29 Recipes to Make for Taco Night

Mix up your taco night menu with a handful of new dinner ideas. These tasty tacos make use of ingredients from Mexico and beyond.

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Chicken Taco Cups

For holiday parties and summer picnics, try these stuffed wonton cups with a Southwest-style chicken filling. You can freeze them, too. Just reheat after thawing. —Lee Ann Lowe, Gray, Maine

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1/29
2/29

Slow-Cooker Carnitas

Total Time 8 hours 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 393 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
3/29

Spinach, Shrimp and Ricotta Tacos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
4/29

Breakfast Tacos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family. —Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco: 291 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
5/29

Taco Pockets

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 pocket: 393 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
6/29

Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

Total Time 6 hours 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 282 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
7/29

Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos

Total Time 3 hours 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco: 387 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
8/29

Tacos on a Stick

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 277 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/29

Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Spicy butternut squash makes such a great base for these vegetarian tacos. I’m always looking for quick and nutritious weeknight dinners for my family. These fit the bill and are so delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 353 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 13g fiber), 11g protein.
10/29

Taco Cups

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These zesty little cups rank high on my list of favorites because they combine three things I look for in a recipe: fast, easy and delicious! They make a simply fantastic finger food for parties, and my guests have fun selecting their desired toppings. —Ashley Jarvies, Manassa, CO
Nutrition Facts: 2 taco cups: 291 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.

11/29

Taco Stuffed Shells

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! —Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 3 stuffed shells: 384 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.

12/29

Brisket Tacos

Total Time 8 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with huge bowls of salads, frijoles, tostadas and salsas. Brisket was the one dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
13/29

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Black Bean Tacos

Total Time 4 hours 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love Mexican food and these tacos have become one of our favorite meals. Try setting out the toppings in different bowls on the table so dinner guests and kids can make their own tacos. —Laura Rodriguez, Willoughby, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 387 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
14/29

Quick Tacos al Pastor

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
15/29

Lentil Tacos

Total Time 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
16/29

Fabulous Fajitas

Total Time 3 hours 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 fajita: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
17/29

Veggie Tacos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 430 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
18/29

Taco Lasagna

Total Time 45 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you like foods with southwestern flair, this just might become a new favorite. Loaded with cheese, meat and beans, the layered casserole comes together in a snap. There are never any leftovers when I take this dish to potlucks. —Terri Keena, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 454 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
19/29

Easy Fish Tacos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
20/29

Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Sometimes I'll substitute Bibb lettuce leaves for the tortillas to make crunchy lettuce wraps instead of tacos. —Kathleen Wolf Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco: 310 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
21/29

Slow-Cooked Carnitas

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Simmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. —Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 carnita (calculated without optional toppings): 363 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
22/29

Chicken Soft Tacos

Total Time 5 hours 30 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 749 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1454mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 52g protein.
23/29

Walking Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without toppings): 530 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
24/29

Texas Taco Dip Platter

Total Time 1 hour 50 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
25/29

Chicken Tacos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
26/29

Taco Salad Casserole

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 527 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1529mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein.

27/29

Taco Pizza

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator: Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It's a great recipe, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 2 pieces: 310 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.

28/29

Thai Chicken Tacos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Inspired by a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, this recipe is an awesome way to use leftover chicken. If you have a little extra time, let the carrot and cucumber marinate in some rice vinegar before taco time. —Melissa Halonen, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 434 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
29/29

Zesty Chicken Soft Tacos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We’ve made these tacos with corn and flour tortillas, but naan flatbread is our favorite. Set out toppings and let people make their own. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco: 420 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.