Taco Tuesday is your favorite day of the week. But the usual suspects (read: ground beef with shredded cheese and basic fixings) are feeling a little, well…boring. Spice up your menu with these 61 taco recipe ideas, which offers more than a year’s worth of weekly meals that your dinner guests will go gaga for. Whether your vibe is fork-tender birria, spicy shrimp or crispy cauliflower, these dishes will bust you out of your recipe rut for good.
61 Taco Recipe Ideas to Get You Through Every Tuesday of the Year (and Then Some)
We'll bring the margaritas, amigas
•
Published Oct 30, 2023
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, high protein, kid-friendly
BRB, going for a swim in homemade, chile-spiked queso. The cauliflower is coated in taco-seasoned flour before being baked to crispy perfection on your trusty sheet pan.
2. BLT Tacos
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, kid-friendly
All the savory flavor of its namesake, minus the bread. The black pepper bacon cooks on a baking sheet in the oven for minimal mess and maximum crunch. We wouldn't blame you for slathering the tortillas with mayo before filling them.
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, slow cooker recipe, high protein
Just season, set and forget the pork shoulder until it’s fall-apart juicy and soft—the Crockpot will do all the work for you. Top the tacos with sliced avocado, thin-sliced red onions, cilantro and a spritz of lime juice.
4. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Blue Cheese Crema
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, gluten free
Taco Tuesday goes Meatless Monday with this taco recipe idea. Sweet potato makes a starchy, filling vegetarian alternative to animal protein. (The funky blue cheese crema would taste great on cheeseburgers, though.)
5. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, pescatarian, high protein
One bite and boom: You’re at the beach with a cocktail in hand, preferably a margarita. Might we suggest making a double batch of the mango salsa to scoop with tortilla chips or spoon atop guacamole?
7. Flank Steak Tacos with Cucumber Salsa
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
The salsa is crunchy, citrusy and ridiculously refreshing, meaning it's just the ticket for your next dinner party. You can also make it ahead to save some time. Just salt the cucumbers first to sweat out their excess liquid, so the salsa doesn't turn too watery before serving.
8. Poblano and Mushroom Tacos with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
File under Sneaky Ways to Convince Kids to Eat Vegetables. (Thanks, goat cheese.) Substitute bell peppers for poblanos for this taco recipe idea if you're worried the picky eaters at the table will find them too spicy.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
The only downside to hard taco shells? All the filling falls out once you take a bite. These are fried after being filled, so all the goods (read: rotisserie chicken and cheese) stay in place. Genius.
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: pescatarian, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Grilled pineapple salsa and vegan cashew-lime crema? Where do we sign? Pickled onions, shredded cabbage, sliced avocado and fresh lime juice take these fish tacos over the top.
11. Jackfruit Tacos with Grilled Pineapple
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, high protein, beginner-friendly
This tangy tropical fruit is the ultimate plant-based meat alternative. Use non-dairy cheese instead of queso fresco to make the tacos vegan, or corn tortillas instead of flour to make them gluten free.
12. Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Boursin Cheese
- Time Commitment: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, one pan
Marinating the flank steak in apple cider vinegar and lime juice helps tenderize the meat. If you're making these tacos in the winter, prepare the steak on an indoor grill pan—you don't want to sacrifice those char marks.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
This taco recipe idea calls for shredding the sweet spuds with a box grater, but you can get the job done even faster by using a food processor with a grater attachment. Either way, pile on the flaky salt, cilantro and pickled onions.
14. Crispy Baked Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: pescatarian, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Nothing says summer quite like lime-kissed, battered tilapia—but we'd scarf these beauties down any time of year TBH. Feel free to add sliced avocado and pickled onions to each before digging in (and a generous dollop of sour cream).
15. Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Tacos
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Ready for the most ingenious hack of all time? This taco recipe idea calls for draping corn tortillas over your oven racks to turn them into taco shells with flat bottoms.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, one pan, beginner-friendly
Starring a punchy chipotle blender sauce that will keep your guests from realizing you started with rotisserie chicken. Your secret is safe with us, friend.
17. Cauliflower and Plantain Tacos with Lemony Pesto Dressing
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegan, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Swap the plantain for yam or the cauliflower for broccoli if you’d like. The real star is the lively dressing, made from cilantro, basil, garlic and lemon. (Hot tip: Save some pesto to stir into fresh pasta.)
18. Slow Cooker Korean Short Rib Tacos
- Time Commitment: 8 hours and 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, one pot, crowd-pleaser, high protein
In case you needed yet another reason to adore your Crockpot, this meaty masterpiece will deliver it. The briny dill pickle cuts right through the heat of the gochujang (that's fermented Korean chile paste).
