Love tacos but not the mess? These taco-inspired recipes, ranging from taco pizza to taco soup, deliver all the traditional taco flavor but leave the shell behind.
36 Taco-Inspired Recipes That Don’t Call for Tortillas
Taco Salad Casserole
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
1/36
2/36
Beef Taco Chili
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's absolute favorite dishes. It was voted best chili at our county's autumn harvest festival. If you like less broth, use just 1-3/4 cups water and 1-1/2 tsp. bouillon. —Dana Beery, Ione, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 337 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1657mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 23g protein.
3/36
Taco Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves the taste of tacos, but I dislike the mess! So I developed these burgers as a tasty but tidy alternative.—Linda Logan, Warren, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 418 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
4/36
Taco Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. —Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 624 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1454mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
5/36
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.
6/36
Taco Mac and Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty taco mac and cheese is just as yummy the next day. Simply warm it up and garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and cheese. —JoLynn Fribley, Nokomis, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 465 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1413mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
7/36
Taco Twist Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The fun, family-friendly twist in this taco soup is the spiral pasta. I lightened this soup by substituting black beans for ground beef. —Colleen Zertler, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 176 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1044mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
8/36
Taco Baked Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with your favorite fixings, this baked potato recipe is an easy meal in one. Make it vegetarian by using smashed black beans instead of ground beef. —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 484 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 29g protein.
9/36
Taco Skillet Pizza with Cornbread Crust
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves taco pizza, and I have made so many versions of it. This recipe is like a deep-dish skillet pizza. It is a hearty meal and can be served straight out of the pan. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 329 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
10/36
Taco Bowls
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love this delicious taco-style dish because of its super simple prep. Each serving is so easy to customize to everyone's individual tastes thanks to the toppings. It's become a regular when we're entertaining. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/36
Taco Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 416 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
12/36
Taco Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 dozen pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 51 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/36
Taco Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Busy day? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 415 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
14/36
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.
15/36
Cheesy Chicken Taco Dip
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 82 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
16/36
Deep-Dish Beef 'n' Bean Taco Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family enjoys this dish that tastes like a taco and looks like a deep-dish pizza. The thick tasty crust can handle lots of toppings, so load it up for a bright, fun meal. —Nancy Circle, Perkins, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 469 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1050mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
17/36
Instant Pot Taco Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a welcome change from boring taco Tuesday. I've taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and I love how quick and easy it is to put together in the electric pressure cooker. To lighten things up, use ground turkey instead of the beef. — Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 598 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1845mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
18/36
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings (1 cup mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
Skip the store-bought stuff and learn how to make homemade taco seasoning mix yourself. This recipe is right on. It tastes like purchased mixes, but is cheaper and has nearly half the sodium. Your heart and wallet will surely thank you! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 prepared taco: 338 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
19/36
Meatless Taco Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful entree combines popular taco ingredients—minus the ground beef. And you won't miss the meat at all! I top each serving with a creamy guacamole dressing, crunchy corn chips and cheese. —Kimberly Dray, Pflugerville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 33g fat (12g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 16g protein.
20/36
Taco Tater Skins
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they're also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 153 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
21/36
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.
22/36
Chicken Taco Salad
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
23/36
Taco Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1369mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
24/36
Taco Noodle Dish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter...and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty casserole. Later, I modified it so it has less fat and fewer calories. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 455 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
25/36
Tiny Taco Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These meatballs may be tiny, but they're big on taste. Taco seasoning adds a tasty twist to these appetizers that my grandson gobbles up! —Joyce Markham, Belmond, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 54 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
26/36
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.
27/36
Easy 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.
28/36
Ground Beef Taco Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone at our house loves this taco salad. In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 469 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1007mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
29/36
Taco Cornbread Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A whole can of chiles adds fire to this casserole. For less heat, you can use just enough of the can for your taste. —Lisa A. Paul, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 817 calories, 40g fat (17g saturated fat), 183mg cholesterol, 1982mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
30/36
Taco Chili
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
31/36
Taco Spaghetti
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
32/36
Ground Beef Taco Dip
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What's a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
33/36
Taco Pasta
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers are a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 402 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
34/36
Taco Meatball Ring
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 203 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
35/36
Cornbread Taco Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 541 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
36/36
Potluck Taco Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the dish I most often take to potlucks, and the pan comes home empty every time. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 205mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
