60 Incredible Taco Recipes

1 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Family-Style Taco Night

For family taco night, set out the filling, taco shells, and toppings, and let everyone craft their own unique creations. Rather than a store bought taco mix pack, we created a simple homemade blend of basic pantry spices. It takes no more than five minutes to measure it all out and blend it up, and provides excellent flavor to a comforting, uncomplicated meal.

2 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Fish Tacos with Sweet Pickle Sauce

Fish Tacos with Sweet Pickle Sauce Recipe

The creamy sauce offers a cool counterpoint to the bold blackening spices. Not in the mood for tilapia? The recipe is also great with chicken, sliced flank steak, or shrimp. Toss some avocado, tomato, and cilantro into the mix, and you're ready to knock Taco Tuesday out of the park.

3 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Crispy Tilapia Tacos

Crispy Tilapia Tacos Recipe
Aim for just a light coating of flour on the fish for minimal oil absorption--you should only use about 1/4 cup of the flour mixture. We attempted this recipe with whole-wheat flour, but the natural oils from the whole grain didn't allow the crust to crisp properly.

4 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Mushroom and Charred Corn Tacos with Guacamole

Mushroom and Charred Corn Tacos with Guacamole Recipe

This quick taco filling is perfect for weeknight dinners. Poblano chiles bring rich, earthy flavor but little to no heat. (Every once in a while you can get a hot one, though.) If you want to add a little spice, add some crushed red pepper when you sauté the mushrooms.

5 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Red Onion

Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Red Onion Recipe

The pork gets a big flavor boost from achiote paste, a mix of ground annatto seeds, vinegar, salt, and spices. Find it at Latin markets.

6 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Chicken Verde Tacos

Chicken Verde Tacos Recipe

We like a warm taco filling, but if you're going for something a little cooler and more refreshing, skip step 1 and drizzle the salsa over assembled tacos.

7 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Brisket

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Brisket Recipe

Slow cooking tougher cuts of meat, such as beef brisket, gives you a meltingly tender texture. For tacos, serve the saucy barbacoa in tortillas with green and red onion, cilantro leaves, jalapeño slices, and fresh lime wedges.

8 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Recipe
Serve the whole leg quarters over brown basmati rice, or shred the chicken off the bone and layer onto corn tortillas with cilantro, radishes, and a squeeze of lime for family taco night.

9 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Claire Spollen

Pan-Seared Tuna Tacos with Avocado and Mango Salsa

Pan-Seared Tuna Tacos with Avocado and Mango Salsa Recipe

These simple, vibrant tacos rely largely on superfresh ingredients for the fullest flavor potential. Opt for just-ripe avocados and tuna from a source you trust.

10 of 60 Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Paige Hicks

Grilled Flank Steak with Chipotle-Orange Mojo

Grilled Flank Steak with Chipotle-Orange Mojo Recipe

This delicious steak tostada recipe cuts back on calories and sodium by using 6-inch whole-grain corn tortillas instead of flour, meaning you can afford to eat two.

11 of 60 Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Jeffrey Larsen

Flank Steak Tacos with Avocado and Red Onion Salad

Flank Steak Tacos with Avocado and Red Onion Salad Recipe
These juicy flank steak tacos are topped with an avocado, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice mixture. Serve steak with salad and tortillas.

12 of 60 Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Fonda Shaia

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Get a taco dinner on the table in 10 minutes with a simple recipe that quickly infuses bold flavor into raw shrimp by boiling them for two minutes with black peppercorns, lime juice, and red pepper. Spoon the shrimp into corn tortillas and top with tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions, for a pop of color.

13 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Claire Spollen

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

We took the finger-licking beauty of a Buffalo wing experience and wrapped it in a tortilla--because that's how you win a weeknight.

14 of 60 Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Claire Spollen

Spiced Beef Tostadas with Cilantro-Lime Rice

Spiced Beef Tostadas with Cilantro-Lime Rice Recipe
These tostadas are inspired by classic taco night toppers and sides. Our version amps up the spice while keeping sodium numbers in check.

15 of 60 Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon

Crab Tacos

Crab Tacos Recipe
Serve these crab tacos family-style. Place fillings in bowls and let everyone make their own taco. This recipe uses ready-made taco shells, but soft tortillas are good too.

