For a hit at the dinner table, try one of our best tacos (or taco-inspired handhelds), overflowing with tender meat, zippy salsa, crumbly cheese and more.
Our Absolute Best Taco Recipes
Updated on Aug. 28, 2024
Grilled Beef and Blue Cheese Tacos
Everyone loves the tangy sauce that goes with these sizzling steak tacos. For an authentic feel, I like to wrap the tortillas in foil and steam them while the steak and onions are cooking. —Lois Szydlowski, Tampa, Florida
1/39
2/39
Birria Tacos
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Birria tacos have gained traction all over social media. If you haven’t seen them yet, they’re juicy tacos loaded with a brothy red sauce and tender shredded meat. What a treat! —Erika Sanchez, La Habra, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 370 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
3/39
Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can’t beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we’ve had—and we’ve tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 282 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
4/39
Quick Tacos al Pastor
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/39
Fish Tacos with Guacamole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fish tacos are my new favorite thing—lighter and healthier than beef tacos smothered in cheese. Try adding tomatoes, green onions and chopped jalapeno on top. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 308 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
6/39
Chicken Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
7/39
Mushroom Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting it with portobello mushrooms turned it into my family’s vegetarian favorite. It’s quick, nutritious, low-fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 300 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
8/39
Brisket Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with frijoles, tostadas, salsas and huge bowls of salad. Brisket was the dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
9/39
Lentil Tacos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/39
Green Chile Shredded Pork
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork green chili made in the slow cooker always makes my hungry family happy. Getting creative with the leftovers is part of the fun. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled tortillas (calculated without optional toppings): 559 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1032mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 42g protein.
11/39
Easy Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
12/39
Thai Chicken Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired by a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, this recipe is an awesome way to use leftover chicken. If you have a little extra time, let the carrot and cucumber marinate in some rice vinegar before taco time. —Melissa Halonen, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 434 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
13/39
Baja Pork Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 320 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
14/39
Cilantro Beef Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have leftover steak, it’s time to make cilantro tacos. Set out bowls of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado and salsa. That’s a fiesta. —Patti Rose, Tinley Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without toppings): 451 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 884mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
15/39
Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy butternut squash makes such a great base for these vegetarian tacos. I’m always looking for quick and nutritious weeknight dinners for my family. These fit the bill and are so delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 353 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 13g fiber), 11g protein.
16/39
Taco Salad Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was making tacos one night and noticed I was out of spicy taco sauce. Using a combination of spices and fat-free Catalina salad dressing saved our family taco night. —Cheryl Plainte, Prudenville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calulated without cheese and sour cream): 334 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
17/39
Carne Adovada Sopes
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I call this "dude food," as my husband and son would eat this weekly. The tender pork is great. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sope with 1/2 cup pork mixture (calculated without optional toppings): 423 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
18/39
Grilled Pork Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family raves about this moist pork with smoked paprika and pineapple. I dish it up next to brown rice and a salad of avocado and tomatoes. —E. Gelesky, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco with 1/4 cup salsa: 383 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 medium-fat meat.
19/39
Spicy Corned Beef Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using leftovers in new and exciting ways is my personal cooking challenge. These fun tacos take my favorite Reuben ingredients and turn them into something totally different—and completely delicious. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 621 calories, 39g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1606mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
20/39
Cod Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 506 calories, 38g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 852mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
21/39
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 393 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
22/39
Feta Shrimp Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without avocado): 443 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
23/39
Chicken Chalupa
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chalupa: 206 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/39
Summer Garden Fish Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 278 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
25/39
Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I'll substitute Bibb lettuce leaves for the tortillas to make crunchy lettuce wraps instead of tacos. —Kathleen Wolf Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 310 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
26/39
Taco Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 310 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
27/39
Tasty Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A taco seasoning made from scratch with pantry staples deliciously jazzes up ground beef, turning Tuesday night into an all-out fiesta. Add your favorite toppings, and dinner is served! —Rebecca Levesque, St. George, New Brunswick
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without optional toppings): 306 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
28/39
The Ultimate Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/39
Black Bean Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat meatless meals a few times a week, so I replaced the beef with nutty brown rice to bulk up these tacos. Sometimes I also like to swap in quinoa for the rice. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 10g fiber), 17g protein.
Also check out how to make a build-your-own taco board everyone will love.
30/39
Heavenly Greek Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made these, my fiance and I were in heaven! I don’t think I’ve ever said “mmm” so many times. —Meagan Jensen, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 561 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 41g protein.
31/39
Slow-Cooked Carnitas
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. —Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 carnita (calculated without optional toppings): 363 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
32/39
Texas Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of taco ingredients that my kids like. Once it’s ready, I often keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker so the kids can quickly fill taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 294 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
33/39
Fish Tacos
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A cool sauce with just a bit of zing tops these breaded fish tacos (that are actually healthy!). This recipe is a delicious guilt-free dish that doesn't break the bank. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 190 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
34/39
Vegetarian Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 16g fiber), 17g protein.
35/39
Mango-Pineapple Chicken Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I lived in the Caribbean when I was a child. Every time I make this yummy chicken, the fresh tropical fruits in it transport me back to those happy times.—Lissa Nelson, Provo, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 246 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 51 mg cholesterol, 582 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate (10 g sugars, 2 g fiber), 21 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
36/39
Pinto Bean Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ready-to-go pinto beans and crispy corn tortillas prove how easy it is to make a healthy meal. Chili powder kicks up the fun, making this a popular pick for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 291 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
37/39
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
38/39
Veggie Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 430 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
39/39
Zesty Chicken Soft Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve made these tacos with corn and flour tortillas, but naan flatbread is our favorite. Set out toppings and let people make their own. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 420 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
