Make Your Next Taco Tuesday Unforgettable!

Okay, can we all agree that Taco Tuesday is a reliable night of the week?! It's our go-to for a fun, easy dinner that we know everyone will love.

We've gathered our absolute best, most-loved Taco Tuesday ideas to make your next taco night a total knockout.

On the stove

We know weeknights are crazy! You want an good Taco Tuesday, but you need it FAST. These are our secret weapons for getting good 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, we 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: We love to cook a double batch of taco meat on Sunday. We 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 good Taco?

Building the good taco is an art, and it's all about the layers! Here's our guide to the essential components.

The Tortilla: Choose your base! Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, great for over-stuffed tacos these are our personal favourite, we 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 good. Corn tortillas offer an authentic, slightly sweet flavor and are good 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 (a reliable 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 our 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.

We can't wait to see your Taco Tuesday feasts! Tag #cafedelites in your photos on facebook or instagram, and tell us in the comments below: what are your must-have taco fillings?

5 from 4 votes

Crispy Fish Tacos

Trust us, 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 we could honestly drink. That crunch is everything! Get the Recipe! Beef tacos with guacamole, salsa, and lime wedges on a plate

Beef tacos with guacamole, salsa, and lime wedges on a plate

5 from 5 votes

Beef Mince Tacos (Better Than Takeout)

You just can't beat a classic, and this comforting meal is the good 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! Close-up of smash burger tacos in a blue speckled tray, filled with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, being topped with creamy sauce.

Close-up of smash burger tacos in a blue speckled tray, filled with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, being topped with creamy sauce.

5 from 3 votes

Viral Smash Burger Tacos

OMG. You guys HAVE to try this. It's the foodie mashup of our dreams! This viral sensation is the good way to shake up your weekly taco nightcreating one of the most fun taco fillings you'll ever try. If you love fun, themed food like this, you have to see our 20 Spooky Halloween Recipe Ideas. Get the recipe! Crispy beef birria tacos with melty cheese and a rich red chile broth for dipping, bold, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Crispy beef birria tacos with melty cheese and a rich red chile broth for dipping, bold, cheesy, and full of flavor.

5 from 4 votes

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 BBQ Chicken Pizza Tacos on a baking tray

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Pizza Tacos on a baking tray

4.92 from 12 votes

Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken 'Pizza' Tacos

This is a total family favorite, just like the comfort food classics in our Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide! Get the recipe! Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad with a dressing that doubles as a marinade

Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad with a dressing that doubles as a marinade

4.85 from 78 votes

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! Close up image of finished taco salad.

5 from 5 votes

Easy Taco Salad

Want all that good taco flavor without the food coma? A taco salad is the good solution for a lighter Taco Tuesday meal. It's one of our favorite healthy dinner ideas! Get the Recipe! Pico De Gallo is a super easy to make fresh tomato salsa you can serve with anything! From tortilla chips to tacos, enchiladas or Carne Asada

5 from 2 votes

Pico De Gallo

Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa frescais 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 Top view of a reliable, creamy Guacamole is so easy to make and better than anything found in a jar! Homemade Guacamole takes minutes to make and is so incredibly good! good for a party as an appetizer OR just a simple snack! Use as a topping for your favourite fajitas, tacos and even carnitas.