Top 10 Recipes to Make Your Next Taco Tuesday Unforgettable!

Okay, can we all agree that Taco Tuesday is literally the best night of the week?! It’s my go-to for a fun, easy dinner that I know everyone will love. And since this year’s National Taco Day is happening on a Tuesday (Oct 7th!), we are going ALL out!

I’ve gathered my absolute best, most-loved Taco Tuesday ideas to make your next taco night a total knockout. We are not the only ones crazy about Taco Tuesday Old El Paso is declaring October 7 “National Taco Day-Off” and giving you a chance to win a trip to a Cowboy Ranch.

How to Make The Quickest Tacos

I know weeknights are crazy! You want an amazing Taco Tuesday, but you need it FAST. These are my secret weapons for getting delicious tacos on the table in under 30 minutes.

• Prep Ahead: Chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in the morning or the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, you just have to set them out!
• Use Smart Shortcuts: Don’t be afraid to use pre-shredded cheese, a bag of slaw mix, or a good quality store-bought pico de gallo or guacamole to save time. You can find pico de gallo in the refrigerated section, I love the one from Trader Joe’s. It’s known for being consistently fresh, chunky, and having a great flavor. My biggest tip for any store-bought pico is to drain off any extra liquid at the bottom of the container and give it a stir. If you want to make it taste homemade, add a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice and a little chopped cilantro. It makes all the difference!
• Cook The Meat in Batches: I love to cook a double batch of taco meat on Sunday. I use half for dinner that night and save the other half for Tuesday. It reheats in minutes and its good to store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

What to stuff in a Perfect Taco?

Building the perfect taco is an art, and it’s all about the layers! Here’s my guide to the essential components.

• The Tortilla: Choose your base! Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, great for over-stuffed tacos these are my personal favourite, I use the Tortilla Land uncooked flour tortillas. You find them in the refrigerated section and cook them in a hot pan for about 30 seconds per side. They puff up and taste incredible. Corn tortillas offer an authentic, slightly sweet flavor and are amazing when quickly charred on a gas stove or in a hot pan. Hard Shells give you that classic, satisfying crunch.
• The Protein: While the recipes below give you tons of options, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Pick from seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, spicy chorizo, or black beans for a great veggie option.
• The Toppings (The Best Part!): Get creative with a taco bar! Set out bowls of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole!

Our 10 Must-Make Taco Recipes

Now that you’re armed with all the pro tips, let’s get to the recipes!

I can’t wait to see your Taco Tuesday feasts! Tag #cafedelites in your photos on facebook or instagram, and tell me in the comments below: what are your must-have taco fillings?