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36 Taco Recipes … for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!
June 22, 2017
Tacos are one of my favorite meals. Not only are they suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but there are so many different varieties. Not just the flavorless ground beef and oil-laden tortilla shells of yesteryear, today’s tacos are full of variety, nutrition and flavor.
If you’re ready to expand your taco horizons, you’ll love this list of my 36 taco recipe favorites. Need a creative breakfast taco? You’ll find one. Haven’t tried tacos because you’re vegetarian? I’ve got you covered. And because condiments and toppings can be tricky, I’ve even included a section with some favorite homemade fixings.
If you have a grain restrictions, don’t forget that the best part about taco recipes is how easily you can tweak them to your lifestyle. Opt for homemade tortillas or grab a whole-grain or grain-free variety at the store. You can also use leafy greens as your tortilla: crunchy romaine lettuce, cabbage or nutrient-dense spinach make a great stand-in. There’s no wrong way to eat these tacos!
36 Taco Recipes
Breakfast Taco Recipes
1. Breakfast Flank Steak and Eggs with Guacamole
Steak and eggs get a taco twist in this recipe. With over-easy eggs, heart-healthy guacamole and handful of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this is a hearty taco recipe best served during weekend brunch.
Photo: Breakfast Flank Steak and Eggs With Guacamole / Going My Wayz
If you’ve never thought to add balsamic glaze to your breakfast, this taco recipe will make you wonder why you’ve waited so long. You’ll drizzle it atop of scrambled eggs, micro-greens and homemade maple-glazed bacon (use beef or turkey bacon). The tangy-sweet balsamic is the star of the meal, though. Make extra to keep on hand for other dishes.
Photo: Farmer’s Market Breakfast Tacos / Layers of Happiness
3. Huevos Rancheros Tacos
Better than the restaurant version, these veggie-friendly huevos rancheros are simple to make. After all, how could you go wrong with your favorite tortilla stuffed with homemade refried beans, fried eggs, green chilies, avocado and tomatoes? That’s right, you can’t. These are great for a breakfast-at-dinner meal, too.
Photo: Huevos Rancheros Tacos / Diethood
4. Kale, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Kale for breakfast? The ever-trendy green makes a delicious appearance in these fit-for-company morning tacos. Combined with antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes and filling black beans, this recipe will keep you full ’til lunch. Don’t skip the purple cabbage; it adds a terrific pop of color.
Photo: Kale, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos / A House in the Hills
5. Peaches and Cream Breakfast Tacos
These sweet tacos might be a little too indulgent for an everyday breakfast, but they’re terrific to serve on special mornings or as an evening snack/dessert hybrid. Fresh peaches pair perfectly with probiotic-rich yogurt. I love the touch of cinnamon but would skip the added sugar.
6. Portobello & Lime Breakfast Tacos
If you find yourself struggling to get in your daily vegetable servings, these tacos are calling your name. Disease-fighting mushrooms, bell peppers and avocado (OK, they’re technically a fruit) are all present in this hearty breakfast taco recipe. Sprinkle cilantro and fresh lime juice, and you’ll be hitting your veggie quota with no problem.
7. Skinny Turkey Taco Breakfast Bowl
Who said brown rice and protein-packed quinoa are off limits for breakfast? This breakfast bowl gets in your favorite taco ingredients without the taco, perfect for gluten-free eaters. Make a big batch on Sunday and divvy it up throughout the week for a ready-made meal.
Photo: The Skinny Fork / Skinny Turkey Taco Breakfast Bowl
8. Smoked Salmon Breakfast Tacos
Salmon, one of my favorite brain foods, is the main ingredient in these creative tacos. The combination of ingredients transforms a seemingly basic recipe into a restaurant-worthy dish. Try these for dinner, too!
9. Taco Egg Muffin Cups
Give a whole new meaning to “egg mcmuffins.” Eggs form the “muffin” around these nifty little tacos that are packed with ground beef (use grass-fed beef), onions, black beans and tomatoes (go for fresh if you have ’em). These are great to make and eat on the go or freeze so there’s always a healthy breakfast on hand.
Photo: Inside BruCrew Life / Taco Egg Muffin
10. Vegan Crepe Tacos with Warm Spinach-Mushroom Filling
These crepes-turned-tacos are a protein powerhouse. The crepe/tacos are made from nutrition-rich chickpeas and split peas and then filled with mushrooms, spinach and leeks that have been sauteed in coconut oil. They’re easy to make, vegan and the crepe/tacos can be used as a shell for other tasty ingredients.
