Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food
Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Jan. 31, 2024
Nope, that packet of taco seasoning isn't just for Taco Tuesday anymore. Learn how you can put this spice blend to work in soups, apps and other Tex-Mex treats.
Baja Pork Tacos
Go to Recipe
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
Taco Skillet Pizza with Cornbread Crust
Go to Recipe
Our family loves taco pizza, and I have made so many versions of it. This recipe is like a deep-dish skillet pizza. It’s a hearty meal and can be served straight out of the pan. — Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Try this recipe with our homemade taco seasoning mix.
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
Go to Recipe
I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Spicy Cowboy Beans
Go to Recipe
These spicy cowboy beans are a perfect contribution to a potluck buffet any time of year. Instead of hours on the stove, they cook quickly in the pressure cooker and there’s no need to pre-soak the beans. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Quick Taco Dip
Go to Recipe
This quick taco dip from Rhonda Biancardi of Blaine, Minnesota is a definite family favorite. In fact, she says, “This recipe has been made more times than I can count! It just looks very colorful to a table, and it never lasts long.
Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas
Go to Recipe
My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
Beef Taco Chili
Go to Recipe
This one of my husband’s absolute favorite dishes. It was also voted Best Chili in 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
Taco Burgers
Go to Recipe
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
Tex-Mex Grain Bowl
Go to Recipe
This Tex-Mex grain bowl is special because it is not only healthy but also delicious. Oatmeal is one of those dishes often eaten sweetened. People rarely think about using it in a savory dish—and they really should! —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Chicken Taco Pockets
Go to Recipe
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
Easy Taco Cups
Go to Recipe
These zesty little cups rank high on my list of favorites because they’re fast, easy and delicious! They make a fantastic finger food for parties, and guests have fun selecting their desired toppings.
—Ashley Jarvies, Manassa, CO
Weeknight Turkey Tortilla Soup
Go to Recipe
This is now my family’s most requested soup—so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste. —Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, Mississippi
Tacos on a Stick
Go to Recipe
Teens like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational Southwestern flavor of this twist on beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Steak Burritos
Go to Recipe
Slowly simmered all day, the beef is tender and a snap to shred. Just fill flour tortillas and add toppings for a tasty meal. —Valerie Jones, Portland, Maine
Mango Jalapeno Sloppy Joe Sliders
Go to Recipe
I’ve loved sloppy joes since I can remember. In an attempt to give them a makeover, I thought of this idea, which was a big hit with my family, friends and co-workers! If you can’t find a mango, chopped pineapple should work just as well. —Shea Goldstein, Royal Palm Beach, Florida
Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken
Go to Recipe
I had this dish at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend’s birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It’s also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nacho Triangles with Salsa-Ranch Dipping Sauce
Go to Recipe
These nacho bites are a fun fusion of Greek appetizers and flavors of the American Southwest. The simple dipping sauce is a perfect match—the ranch balances out the heat of the jalapeno and chipotle peppers—and takes the recipe to the next level. —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida
Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup
Go to Recipe
This zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I’m always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan
Taco Tater Skins
Go to Recipe
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
Tater Tot-chos
Go to Recipe
Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota
Taco-Filled Pasta Shells
Go to Recipe
I’ve been stuffing pasta shells with different fillings for years, but my family enjoys this version with taco-seasoned meat the most. The frozen shells are so convenient, because you can take out only the number you need for a single-serving lunch or family dinner. Just add zippy taco sauce and bake. —Marge Hodel, Roanoke, Illinois
Lentil Taco Cups
Go to Recipe
My trusty muffin tin never fails to help me put fun and easy hand-held mains on the table for my family on busy weeknights. These festive vegetarian cups are always a hit with my kids; they’re so flavorful, nobody misses the meat. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Easy Taco Pizza
Go to Recipe
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
Air-Fryer Taquitos
Go to Recipe
I love these any-occasion appetizers. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos, if desired. &mash; Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
Taco Meatball Ring
Go to Recipe
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. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer!
—Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Taco Mac
Go to Recipe
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
Go to Recipe
This irresistible combo could become your new signature snack food. Park the spicy baked chips next to a bowl of the cool, creamy dip and let the gang have at it. What a fantastic twist on traditional chips and dip! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Fiesta Pinwheels
Go to Recipe
Whenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in one bite I’d be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Spicy Nacho Bake
Go to Recipe
I made this hearty, layered southwestern casserole for a dinner meeting once, and now I’m asked to bring it every time we have a potluck. Everybody loves the beefy bean filling and crunchy, cheesy topping. —Anita Wilson, Mansfield, Ohio
Tiny Taco Meatballs
Go to Recipe
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
Taco Salad for a Large Crowd
Go to Recipe
I made this huge taco salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. —Lisa Homer, Avon, New York
Taco Cornbread Casserole
Go to Recipe
A whole can of chiles adds fire to this cornbread casserole. For less heat, you can use just enough of the can for your taste. —Lisa Paul, Terre Haute, Indiana
Air-Fryer Fiesta Chicken Fingers
Go to Recipe
Chicken fingers have long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas
Taco Joe Dip
Go to Recipe
My daughter was the first in our family to try this recipe. She thought it was delicious so she passed it on to me. My husband and I think it’s terrific. Because it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for parties or busy days. —Lang Secrest, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Baked Beef Tacos
Go to Recipe
This taco recipe takes classic taco ingredients and gives them a fresh approach by baking the shells upright in refried beans and tomatoes. The bottom gets soft, and the top stays crisp and crunchy. —Patricia Stagich, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Southwest Chicken Barley Chowder
Go to Recipe
Mashed squash helps make this chowder creamy but not heavy, and it’s a favorite way to get barley on the table. My kids even ask for leftovers for lunch. —Pamela Cleghorn, Campbellsburg, Indiana
Skillet Nachos
Go to Recipe
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad
Go to Recipe
I like to give macaroni salad a taco twist. Rotisserie chicken makes it quick. I’ll often serve this dish as a main course since it’s so hearty. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
Originally Published: April 19, 2021
Lisa Kaminski
Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.