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Recipes That Take Taco Tuesday to the Next Level
Taco Tuesday has become a beloved tradition for many households, but sometimes the same old tacos can start to feel a little repetitive. If you’re looking to spice up your Taco Tuesday menu and take it to the next level, we’ve got you covered. From appetizers to drinks, entrees, and even dessert, we’ve assembled a collection of mouthwatering Tex-Mex, Mexican, Latin, and Spanish-themed dishes that will turn your Taco Tuesday into an epic feast. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these incredible recipes.
Soup
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of soup, and when it comes to Taco Tuesday, you can incorporate the flavors of Mexico into your soup recipes. One delicious option is a classic Mexican posole, a hearty soup made with hominy, pork shoulder, and a burst of flavor from radish, cilantro, and fresh lime. For an easier option, try the slow-cooked Mexican street corn and chicken chowder, which combines fire-roasted corn, black beans, chiles, and creamy goodness.
Salads
While Taco Tuesday typically revolves around hot and savory dishes, that doesn’t mean you can’t add refreshing salads to the mix. The layered taco salad is a visual delight, with all the classic taco ingredients, including bacon, arranged in a 9×13 glass pan, and can be made ahead. For a lighter option, try the Southwestern Chicken Salad with a house-made creamy cilantro dressing, avocado, tomatoes and juicy chicken.
Elotes
If you’ve ever been to a Mexican restaurant, you’ve probably encountered elotes, also known as Mexican street corn. The smoky, charred ears of corn slathered in a spicy chile-lime sauce and sprinkled with cotija cheese are an explosion of flavor. You can recreate this classic street food at home with this recipe from Serious Eats. Or try The Lemon Bowl’s Mexican Street Corn Skillet, which is a perfect substitute for fresh corn on the cob and makes a great addition to your Taco Tuesday menu or as a topping for nachos.
Empanadas
Empanadas are delicious pockets of flavor, whether you prefer them savory or sweet. Traditional Argentine empanadas stuffed with ground beef, garlic, and olives are a true comfort food. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try the baked empanadas stuffed with slow-cooked pork carnitas or the sweet potato and black bean empanadas. Both are delicious and satisfying.
Carnitas
Carnitas, the crispy and tender bits of pork, are often hailed as the king of taco fillings. While they are commonly enjoyed in tacos, you can take your Taco Tuesday to new heights by exploring different ways to enjoy carnitas. Whether you opt for the slow-cooker method or try a recipe that replicates the flavors of a taco stand, like this one from Nom Nom Paleo, you won’t be disappointed. Stuff carnitas into quesadillas, burritos, tortas, or just enjoy them on a plate with some delicious sides.
Tortas and Quesadillas
For a change from traditional tacos, consider making tortas or quesadillas for your Taco Tuesday feast. Tortas are flavorful sandwiches made with a fresh roll filled with meat, avocado, black beans or refried beans, pickled jalapenos, lettuce, tomato and onion. Try a delicious green chile chicken torta or get creative with Mexican fajita grilled cheese sandwiches that combine cheese, veggies and a cilantro-parsley chimichurri sauce. If quesadillas are your thing, try a chicken fajita quesadilla that will satisfy meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Rice Dishes
Rice dishes are a fantastic way to add substance and flavor to your Taco Tuesday spread. Spanish rice, a one-dish meal of ground beef, tomato, and rice, is a classic option that’s easy to replicate. For a healthier twist, substitute cauliflower rice and add ground beef for a low-carb alternative. Another delicious choice is Texas hash, a one-pot meal that combines ground beef, rice, tomato, vegetables, and spices. If you’re a fan of rice and beans, cilantro lime rice with black beans is a drool-worthy side dish that can also serve as the base for a delicious burrito bowl.
Fajitas
Fajitas are known for their sizzling presentation and mouthwatering flavors. Bring the sizzle to your own kitchen with these incredible fajita recipes. Slow cooker steak fajitas are a simple yet flavorful option that requires minimal effort to achieve tender, juicy steak. If you prefer chicken, try Grilled Chicken Fajitas marinated in a zesty lime and garlic sauce. For a vegetarian option, opt for the Portobello Mushroom Fajitas, which are packed with savory flavor. Serve your fajitas with warm tortillas, grilled peppers and onions, and a variety of toppings including guacamole, sour cream and salsa.
Beverages
No Taco Tuesday is complete without some delicious beverages to go with your meal. For a refreshing and traditional option, make a pitcher of homemade margaritas with fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing agua fresca such as watermelon or cucumber lime. For a twist on the classic, whip up some spicy mango micheladas or a tangy paloma cocktail. Don’t forget to garnish your drinks with lime wedges and salt for an authentic Mexican touch.
Desserts
Finish off your Taco Tuesday feast with a sweet treat that will satisfy everyone. Churros are a classic Mexican dessert that is easy to make at home. Fry some batter, dust with cinnamon sugar, and serve with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. For a lighter option, try grilled pineapple drizzled with honey and served with a scoop of coconut ice cream. And for a truly indulgent dessert, make a decadent Mexican chocolate cake with a hint of cinnamon and topped with whipped cream.
Taco Tuesday just got a lot tastier with these incredible recipes that take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re in the mood for soups, salads, elotes, empanadas, carnitas, tortas, rice dishes, fajitas, refreshing drinks, or mouthwatering desserts, there’s something for everyone. So grab your apron, get your ingredients, and get ready to elevate your Taco Tuesday with these delicious dishes. Your family and friends will thank you for the culinary fiesta!
FAQS
Taco Tuesday is a popular tradition where people enjoy tacos as the featured dish every Tuesday. It has become a fun way to break up the weekly routine and indulge in delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine.
How can I make Taco Tuesday more fun?
To make Taco Tuesday more exciting, you can explore a variety of Tex-Mex, Mexican, Latin and Spanish-themed dishes beyond traditional tacos. Include flavorful soups, refreshing salads, delicious elotes, savory empanadas, crispy carnitas, satisfying tortas, savory rice dishes, sizzling fajitas, refreshing drinks, and delicious desserts on your Taco Tuesday menu.
Are there vegetarian options at Taco Tuesday?
Absolutely! There are plenty of vegetarian options to incorporate into your Taco Tuesday feast. Consider dishes like Southwestern black bean salad, grilled vegetable fajitas, portobello mushroom tacos, or vegetarian empanadas filled with ingredients like cheese, beans, and vegetables.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these recipes can be made ahead of time to save you time and effort on Taco Tuesday. Dishes like Layered Taco Salad, Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Soup, and Make-Ahead Empanadas are perfect for prepping in advance and enjoying when you’re ready to eat.
Can I customize the recipes to my liking?
Absolutely! These recipes are meant to be versatile and adaptable to your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, add or omit ingredients, or experiment with different flavor combinations to create a Taco Tuesday spread that suits your palate. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these recipes your own!