Easy 5 Taco Tuesday Recipes So Yummy Your Grandkids Will Think You’re a Master Chef

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Taco Tuesday makes busy weeknights easier and a lot more fun. It’s one night you don’t have to wonder what to make—and your grandkids will actually eat it!

Here’s my secret: if you learn one simple taco seasoning recipe (my favorite is below), you can turn almost anything into a taco. I’ve also shared some of my go-to taco recipes: shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, fish tacos, and good old beef tacos.

With these quick and tasty ideas, Tuesday night is taken care of. You can go from “Grandma, I’m hungry!” to dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

1. Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

Taco Tuesday is even better when you have your own taco seasoning ready to go! Instead of using store-bought packets, you can make your own mix just the way your family likes it—mild or spicy.

This recipe lets you make a big batch, about the same as 10 store-bought packs. If your little ones don’t like too much spice, just use half the chili powder to start.

Use this mix with ground beef, chicken, shrimp, tofu, or veggies. You can even sprinkle it on pasta or popcorn for a fun twist!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (use less for mild spice)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dry minced onion
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon ground oregano

Directions:

1. Put all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well with a spoon or whisk.
3. Store the seasoning in a container with a tight lid.
4. Keep it in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months.

2. Easy Shrimp Tacos

This shrimp taco recipe is quick, tasty, and great for warm weather. The best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes from start to finish! The recipe below serves four people, but you can double it if you’re feeding more or want leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound medium shrimp (thawed and peeled)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 to 10 medium flour tortillas

Toppings (optional):
Sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or cilantro. Feel free to add anything that your family, especially your grandkids, love.

Directions:

1. If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them by running them under warm water.
2. Peel the shrimp and remove the tails.
3. While the shrimp thaw, prepare your taco toppings.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the shrimp and all the spices.
6. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Fill the tortillas with shrimp and your favorite toppings. Serve right away!

3. Quick Chicken Tacos

This easy chicken taco recipe is great for busy nights or when you have guests over. It only takes 5 minutes to get ready and 15 minutes to cook. Dinner can be on the table in just 20 minutes!

It also includes a quick Pico de Gallo recipe you can use for other meals too.

Chicken Taco Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas

Pico de Gallo Ingredients:

• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped tomato
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, chopped (remove seeds)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, add the chicken, spices, olive oil, garlic, and lime juice. Mix everything well.
2. Heat a large pan on high. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
3. Take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then cut it into small cubes.
4. While the chicken is cooking, make the Pico de Gallo. Just stir all the ingredients together in a bowl.
5. Warm the tortillas over a stove flame or in a pan until lightly charred.
6. Fill each tortilla with chicken, Pico de Gallo, and any other toppings you like.

4. Fast and Tasty Fish Tacos

Fish tacos make a quick and yummy dinner, perfect for a busy night. You can use cod, tilapia, halibut, or any white fish—fresh or frozen. Just pan-cook the fish in a skillet and serve it with a crunchy cabbage slaw. This recipe takes only 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of white fish (cod, tilapia, halibut, or your favorite)
• 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder (enough to coat the fish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

For the Tacos:

• ½ head red cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Make the taco sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth.
2. Make the cabbage slaw: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cabbage with 3 tablespoons of the taco sauce. Stir to coat.
3. Warm the tortillas: You can heat them in the microwave with a damp towel or warm them in a dry skillet.
4. Cook the fish: Sprinkle both sides with salt and chili powder. Rub it in so it sticks.
5. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
6. Cook the fish for about 2 minutes on each side, until it flakes easily.
7. Assemble the tacos: Add pieces of fish to each tortilla. Top with taco sauce, cabbage slaw, avocado, radish, green onion, and cilantro.

5. Easy Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a big hit with kids—and adults love them too! This recipe from Spend with Pennies is quick, tasty, and easy to make.

You can keep the filling mild for the kids and add more spice for the grown-ups. The best part? Everyone can pick their favorite toppings!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ⅔ cup water
• 8 hard taco shells
• Your favorite toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, etc.)

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink.
2. Drain any extra fat from the pan.
3. Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water to the beef.
4. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens.
5. While the beef cooks, preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Place the taco shells on a tray and bake them for 5 minutes, until warm.
7. Fill the taco shells with the beef mixture and your favorite toppings.

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