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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?
Crispy Fish Tacos
Trust me, this is the ultimate fish taco recipe for a fresh Taco Tuesday. We're talking unbelievably crispy, beer-battered fish with a zesty slaw and a creamy chipotle sauce I could honestly drink. That crunch is everything!
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Beef Mince Tacos (Better Than Takeout)
You just can't beat a classic, and this comforting meal is the perfect Taco Tuesday recipe! My perfectly seasoned ground beef is a quick weeknight meal that’s so much better than takeout and a guaranteed family favorite.
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Viral Smash Burger Tacos
OMG. You guys HAVE to try this. It’s the foodie mashup of my dreams! This viral sensation is the perfect way to shake up your weekly taco night, creating one of the most fun taco fillings you'll ever try.
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Easy Birria Tacos
Prepare to be OBSESSED. If you want to make your Taco Tuesday a restaurant-quality experience, this easy birria recipe is it! The rich, tender beef and that non-negotiable dip will blow your mind.
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Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken ‘Pizza’ Tacos
My kids go CRAZY for these! It’s a creative Taco Tuesday idea and the cleanup is a total breeze. Win-win! It’s the perfect, fun mashup for a quick Taco Tuesday dinner.
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Korean Bulgogi BBQ Beef Tacos
If you want a taco that will blow your mind, this is it. This fusion is a fantastic way to add variety to your homemade tacos. The sweet, savory, and spicy combination is just out of this world.
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Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos
This is my favorite kind of recipe: lazy genius. For a hands-off Taco Tuesday, this slow cooker recipe is your best friend. You get all the credit for the most tender, fall-apart beef!
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Easy Taco Salad
Want all that incredible taco flavor without the food coma? A taco salad is the perfect solution for a lighter Taco Tuesday meal. It's one of my favorite healthy dinner ideas!
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Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Taco Salad
Hello, sunshine in a bowl! The zesty marinade makes this chicken so juicy. It's a fresh, flavorful option for a healthy and delicious taco night whether you have it in a salad or a tortilla.
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The Only Salsa Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Throw out your store-bought jars. No Taco Tuesday is complete without amazing salsa, and this is the only recipe you'll need for your homemade tacos. It's fresh, zesty, and so addictive!!
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Pico De Gallo
Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a classic Mexican salsa made from fresh, uncooked ingredients. Unlike traditional red salsas that are often blended and saucy, pico is defined by its chunky, salad-like texture.
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Best Creamy Guacamole
A great taco needs an even better guacamole, and the secret is simple: use perfectly ripe avocados and don't overdo it!
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Hi Karina!
Just a line to let you know that I simply love your recipies!
Keep ’em coming!!