38 Recipes That Start with a Packet of Taco Seasoning

Updated on Sep. 17, 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.

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Baja Pork Tacos 

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

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Taco Skillet Pizza with Cornbread Crust

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 329 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.

Try this recipe with our homemade taco seasoning mix.

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Tex-Mex Chicken Strips

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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

Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked chicken: 258 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.

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Cowboy Beans

Total Time 4 hours 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 340 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 12g fiber), 21g protein.

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Quick Taco Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 232 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
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Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 chimichanga: 294 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.

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Taco Chili

Total Time 6 hours 30 min
Servings 10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.

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Taco Burgers

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 418 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
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Tex-Mex Grain Bowl

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 345 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
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Chicken Taco Pockets

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 pocket: 393 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
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Easy Taco Cups

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 2 taco cups: 291 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
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Weeknight Turkey Tortilla Soup

Total Time 1 hour 30 min
Servings 8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 144 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 846mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
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Tacos on a Stick

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 277 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Steak Burritos

Total Time 8 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 burrito: 339 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
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Mango Jalapeno Sloppy Joe Sliders

Total Time 35 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 443 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
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Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken

Total Time 15 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1107mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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Nacho Triangles with Salsa-Ranch Dipping Sauce

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 77 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup

Total Time 3 hours 10 min
Servings 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 304 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein.
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Taco Tater Skins

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 153 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.

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Nacho Tots

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.

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Taco-Filled Pasta Shells

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 2 shells: 492 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
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Lentil Taco Cups

Total Time 40 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco cup: 215 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
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Easy 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.
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Air-Fryer Taquitos

Total Time 35 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love these any-occasion appetizers. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos, if desired. &mash; Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
Nutrition Facts: 1 taquito: 168 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
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Taco Meatball Ring

Total Time 45 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 203 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
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Taco Mac

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 465 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1413mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup chips with about 1 tablespoon dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
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Fiesta Pinwheels

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 59 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

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Nacho Casserole

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 477 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.

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Taco Meatball Ring

Total Time 45 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 203 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.

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Taco Salad for a Large Crowd

Total Time 35 min
Servings 26 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 262 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.

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Cornbread Taco Bake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 541 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.

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Air-Fryer Fiesta Chicken Fingers

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 676 calories, 36g fat (6g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1431mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.

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Ground Beef Taco Dip

Total Time 20 min
Servings 24 servings
From the Recipe Creator: What's a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.

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Baked Beef Tacos

Total Time 35 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco with 1/4 cup bean mixture: 277 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
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Southwest Chicken Barley Chowder

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Skillet Nachos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 676 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1293mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
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Taco Pasta Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. —Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, WI
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 624 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1454mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.