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
A dollop of labneh? Don’t mind if we do. For the uninitiated, these are loosely inspired by rajas con crema, a Mexican dish featuring sliced poblano peppers and cream.
20. Fried Egg Breakfast Tacos with Hot Honey
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes (includes infusing honey)
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Suddenly we aren't dreading getting out of bed, thanks to this taco recipe idea. Drizzle the leftover hot honey on pizza, fried chicken, roasted veggies, turkey sandwiches or even vanilla ice cream. You can thank us later.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: pescatarian, high protein, beginner-friendly
The only thing better than fried fish? Fried fish on a flaky biscuit. (Don't worry about having to do extra work: These start with canned biscuit dough, so they're basically fuss-free.)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, high fiber, beginner-friendly
Greek yogurt-lime crema > store-bought sour cream. The recipe calls for canned beans, so it comes together in a flash. (But if you're feeling extra ambitious, go ahead and make them from scratch.)
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Consider these a one-way ticket to your happy place. (Hi, serrano cream sauce.) The avocado is breaded in spiced panko, then fried until golden brown and crispy.
24. Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa & Avocado Sauce
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, pescatarian, special occasion-worthy
Creole-spiced cod meets mango pico de gallo and the tangiest, creamiest avocado crema of all time. The garlicky black beans are technically optional—but we can't imagine why you'd skip them.
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein
To the maple syrup versus hot sauce dilemma, we say: ¿Por qué no los dos? Substitute breakfast sausage or chorizo for bacon if you'd prefer (or use frozen pancakes instead of flipping your own for maximum convenience).
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, crowd-pleaser, one pan
Carne asada + onion + lime + cilantro = proof that sometimes, less is more. (Although a dollop of guac or a drizzle of crema certainly wouldn't hurt.)
27. Life-Changing Crispy Baked Fish Tacos
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: pescatarian, crowd-pleaser, high protein
These panko-crusted gems are topped with cilantro-lime slaw and four-ingredient chipotle crema. But honestly, the fish alone is enough to keep us coming for seconds. Choose from cod or halibut for this taco recipe idea.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, pescatarian, one pan
Ah, honey-sweet chili mayo. Where have you been all our life? The shrimp are coated in buttermilk batter and panko breadcrumbs then fried, so they're shatteringly crisp.
29. Birria Tacos
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, kid-friendly, one pot
If you’re not washing each birria taco down with a shot of the savory stew juice (aka consomé), you’re doing it wrong. Add a spritz of fresh lime, chopped cilantro and diced white onions to your cup before sipping too.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, one pot, beginner-friendly
This healthy vegetarian main is well worth adding to your weekly rotation. Plate the leftover filling atop a bed of greens to make a quick salad the next day (if you have leftovers, that is).
31. Baked Beef Tacos
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein, <30 minutes
The melted cheese in these baked tacos will make this your new favorite way to prep the meal. It holds all the fixings in place for a mess-free (well, less messy) eating experience. Trust.
32. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Tacos
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: Instant Pot recipe, high protein, beginner-friendly
Complete with garlicky, herbed ranch dressing—made from scratch. Fresh cabbage, lime and avocado cut through the heat of the Buffalo sauce beautifully, making for an impeccably balanced bite.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
There’s truly no such thing as too many pickled onions. The same goes for creamy avocado dip and cotija cheese. Pile 'em high with refried beans and whatever roasted veggies you're craving.
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
This taco recipe idea had us at caramelized kimchi (OK, and again at sriracha mayo). The beef's seasoning would taste great on salmon or tofu, too. It includes brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and ground ginger.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegan, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
In need of plant-based taco recipe ideas? It's canned green jackfruit to the rescue. In terms of texture and appearance, it's very similar to pulled pork.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
Ground turkey is just as easy to prepare as beef, but with a fraction of the fat. So go ahead, have two (or four...) with as much guac and sour cream as you'd like.
37. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: pescatarian, high protein, special occasion-worthy
The spice mix is so simple (chili powder, cumin, onion powder and more) that we're betting all the ingredients are in your kitchen right now. Pop the shrimp on the grill instead of cooking them in a skillet if the weather allows.
38. Vegetarian Crispy Cactus Tacos
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Nopales, no problem—especially when they’re drizzled in avocado sauce and black bean-corn relish. They're breaded in hot sauce, egg, taco seasoning and panko before being baked to a crisp.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, one pan
Behold, the most epic sandwich-inspired mashup we never knew we needed. Think juicy, melt-in-your mouth ribeye steak, tender bell peppers, sweet onion, baby bella mushrooms and lots of provolone.
40. Shrimp Tacos
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, <30 minutes
How pretty is the cherry tomato pico de gallo? It crowns a bed of warm-spiced ground beef and sharp white cheddar cheese for a touch of herby freshness.
