Taco-Inspired Dinners That’ll Shake Up Your Weeknight Routine

Taco-inspired dinners are a fun way to bring bold flavors to your weeknights without much hassle. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and great for using what you already have on hand. From classic fillings to new combinations, there’s plenty to explore.

These recipes go beyond the usual taco shell—think casseroles, stuffed peppers, taco bowls, and more. You can mix and match proteins, veggies, and toppings to suit your taste or whatever’s in the fridge. It’s a flexible way to keep dinner interesting.

They’re also great for quick meals, feeding a crowd, or prepping ahead. Whether you like things spicy, cheesy, or loaded with fresh toppings, these dinners bring a lot of flavor with minimal effort.

Salmon for Tacos

This is a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy fish that’s not too heavy. The salmon cooks up quickly with just a few spices and pairs perfectly with a simple slaw or avocado. It’s a solid option when you’re in the mood for something light but filling. Great for weeknights when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salmon for Tacos

Smash Burger Tacos

If you like burgers and you like tacos, this mash-up hits all the right notes. The beef is cooked thin and crispy, just like a smash burger, then folded into a tortilla with melty cheese and classic burger toppings. It’s quick, fun to make, and super satisfying without the fuss of a bun.
Get the Recipe: Smash Burger Tacos

Taco Pasta Salad

Cold pasta, taco flavors, and crunchy veggies come together in one bowl—perfect for picnics or meal prep. It’s got that cool-meets-hearty balance and holds up well in the fridge. Toss in whatever extras you’ve got, like beans or olives, and it still works.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Sweet Potato Tacos

These bring a nice change of pace, especially if you’re skipping meat. Roasted sweet potatoes add natural flavor and pair well with toppings like black beans, avocado, or chipotle mayo. They’re cozy but still fresh, and they fit into just about any weeknight lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Taco Stuffed Peppers

Stuffing bell peppers with taco-seasoned meat and rice makes for a hearty meal that also happens to look great on the plate. It’s a nice swap when you want something different from tortillas but still crave those familiar flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

Got leftover taco meat? Stir it into pasta with a cheesy sauce and call it a win. It’s quick, comforting, and makes great use of what’s already in your fridge. No need to measure too much—just mix, heat, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

Spicy Salmon for Tacos

This version brings the heat in the best way. A simple spice rub or glaze adds a kick to the salmon, and it works really well with crisp toppings like cabbage or radish. Perfect when you want something bold but still easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salmon for Tacos

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Rockfish grills beautifully, holding its shape while soaking up seasoning. Toss it into a tortilla with a squeeze of lime and whatever crunchy toppings you like. It’s a fresh option for summer evenings or anytime you’re craving something a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Chicken Taco Soup

This one’s warm, cozy, and full of flavor without being too heavy. It uses pantry staples and comes together with minimal effort, especially if you’ve got leftover chicken. Top with cheese, chips, or sour cream for an easy meal in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Soup

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Leftover steak gets a second life with these simple soft tacos. Warm it up, slice thin, and pile it onto tortillas with your favorite toppings. It’s a smart, quick way to make the most of yesterday’s dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Taco Casserole

Everything you love about tacos, just baked into one dish. Layered with meat, cheese, and maybe some chips or tortillas, it’s easy to assemble and feeds a crowd. This is a go-to when you need something hearty and low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Taco Rice Skillet

One pan, simple ingredients, and tons of flavor. This skillet meal mixes rice, taco-seasoned meat, and veggies—easy to customize with what you’ve got. It’s great for busy nights or meal prep that actually holds up.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Keto Cheese Taco Shells

When you want something low-carb, this cheesy swap makes taco night feel like it’s still on track. The shells crisp up in the oven and give you that crunch without using tortillas. Fill them with your usual go-tos, and they hold up surprisingly well.
Get the Recipe: Keto Cheese Taco Shells

Shrimp Tacos

Quick to cook and full of flavor, shrimp makes taco night feel a bit special. You can go spicy, smoky, or citrusy depending on your mood. Works great with slaw, a drizzle of crema, and a squeeze of lime.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Spicy Tofu Tacos

These are bold, flavorful, and definitely not boring. The tofu gets crisp and seasoned with just the right amount of heat. Add crunchy veggies or pickled onions for contrast, and you’ve got a great plant-based option that actually fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Taco meat, cheese, and crispy tots all baked into one big dish—it’s as easy as it sounds. Great for feeding a group or making ahead for busy nights. Bonus: leftovers reheat well.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos

These pack a lot of flavor in a small bite. Crispy wonton shells filled with saucy chicken and crunchy slaw make for a fun, lighter take on traditional tacos. They’re great for sharing—or not.
Get the Recipe: Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Set it and forget it—this recipe is all about convenience. Just toss in your ingredients and come back to perfectly seasoned, tender chicken. It’s great for busy days when you still want something homemade.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

A few ingredients, a slow cooker, and you’re set. This soup has all the flavors of tacos in a comforting, sippable form. Add chips, avocado, or cheese on top to finish it off.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Brisket Tacos

Tender, slow-cooked brisket brings a rich, savory flavor that works beautifully in tacos. It’s a great choice for weekends or gatherings, especially if you’ve got leftovers to use up. A little pickled onion or creamy slaw makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Tacos

Chicken Fajita Casserole

All the good stuff from chicken fajitas, baked in one dish. Peppers, onions, and chicken come together with melted cheese for a low-fuss, high-flavor meal. Easy to serve with rice, tortillas, or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole