Case of the Monday Tacos

Who decided tacos only belong on Tuesdays anyway?

Around here, tacos are an every-day-of-the-week kind of meal. In fact, when life feels especially chaotic, there’s a good chance tacos are what’s for dinner. They’re one of my favorite go-to meals because they’re easy, customizable, and somehow manage to make everyone at the table happy.

The beauty of tacos is that they don’t require a recipe so much as a formula. Start with a flavorful filling, pile on whatever toppings you love, and tuck everything into a crispy shell. Dinner is done.

The filling can be whatever works for your family and what’s already in your fridge. Ground turkey, chicken, beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, lentils, tofu, or even a combination of a few ingredients all work well. I love recipes that bend to fit real life instead of sending me back to the grocery store for one missing ingredient.

Then comes the fun part: toppings.

Think shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, red onion, avocado, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, corn, cabbage slaw, or whatever else makes you happy. Set everything out buffet-style and let everyone build their own masterpiece. It’s one of the easiest ways to get buy-in from picky eaters while giving everyone a meal they actually enjoy.

What I love most about taco night is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s super flexible which is exactly how I do meals and snacks around here. Tacos also check all the boxes for a balanced meal with protein, fiber-rich beans or vegetables, satisfying carbs, and healthy fats.

So whether it’s Monday, Tuesday, or any random night when you need dinner on the table fast, don’t wait for Taco Tuesday. A Case of the Monday Tacos might just become your family’s new favorite tradition.

Because honestly, tacos don’t care what day it is.

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Laura Burak MS, RDN

Case of the Monday Tacos

It doesn't have to be Tuesday for tacos! They still taste good any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 (8 tacos)

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. 85% or leaner ground beef or turkey or chicken or 2 cans of drained, rinsed beans
• ½ 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• Blend of spices or 1/2 packet taco seasoning of choice 1 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper, 1 tsp. smoked paprika, pinch of cayenne pepper for heat (or simply just use ½ packet Siete, Trader Joe’s or your choice of Taco Seasoning)
• 8 Corn taco shells Siete or Trader Joe’s (or your choice of brand)
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, salsa, hot sauce, guacamole, sour cream, Greek yogurt, Mexican cheese, cilantro, chopped onions
• olive oil spray

Equipment

• 1 large saute pan
• 1 sheet pan
• 1 cutting board

Method

 

1. Spray a large pan with olive oil spray. Saute the ground meat or beans until almost cooked. Drain any excess liquid.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, spices, and tomato paste.
3. Let the mixture simmer on low for as long as you want.
4. Heat taco shells as per directions on the box.
5. Add about 1/4 cup filling to each taco shell.
6. Go wild with the toppings!

Notes

Recipe based on a serving of 2 tacos per person or 8 tacos total. Nutrition facts will vary based on ingredients you use but pair 2 tacos with a large salad or another type of veggie side and this is a protein and fiber-rich low calorie meal.