16 of 60 Photo: Beatriz Da Costa

Pulled-Pork Tacos

Pulled-Pork Tacos Recipe
Top these pulled-pork tacos with chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for a spicy south-of-the-border taco dinner. Serve with Mexican rice and canned refried beans.

17 of 60 Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa

Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa Recipe
Slow-cooker beef brisket and crunchy fruit salsa make these tacos a perfect blend of savory and sweet.

18 of 60 James Carrier

Tofu Tacos

Tofu Tacos Recipe
Marinate extra-firm tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and spices for about five minutes, then skewer them and cook in a frying pan, turning until browned on all sides. Fill tortillas with tofu and cabbage drizzled with seasoned rice vinegar. Top with salsa and sour cream and serve.

19 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Grilled Fish Tacos with Jalapeño-Cabbage Slaw

Grilled Fish Tacos with Jalapeño-Cabbage Slaw Recipe
We surround these savory Grilled Fish Tacos with our zesty Jalapeño-Cabbage Slaw that add flavor and crunch to each bite.

20 of 60 Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis

Huevos Rancheros Tacos

Huevos Rancheros Tacos Recipe
This is more of a knife-and-fork taco. The soft egg yolk oozes and coats the filling.

21 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Chimichurri Steak Tacos with Pickled Vegetables

Chimichurri Steak Tacos with Pickled Vegetables Recipe
Though the amount of chicken skin may seem like a lot, it renders out most of its fat so that you only end up with 2.3 ounces after cooking. Use the cilantro stems for the sauce; the leaves will go in the rice. You'll use the parsley stems and carrot trimmings in the stock for Dinner 3 and the broccoli florets in Dinner 5.

22 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Steak Tacos

Steak Tacos Recipe
These hearty tacos are the perfect entree for steak lovers.

23 of 60 Photo: James Carrier; Styling: Karen Shinto

Garlicky Shrimp-Cilantro Tacos (Tacos de Camarones al Mojo de Ajo)

Garlicky Shrimp-Cilantro Tacos (Tacos de Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) Recipe
Tacos don't have to be simple tomato-lettuce-and-cheese stackers. Serve an easy, upscale version that calls for Serrano chiles, white onion, garlic, and shrimp. Plate the taco filling in double tortillas to soak up any excess sauce.

24 of 60 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Pork Tacos with Mango Slaw

Pork Tacos with Mango Slaw Recipe
Whole tenderloin is seared and sliced for these quick pork tacos. Serve with lime wedges.

25 of 60 Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Blackened Shrimp Tacos take a Cajun spin in preparation and flavor. These tacos are so easy to put together and make a nice addition to your dinner rotation.

26 of 60 Photo: Romulo Yanes

Chicken Tacos

Chicken Tacos Recipe
These easy chicken tacos are a great addition to taco night.

27 of 60 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Peanut-Crusted Tofu Tacos with Tangy Slaw

Peanut-Crusted Tofu Tacos with Tangy Slaw Recipe
Give traditional tacos a run for their money with Peanut-Crusted Tofu Tacos with Tangy Slaw. This vegetarian dish may be the one to convert non-tofu eaters in your house.

28 of 60 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Steak Tacos with Charred Salsa

Steak Tacos with Charred Salsa Recipe
Here's a fresh serving idea: Assemble and serve tortillas in parchment paper-lined cups.

29 of 60 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Kay Clark

San Antonio Beef Puffy Tacos

San Antonio Beef Puffy Tacos Recipe
Original tacos were a little different than the U-shaped tortillas invented by entrepreneur Glen Bell of Taco Bell. The real deal begins with a ball of masa flattened into a thin round that's fried to a golden crispness. The masa puffs up a bit, which is how the moniker "puffy taco" came into play. Stuff with ground taco meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

30 of 60 Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Ancho Chicken Tacos

Ancho Chicken Tacos Recipe

Create authentic Mexican-style tacos by cooking the chicken in a mixture of ancho chili powder and cumin and serving over corn tortillas topped with slaw and avocado cream.