42. Egg Tacos with Roasted Poblano, Onion and Corn Salsa
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, high protein, beginner-friendly
Make double of the salsa to pair with grilled steak, pork chops, shredded chicken or seared fish. (You can also mix it into grain bowls, leftover rice or salads.)
43. Griddled Chipotle Chicken Tacos
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein
They’re stuffed with chicken, refried beans, onions and cheese, then toasted like a quesadilla. That makes for an impossibly crispy exterior and a warm, melty interior. We'll take four, please.
45. Squash Tacos with Chile Peanut Salsa
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free
These have unexpected Thanksgiving appetizer written all over them. This taco recipe idea calls for butternut squash, but kabocha, acorn, pumpkin or even sweet potato would work in its place.
46. Salsa Verde Lentil Tacos with Mango-Pomegranate Pico
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, one pot
Go the extra mile and make your own salsa verde, or save time with canned salsa verde or green enchilada sauce. Your guests won't notice the shortcut when they see all those ruby-colored pomegranate arils.
47. Greek Lamb Tacos with Minted Yogurt Sauce
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, beginner-friendly
Who knew tacos and gyros got along so well? Don't even get us started on the bonus herbed caper sauce (or the minted yogurt sauce, for that matter). Substitute store-bought tzatziki and chimichurri if you'd prefer.
48. Austin-Style Breakfast Tacos
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
No wonder they say everything’s bigger in Texas: These are piled high with a hefty mound of home fries. Finish the tacos with salsa and hot sauce of your choice, plus lots of scallions and avocado.
49. Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor
- Time Commitment: 4 hours and 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, one pot, high protein, special occasion-worthy
This summery meal stars roasted pork shoulder and pineapple. It may not be authentic al pastor, since it isn't cooked on a vertical spit, but it'll be just as fork-tender and drool-worthy—promise.
50. Zucchini Rajas Salmon Tacos
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, pescatarian, high protein
If you’re not into spicy food, this rendition of rajas trades poblano peppers for cool zucchini. Plus, the taco recipe idea calls for the salmon, meaning each bite is packed with omega-3s and protein. Win-win.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Four words: Jalapeño. Lime. Cashew. Sauce. These tacos boast everything there is to love about elotes, from the charred kernels to the cilantro. Use canned corn in the off-season.
52. Pea Guacamole and Seared Halloumi Soft Tacos
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly
If you think meatless tacos are boring, seared slabs of salty halloumi cheese will change your mind. As for the unexpected sweet pea guacamole, fresh or frozen will both work.
53. Grilled Steak Tacos with Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Catch us making these for every barbecue we ever host. The carne asada marinade is arguably just as crucial as the fresh chimichurri, pico de gallo and quick-pickled veggies. Might we suggest finishing them off with a drizzle of chipotle mayo?
54. Mushroom al Pastor Tacos with Garlic Lime Special Sauce
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, one pan, beginner-friendly
Swap pork for vegetarian cremini mushrooms in chipotle-pineapple marinade. We promise you won't miss the meat under all that creamy, tangy yogurt sauce.
55. Blackened Salmon Tacos with Forbidden Rice and Mango Guacamole
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: pescatarian, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Heart-healthy never looked so damn delicious. The salmon is baked, but you can also grill or sear it on the stovetop if that's easier for you.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein
OK, we said no run-of-the-mill ground beef tacos. But we’d be lying if we said they didn’t hold a special, nostalgic place in our hearts (and tummies). Plus, picky kids can't resist them.
57. Crispy, Spicy Cauliflower Tacos with Jicama-Carrot Slaw
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegan, beginner-friendly
Complete with hemp seed cilantro crema. (That's right—no dairy.) Make the handhelds gluten free too by using wheatless panko in the cauliflower breading—just be sure to go wild with the hot sauce.
58. Halloumi and Caramelized Mushroom Tacos
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, gluten free
Halloumi is a sturdy, squeaky, tangy cheese that can hold its own on a hot grill. Pile on the guacamole before digging in (we won't tell if you use the store-bought kind, but we're in love with this roasted poblano and corn variety...)
59. Barbacoa Tacos
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 15 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, dairy free
If you haven't had the immense pleasure of eating barbacoa, it's a juicy, super tender stew of shredded beef, goat or lamb seasoned with dried chiles and spices. Serve the tacos with cups of the savory broth for dipping and sipping.
60. Cauliflower Tacos with Mole Sauce
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegan, beginner-friendly, gluten free
This flavor-packed, plant-based meal stars mole rojo (made with chipotles in adobo and tomatoes), although mole negro would work here too. The only non-negotiables? Sour cream, pickled jalapeños and cotija. Use corn tortillas to keep the recipe gluten free.
