, lime juice, and hot sauce.
Chorizo Tacos
My friend got me hooked on chorizo. It’s great if you love something with a little bit more kick. While you can make your own with plain pork sausage and spices, you can also buy it pre-made from the grocery store. To make your own at home, you’ll season 2 lbs ground pork sausage with 4 tbsp chili powder, 3 tbsp ground paprika, 2 tsp oregano, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of ground cloves, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 2 cloves fresh minced garlic, and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Fry the chorizo in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as you cook and draining the excess fat. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Fish Tacos
This one is a favorite when I visit my parents’ house. The key ingredients include battered, fried fish paired with shredded cabbage, and crema (white sauce). If you’re looking for something a little healthier, you can always grill the fish. One of my favorites to use is mahi-mahi. Lean and flakey white fish are the best for tacos since they’re mildly flavored, quickly cooked, and inexpensive. These fish include halibut, snapper, cod, mahi-mahi, bass, tilapia, and catfish.
Sides for Your Tacos
While tacos are the main star, serve them up with some yummy sides that make the meal that much better! Whether it’s frijoles negros, cilantro-lime rice, or elote hot off the grill (Trader Joe’s has “Everything but the Elote” seasoning), make sure you find a side that will make your dish shine!
Toppings for Tacos
Even the best taco needs the right toppings to make the flavors shine!
- guacamole
- salsa
- queso fresco or cotija
- pico de gallo
- sliced avocado
- black beans
- pickled onions
- sour cream
- lettuce
- tomatoes
Is It Tuesday Yet?
No matter how you like to make your tacos, it’s about creativity and flavor. Turn taco night into a family affair and have everyone make their own! Share your favorite taco recipes and creations with the ones you love on FamilyApp!
