The versatility of tacos goes way beyond the question, "Would you like soft or crunchy tacos?"
Experiment with the vast variety of flavors on National Taco Day (and any other day) with these 11 most delicious taco recipes!
Taco Recipe Ideas
1. Breakfast Tacos
Kick off your morning with a healthy breakfast fiesta! Breakfast tacos are a convenient, on-the-go option while being high in protein and nutrients.
In a whole wheat taco shell, load up on eggs, veggies (bell peppers, spinach, tomato, etc.), turkey bacon crumbles, plain Greek yogurt, hot sauce, and other preferred toppings!
2. Wonton Taco Cups
For the taco "shells," spray a muffin tin pan with nonstick spray. Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin spot and bake in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about five minutes, or until golden brown. Add desired ground beef or shredded chicken, diced onions, peppers, and jalapenos into cups and lightly sprinkle with cheese.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes and garnish with cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, or plain Greek yogurt and serve up!
3. Chickpea Tacos
Packed with plant-based protein, these chickpea tacos are vegetarian-friendly. The complemented roasted cauliflower amplifies both nutrient and flavor profiles!
4. Black Bean Tacos
Like chickpeas, beans are another protein-rich, meatless alternative. Lightly mash and mix black beans with garlic powder, cumin, and softened peppers and onions. Smear the bean mixture on one half of a soft, whole wheat tortilla.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and fold over the other half. In a light to medium-heated, nonstick stovetop pan, place one side of the folded tortilla and cook until golden brown then flip to the other side.
Once both sides of the tortilla are at a desired crispness, serve it up with salsa, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, and shredded lettuce!
5. Thai Chicken Tacos
This Asian-inspired taco brings gourmet to your own dining table! Creating this taco variation allows children to try new flavors while being exposed to new cultures!
The chicken can also be replaced with fish or pork protein sources if desired.
6. Carne Asada Tacos
Freshen up a dense, ground beef taco with flank steak, prepared in the oven or on the grill or skillet. Layer corn or flour tortillas with pieces of steak and top with lettuce, onion, and part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Garnish with Pico de Gallo, avocadoes or guacamole, and lime wedges if desired.
7. Mexican Taco Pizzas
Reduce fat and amp the nutrients by making a Mexican taco pizza in the comfort of your own home!
Start by crisping a whole wheat tortilla in a heated oven, approximately 10 minutes. While the tortilla is getting golden brown, mash and warm together black beans and taco seasoning. Smear the black bean mixture onto the tortilla crust and top with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, and green olives.
The fun of these truly lies in their versatility - modify ingredients to your liking! For instance, add ground taco meat, fresh salsa, plain Greek yogurt, etc.
8. Taco Lasagna
Breaking away from the taco norm, taco lasagna brings family and friends together around the dinner table! Find the recipe here and feel free to tweak ingredients.
Pair with a fresh Mexican quinoa for added protein and nutrients!
9. Lettuce Tacos
Especially if tightening up health goals, swapping out taco shells with lettuce leaves reduces carb content and calories. Scoop favorite toppings onto lettuce leaves and eat immediately to reduce a soggy "taco."
10. Shrimp Tacos
Skip out on deep fried shrimp pieces and enjoy this light version.
Though promoted as spicy, feel free to adjust spices based on tolerable presences. However, the garlic cilantro lime sauce offers a fresh balance!
11. Ice Cream Tacos
The fun does not end before dessert! Start these sweeter taco treats like the wonton taco cups (recipe #2) and sprinkle cinnamon a top of the wontons. Bake for five to 10 minutes or until a crispy, golden brown.
Scoop ice cream into each cup and compliment with fresh berries, warm apples, and favorite nuts and seeds!