Photo: Blissful Basil/ Vegan Crepe Tacos With Warm Spinach-Mushroom Filling
Veggie-Friendly Taco Recipes
11. BBQ Cauliflower & Chickpea Tacos with a Creamy Lime Slaw
Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will love this taco recipe. Cauliflower and chickpeas are tossed in a homemade barbecue rub and baked while you prepare a creamy, tart lime dressing to drizzle over coleslaw. The flavors are refreshing and perfect for warmer evenings or for a potluck barbecue.
12. Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Cilantro-Lime Sauce
These satisfying tacos are so easy to make, they’d be a perfect way to get the kids in the kitchen. Warmed black beans and salsa topped with a creamy vegan avocado and cilantro-lime dressing and all your favorite taco toppings: dinner will be ready in just minutes.
Photo: The Garden Grazer / Black Bean Tacos With Cilantro-Lime Sauce
13. Black Bean, Zucchini & Corn Tacos
When you’re unsure about what to do with an abundance of nutritious zucchini, this taco recipe has your back. Jalapeno, cumin, garlic and chili powder mean it’s full of flavor and keeping it veggie means it’s not only good for your belly, but also your wallet. Don’t skip the queso fresco on top.
Photo: The Fit Fork / Black Bean, Zucchini & Corn Tacos
14. Quinoa Black Bean Tacos
Healthy, protein-rich quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, cilantro and lots of seasonings topped with fresh, benefit-laden avocado and sour cream? This easy-to-make recipe has got it all.
15. Raw Walnut Tacos
Reap the benefits of all the healthy nutrients found in walnuts with my own taco recipe. Grind them up in a food processor along with seasonings and serve in lettuce “taco” leaves. Serve with a Tex-Mex salad full of corn, black beans, avocado and cheese to get a complete and hearty meal.
Photo: Dr. Axe / Raw Walnut Tacos
16. Spaghetti Squash Tacos
If you’ve only used spaghetti squash recipes as a pasta substitute, get ready for a pleasant surprise. The “spaghetti” soaks up flavors really well, making it an excellent option for tossing with seasonings and fresh-squeezed lime juice. These tacos are filling without being heavy. Save time by cooking the squash in the morning and assembling the tacos in the evening.
Photo: Marin Mama Cooks / Spaghetti Squash Tacos
Fish Taco Recipes
17. Grilled Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa
I love simple, clean meals and this taco recipe fits the bill. Coat nutrition-rich salmon (wild-caught always!) with a flavorful rub and grill. While the fish is cooking, prepare the avocado salsa for a dose of healthy fats and lots of zest. Assemble and devour.
Photo: Cooking Classy / Grilled Salmon Tacos With Avocado Salsa
18. Paleo Fish Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw
“Crispy” doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. This fish is coated in coconut flour and lightly pan-fried in avocado oil for a fish taco that’s much tastier than what you’d get at a restaurant. Don’t miss the spicy cabbage slaw, either!
19. Salmon Tacos with Jalapeno Cream
These salmon tacos are wildly simple but so tasty. Sauteed salmon is nothing new, but the easy jalapeno cream takes this taco recipe to the next level. Prepare it by mixing sour cream with lime juice, jalapeno and salt. Serve with salsa and avocado slices and enjoy.
Meat Taco Recipes
20. Beef Taco Salad With Homemade Tortilla Bowls
Have your dinner and eat the bowl, too. You’ll brown ground beef into a juicy taco meat and serve it atop all the best Tex-Mex fixings, like beans, tomatoes, cilantro and cheese. But the best part is definitely the crunchy homemade tortilla bowls. Your kids will be begging for salad after trying this taco recipe!
Photo: Love and Olive Oil / Beef Taco Salad With Homemade Tortilla Bowls
21. Caribbean Chicken Tacos
Get some island flavor with these Caribbean chicken tacos. They’re ready in under 30 minutes and the fruity salsa, made with nutrition-loaded mango and pineapple, is fantastic. In fact, I’d double the salsa to use as a topping on crackers or other meats.