31 of 60 Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Fonda Shaia

Chicken Soft Tacos with Sautéed Onions and Apples

Chicken Soft Tacos with Sautéed Onions and Apples Recipe
Give Tex-Mex a savory-sweet punch of flavor by serving tacos with a chicken filling cooked with ground nutmeg, tart Granny Smith apples, and caramelized onions. Pair with a bright cole slaw and you'll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

32 of 60 Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Kung Pao Chicken Tacos

Kung Pao Chicken Tacos Recipe
Chinese takeout is even tastier when it gets wrapped in a tortilla. Plus, you get to ditch those pesky chopsticks and use your hands instead.

33 of 60 Photo: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr

Black Bean Tacos with Feta Slaw

Black Bean Tacos with Feta Slaw Recipe
Tacos are extremely friendly to vegetarians, too! Canned beans that are already seasoned help bring these meatless tacos together in a flash.

34 of 60 Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon

Cola Shredded Beef Tacos

Cola Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe
This recipe features shredded beef chuck roast flavored with cola, tomatoes, chiles, and cumin. Bet 'cha can't eat just one.

35 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Chicken Tinga Tacos

Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe
Spice up your standard taco by adding loads of fresh spices and ingredients that make these flavors soar.

36 of 60 James Carrier

Crisp Chicken Tacos

Crisp Chicken Tacos Recipe
Make your favorite fried taco dish at home by following our easy tips. Fry an empty shell on one side, then flip and fill it with grilled chicken. Fold the tortilla in half and fry until one side is crispy (about 20 seconds), then flip and fry the other side. Drain the taco of excess oil then let it rest in a baking dish before transferring it to a warm oven, where it will stay warm and crisp until you're ready to eat. Serve with hot sauce and condiments.

37 of 60 HOWARD L. PUCKETT

Three-Bean Tacos

Three-Bean Tacos Recipe
Skip the ground beef and serve a dinner stuffed with fresh vegetables, dried spices, and three kinds of beans. Chickpeas, black beans, and pinto beans simmer in a fragrant mixture of chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic while the simmer with diced bell pepper and onion. Layer the beans in crispy shells and top with the standard Mexican toppers: shredded cheese, tomato, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.

38 of 60 Photo: Justin Walker; Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Look for crema, the Mexican version of sour cream, in Mexican markets or the international aisle of most supermarkets. You could also thin sour cream with 1/2 teaspoon lime juice.

39 of 60 Photo: Oxmoor House

Deep-Dish Taco Pizza

Deep-Dish Taco Pizza Recipe
Mix the best of easy Mexican and Italian favorites by serving a zesty taco pizza. Top refrigerated pizza dough with cooked ground round and onion, cooked with canned tomatoes and Mexican seasoning. Bake for 12 minutes, then top with cheese and bake again until the cheese is melted. This recipe is a guaranteed kid-pleaser.

40 of 60 Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Ginny Branch

Spicy Flank Steak Tacos with Watermelon Salsa

Spicy Flank Steak Tacos with Watermelon Salsa Recipe
The three-pepper spice rub gives the steak wonderful complexity. Minty watermelon salsa is an unexpectedly delicious addition.

41 of 60 Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis

Chocolate Tacos

Chocolate Tacos Recipe
Tacos... for dessert? Finish off your taco night with these crunchy chocolate shells stuffed with ice cream, peanuts and more chocolate.

42 of 60 Photo: Lee Harrelson

Tacos al Carbon

Tacos al Carbon Recipe
"Al carbón" tacos are typically cooked over charcoal, but it's easy to mimic that flavor inside by cooking steak, onions, and peppers in a skillet to make a one-pan meaty main dish. Pile the saucy fajita-like mixture into warm corn tortillas and top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

43 of 60 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Cindy Barr

Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa

Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa Recipe
Grilled shrimp pairs well with the natural sweetness in the fresh corn salsa. We recommend squeezing fresh lime over any taco just before digging in!

44 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Shredded Pork and Pinto Tacos with Pepita Slaw

Shredded Pork and Pinto Tacos with Pepita Slaw Recipe
A half-pound of pork is a gracious plenty for these tacos, which are beefed up with pinto beans, Greek yogurt-amped avocado crema, and a crunchy slaw topped with pumpkinseeds.

