Taco Night Ideas: Easy Dinners and Fun Twists

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We have some kind of “Taco Tuesday” every week, but it doesn’t have to mean the same dinner every time. I like to keep it interesting with a new taco filling, a casserole, a pot of soup (rarely), or a fun twist like a crunchwrap or taco braid.

Taco Night Ideas collage of shredded beef tacos, shrimp, crunchwrap, burrito bake, taco soup, corn salad, Mexican rice and taquitos

This roundup gathers taco night ideas from my kitchen (and there are a lot because I LOVE these flavors): classic tacos, baked dinners, and the sides and toppings that make the meal feel complete.

Taco Fillings and Classic Taco-Style Dinners

If you’re putting out tortillas, start here. These recipes cover beef, chicken, pork, and shrimp, plus a salsa verde chicken that’s delicious with rice or warm tortillas.

Crockpot Express Shredded Beef Tacos

Using just 5 ingredients, this easy shredded beef is a simple way to change up Taco Tuesday.

Get the recipe for Crockpot Express Shredded Beef Tacos

Southwest BBQ Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos topped with fried onion strings and a creamy BBQ ranch sauce.

Get the recipe for Southwest BBQ Chicken Tacos

Cuban Pork Tacos

Cuban Pork Tacos are an easy weeknight dinner! They are absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked, and a fun mix up for those regular Taco Tuesdays.

Get the recipe for Cuban Pork Tacos

close up shot of taco shells holding pork and other toppings with lime wedges as garnish

Sweet and Spicy Shrimp

Spice up Taco Tuesday with an easy Sweet and Spicy Shrimp sheet pan dinner that's ready in minutes!

Get the recipe for Sweet and Spicy Shrimp

sweet and spicy shrimp with tortillas, cabbage, lime wedges and corn salsa

Salsa Verde Chicken

Try this Crockpot Express Salsa Verde Chicken—a blend of tangy, vibrant, and Mexican-inspired flavors packed into every bite!

Get the recipe for Salsa Verde Chicken

chicken thigh with red and yellow peppers on platter

Fun Twists on Taco Night

Not every taco night has to mean assembling a stack of shells. These are the dinners to make when you want the same flavors in a slightly different package: crunchy, baked, or piled onto chips.

Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme

Skip the drive-thru line and make your own Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme at home! Layers of taco meat, cheese, fresh veggies, sauce and a crunchy shell make this a family favorite.

Get the recipe for Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme

copycat crunchwrap supreme opened to show center filling

Easy Taco Braid

Spice up taco night in your house with an Easy Taco Braid! Stuffed full of delicious taco meat and creamy, melted cheese, it's a great twist on a classic.

Get the recipe for Easy Taco Braid

whole cooked taco braid on a sheet pan, topped with lettuce and tomatoes

Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Filled with a creamy flavorful sauce, chicken and cheese, Creamy Chicken Taquitos are an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

Get the recipe for Creamy Chicken Taquitos

closeup of taquitos with chicken and cheese coming out the ends

Easy Beef Quesadillas

Easy beef and cheese quesadillas that come together in minutes.

Get the recipe for Easy Beef Quesadillas

Pulled Pork Nachos

Quick pulled pork nachos piled with plenty of flavor for a fun snack or dinner.

Get the recipe for Pulled Pork Nachos

Casseroles, Pies, and Enchiladas

When you need something you can slide into the oven and serve in scoops or slices, these are the ones to reach for. They’re especially handy on busy weeknights, when you want taco flavor without setting up a full taco bar.

If you’d rather use the pressure cooker, there’s also a Crockpot Express Taco Pie with layers of tortillas, taco meat, beans, and cheese. And when you need dinner in about 30 minutes, Chicken Enchilada Puffs are a quick baked option.

Easy Burrito Bake

With just 6 ingredients (plus whatever toppings you love) this Easy Burrito Bake is the perfect meal for busy families!

Get the recipe for Easy Burrito Bake

slice of easy burrito bake topped with lettuce, tomatoes and peppers

Creamy Taco Pasta Bake

A delicious weeknight dinner that feeds a hungry family without breaking the bank!

Get the recipe for Creamy Taco Pasta Bake

Cheesy Tex-Mex Casserole

This Tex-Mex casserole is an easy, family-friendly dinner packed with seasoned meat, beans, melty cheese, and just the right amount of spice.

Get the recipe for Cheesy Tex-Mex Casserole

close up of tex mex casserole and tortilla chips on a plate with casserole in the background

Chicken Tamale Pie

A sweet corn cake topped with enchilada sauce, chicken and cheese, Chicken Tamale Pie is a family favorite!

Get the recipe for Chicken Tamale Pie

Sour Cream Enchiladas

Creamy and delicious, these sour cream enchiladas are a family favorite. The flavors are mild and kid-friendly and they make great leftovers!

Get the recipe for Sour Cream Enchiladas

Taco-Inspired Soups

A pot of soup is an easy way to get those same flavors on a busy or chilly night, and both of these recipes make great leftovers. Serve them with chips or warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Taco Soup

A quick and easy recipe that's perfect for freezing, Crockpot Express Taco Soup is sure to be a family favorite!

Get the recipe for Taco Soup

closeup of bowl of taco soup topped with cheese, sour cream and cilantro

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a healthy option for lunch or dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor! Make it in the slow cooker, pressure cooker or on the stove top.

Get the recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup

top down view of soup bowl and crispy tortillas strips

Sides, Salsas, and Toppings

No taco night is complete without the extras. Mix up a jar of homemade taco seasoning, add a fresh pico or a creamy cilantro lime drizzle, and put rice and beans on the table.

Crockpot Express Cilantro Lime Rice is another side option, especially with the Cuban pork. If you’re grilling, Grilled Pineapple Salsa is a great topping for carne asada or tacos, and Texas Caviar is an easy make-ahead bean salad to set out with chips.

Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning

Control the level of spice and the quality of ingredients by making your own Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning. It's simple and cost effective!

Get the recipe for Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning

Easy Pico de Gallo

Start with canned diced tomatoes to make this Easy Pico de Gallo. It's the perfect addition to any Mexican dish.

Get the recipe for Easy Pico de Gallo

Cilantro Lime Sauce

This creamy avocado-based Cilantro Lime Sauce is smooth, tangy, and full of fresh flavor

Get the recipe for Cilantro Lime Sauce

spoonful of sauce over a glass jar with cilantro and avocado in the background

Mexican Corn Salad

This Mexican Corn Salad is a perfect blend of charred and fresh elements, with a zesty lime dressing that ties everything together.

Get the recipe for Mexican Corn Salad

close up on white bowl of roasted corn salsa with chips for dipping

Crockpot Express Mexican Rice

The perfect side dish for tacos or burritos, Crockpot Express Mexican Rice is quick and easy to make!

Get the recipe for Crockpot Express Mexican Rice

Crockpot Refried Beans

These Crockpot Refried Beans are SO good (even if they aren’t actually “re-fried.” Make them in the slow cooker or the pressure cooker and the whole house smells amazing!

Get the recipe for Crockpot Refried Beans