Photo: La Creme de la Crumb / Caribbean Chicken Tacos
22. Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
This taco recipe is one that’s made up of several recipes that are all insanely delicious on their own but when assembled together are just out of this world. Begin with a marinated chili-lime chicken. Add in a sweet and smoky pineapple salsa and a fresh avocado crema that’s got just the right amount of kick thanks to garlic powder, cumin and lime juice.
Photo: Carlsbad Cravings / Chili Lime Chicken With Grilled Pineapple Salsa
23. Crockpot Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
Get started in the morning and have dinner ready after work with these crockpot tacos. Thanks to the combination of salsa verde and honey, the chicken is perfectly sweet and spicy, though if you like your food with extra heat, you could skip the honey. Once it’s done, shred with two forks, stuff in a taco and heap on your favorite toppings. It’s dinner in minutes!
24. Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas Tacos
You can enjoy a carnitas-style meat sans pork with this chicken taco recipe. The meat is super tender from cooking for six to eight hours in orange and lime juices in the crockpot, then crisps up quickly underneath the broiler. This one’s a winner.
25. Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos
Continuing the trend of slow cooked tacos, this beef version is juicy and simple to make. Because it’s browned in a pan before being added to the slow cooker alongside garlic, beef stock and chipotle peppers, the meat is also packed with flavor. Save time for future meals and make some extra to use in your favorite recipes that call for shredded beef.
Photo: Gimme Some Oven / Slow-Cooker Shredded Beef
26. Taco Soup
A soup made with two pounds of bison? Sign me up. This taco soup is a family favorite when we want something hearty with a kick. It’s a cross between chili and tacos that I know you’ll love.
Photo: Dr. Axe / Taco Soup
27. Taco-Stuffed Peppers
When you tired of tortilla shells, fresh peppers are there for you. The vegetable stays crisp while you stuff it with your favorite ground meat and taco fillings and then top it with melted cheese. Plus, no tortilla means more room for dessert!
28. 30-Minute Healthy Taco Casserole
If you’re like me, the word “casserole” can bring up images of canned soups and flavorless chicken. But this taco version will completely change your mind. Made with brown rice (you could also sub in quinoa), lean ground beef, beans, olives and your favorite salsa, you’ll get a nutritious casserole that tastes as good as it looks.
Photo: Chew Out Loud / 30-Minute Healthy Taco Casserole
29. Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
When you want to lighten up dinner, these lettuce wraps are a terrific idea. They don’t skimp on flavor and can be easily tweaked to your family’s tastes. To get even more nutritional benefits, opt for romaine lettuce instead of iceberg.
Photo: Skinnytaste / Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
30. Turkey Taco Zucchini Boats
Add an extra dose of veggies to your normal taco recipe by serving in a zucchini boat! The kids will love how fun they are to eat and you’ll love sneaking in some more greens.
Taco Fixings
31. Best Ever, Super Easy Salsa
Skip the jarred salsa from the store and make this homemade version instead. It’s ready in just 10 minutes and is bursting with fresh flavor. Use it on tacos, serve alongside veggies or just scoop it up solo.
Photo: The Cafe Sucre / Best Ever, Super Easy Salsa
32. Creamy Chipotle Sauce
With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a chipotle sauce that will add a kick of spice to tacos, burritos and more. And because it’s made from Greek or coconut yogurt, you’ll also get a dash of probiotics, too.
33. Easy Guacamole Recipe
What’s a taco without guacamole? Get a dose of healthy fats with my easy recipe. You’ll want to add this to everything!
Photo: Dr. Axe / Easy Guacamole Recipe
34. Healthy Zucchini Soft Taco Tortilla Shells
Tired of your basic tortillas? Give your tacos a nutritional upgrade with these awesome shells made from zucchini.
Photo: White On Rice Couple / Healthy Zucchini Soft Taco Shells
35. Homemade Taco Seasoning
Say no to the taco seasoning packets at the supermarket that are loaded with sodium and preservatives and make your own instead. This DIY taco seasoning combines the spices you already have into a homemade taco seasoning. Customize it to fit your tastes.
36. Homemade Whole-Wheat Tortilla Shells
Tired of purchasing tortilla shells? Save money and make your own in just minutes with only five ingredients. Served fresh, these will take your tacos to the next level. Make an extra batch and freeze them — they’re great for pizzas, homemade tortilla chips and more.
Photo: Cheap Recipe Blog / Homemade Whole-Wheat Tortilla Shells
