This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
I’ve gathered my absolute best, most-loved Taco Tuesday ideas to make your next taco night a total knockout.
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!
My Must Make Taco Recipes
Now that you’re armed with all the pro tips, let’s get to the recipes!
Planning a bigger fiesta? Check out my Best New Year’s Eve Appetizers for more crowd pleasing bites that pair perfectly with tacos! Or downsize for a couples romantic date night menu ideas here.
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!
Get the Recipe!
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.
Get the Recipe!
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. If you love fun, themed food like this, you have to see my 20 Spooky Halloween Recipe Ideas.
Get the recipe!
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.
Get the recipe
Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken ‘Pizza’ Tacos
This is a total family favorite, just like the comfort food classics in my Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide!
Get the recipe!
Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad
The secret to this one is the zesty chili-lime mix that does double duty! You use half to marinate juicy chicken thighs, and save the rest to use as your salad dressing. Just grill the marinated chicken, fry up some sliced red and yellow bell peppers with onions, and toss it all over crisp Romaine lettuce and creamy avocado slices.
Get the Recipe!
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!
Get the Recipe!
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.
Get the Recipe
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!
Click for Recipe
Recipe for tequila lime chicken is missing. Please post again
Hi Carol, Sorry I had to make some cuts to the site, but here it is.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets
Tequila Marinade:
1/2 cup lime juice
1/3 cup tequila
2 limes
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon salt minced or crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salad
4 cups Romaine lettuce leaves
3X chopped, or Cos lettuce
1 cup grape tomatoes
1 yellow pepper halved deseeded and sliced
4 mini tortilla wraps
Avocado Dressing:
1 avocado ripe, peeled and seed removed
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 Tequila Marinade
1 pinch salt or sour cream
instructions
In a large, shallow bowl, whisk marinade ingredients together to combine.
Pour out 1/4 cup the marinade into a jug or cup, and refrigerate to use later in the avocado crema / dressing.
Add the chicken fillets to the marinade in the bowl, and marinade for two hours if time allows (or overnight).
Heat about one teaspoon of oil in a grill pan or skillet over mediumhigh heat and grill chicken fillets on each side until golden, crispy and cooked through (grill in batches to prevent excess water being released.)
Once chicken is cooked, set aside and allow to rest. Wipe pan over with paper towel; drizzle with another teaspoon of oil and fry pepper strips until cooked to your liking.
While chicken and peppers are cooking, combine the avocado, yogurt (or sour cream), reserved tequila marinade, and salt to taste in a blender, and blend until smooth.
Add a couple tablespoons of water or milk to make it thinner in consistency if needed.
Optional: Warm tortillas on another pan over low heat until soft and warmed through. Transfer to warmed plates and cut into strips. Slice chicken and prepare salad with leaves, peppers, tomatoes and chicken. Drizzle with the avocado dressing and serve with lime wedges and taco strips.
Wow! These are great recipes! I’ve tried the easy taco salad and it was perfect! Gonna try the other taco recipes, thanks!!
Hi Karina!
Just a line to let you know that I simply love your recipies!
Keep ’em coming!!