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30 Minute(ish) Weeknight Dinner Tacos

These tacos can be vegetarian or meat-eater friendly. Depending on the ingredients, they're really fast and perfect for a week night!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Servings 12 tacos

Ingredients
  

Choose a filling

  • 2 15 ounce cans beans, about 4 cups (I prefer pinto or black)
  • or 1 pound of meat/soy meat either ground or finely chopped

Choose Flavors For Your Filling

  • diced canned or fresh hot peppers
  • smoked paprika
  • cayenne powder
  • onions or onion powder
  • garlic or garlic powder
  • chili powder
  • oregano
  • salt
  • cumin

Choose Taco Toppings

  • tomatoes
  • shredded cheese
  • thinly sliced lettuce
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • salsa or hot sauce
  • avocado/guacamole

Instructions
 

  • Choose a Holder For Your Filling
  • 12 taco shells or soft tortillas (you can do more or fewer, depending on how full you like them and how many you want to eat, but I find that a box of 12 shells works well for 2 meals for Brian and I)
  • OR you could make a taco salad by placing the toppings atop a bed of lettuce

The basic guidelines:

  • Cook protein - If you’re using meat, it needs to be cooked through which could result in this recipe taking a bit longer. I almost always use beans, so I just cook them until they’re heated through.
  • Add seasonings/flavors - A couple minutes after adding the protein to the pan, I add my seasons. I don’t really measure anymore, but I always include the ingredients I listed above. If a lack of recipe freaks you out, try this DIY taco seasoning.
  • Prep other toppings - As the protein cooks, prepare your other toppings. This is when I slice my tomatoes, shred my lettuce and cheese and get out the sour cream. Check your protein occasionally and give it a good stir. If you’re still prepping fillings when your protein is done, turn the stovetop to low and continue to stir once in a while.
  • Warm your tortillas - Whether you’re using hard or soft tortillas, they’ll taste better warm. Commercial tortillas include instructions for getting them ready, I usually warm my tortillas in a preheated 325 degree oven for 6-7 minutes.
  • Fill, serve and enjoy!