45 of 60 Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Crunchy Jerk Tacos with Watermelon-Mango Salsa

Crunchy Jerk Tacos with Watermelon-Mango Salsa Recipe
The watermelon-mango salsa on these tacos offers the perfect tart and sweet compliment to the spiced jerk chicken.

46 of 60 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Smoked Beef Brisket Tostadas

Smoked Beef Brisket Tostadas Recipe
Top these tostadas with fresh avocado, lime juice, crumbled queso fresco, diced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

47 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Beef Flatbread Tacos with Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce

Beef Flatbread Tacos with Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Ground lamb would be equally delicious in these fun gyro-inspired tacos. If you can't find the flatbreads we call for, you can use corn tortillas instead.

48 of 60 Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis

Potato, Poblano, and Chorizo Tacos

Potato, Poblano, and Chorizo Tacos Recipe
Mexican chorizo is a raw pork sausage flavored with cumin and garlic. If you can't find it, you can substitute regular American breakfast sausage.

49 of 60 James Carrier

Taco Salad with Tortilla Whiskers

Taco Salad with Tortilla Whiskers Recipe
Ditch the tortilla and serve a simple, flavorful main dish taco salad layered with lettuce, black beans, and steak seasoned with white vinegar, cumin, and cinnamon. Follow our recipe for homemade guacamole, or use a store-bought variety to save time.

50 of 60

Walking Taco

Walking Taco Recipe
Make the Walking Taco your trusty sidekick when you're looking for a tasty meal on the go.

51 of 60 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Fried Chicken Tacos with Buttermilk-Jalapeño Sauce

Fried Chicken Tacos with Buttermilk-Jalapeño Sauce Recipe
Use this creamy sauce to dress up store-bought fried chicken or as a salad dressing or dip for wings. Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño. We like to double up on the tortillas, taco-truck style, for any of these tacos.

52 of 60 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

Carne Tampiqueña

Carne Tampiqueña Recipe
Grill flames give hot peppers delectable smokiness. Find queso fresco at Mexican markets or in the Latin cheese section of large supermarkets.

53 of 60 Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast Tacos Recipe
Tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, chilies and cream cheese are ready in just 10 minutes, making them an ideal breakfast for busy mornings.

54 of 60 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Spiced Pork and Mango Tacos

Spiced Pork and Mango Tacos Recipe
Give your taco night a little kick of something spicy and a little taste of something tropical by adding paprika and these thinly sliced mangos.

55 of 60 Photo: Lain Bagwell; Styling: Cindy Barr

Chipotle Pork Soft Tacos

Chipotle Pork Soft Tacos Recipe
Bring the vibrant taste of the Caribbean to the dinner table with a simple six-ingredient salsa, made with pineapple, apple, shallots, cilantro, lime juice, and cumin. Serve over sautéed pork tenderloin with chipotle chiles and a tangy cider vinegar sauce.

56 of 60 Photo: Iain Bagwell

Chicken-Avocado Soft Tacos

Chicken-Avocado Soft Tacos Recipe
Toss thinly sliced chicken and avocado together and divide evenly among tortillas for a delicious taco night dish.

57 of 60 Photo: Christina Holmes

Fried-Fish Reuben Tacos

Fried-Fish Reuben Tacos Recipe
Your favorite sandwich fillings work just as well stuffed inside a taco shell. Here, fish tacos meet the classic Reuben, and the results are fantastic.

58 of 60 Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Beef Chorizo Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Beef Chorizo Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Each person gets three filling tacos for a satisfying meal full of fresh veggie crunch. Garlic, paprika, cumin, and vinegar turn ground beef into near-instant Mexican-style chorizo, much leaner than the traditional pork version. Cost for 4: $8.37

59 of 60 Tina Rupp

Tofu-and-Vegetable Tacos with Eggplant-Ancho Spread

Tofu-and-Vegetable Tacos with Eggplant-Ancho Spread Recipe
Chef Alyssa Gorelick wraps grilled vegetables and tofu in tortillas with an eggplant-and-ancho-chile spread that gives the tacos a rich, smoky taste. The spread is also delicious as a dip with pita chips.

60 of 60 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Suadero Tacos with Serrano-Cilantro Salsa

Suadero Tacos with Serrano-Cilantro Salsa Recipe
Suadero, a cut of beef similar to flank steak, is a popular taco filling on food trucks.