Taco Tuesday Dinner Ideas That Aren’t Mashed Potatoes

Well hello there, my little taco-loving compadres! It’s your favorite food blogger extraordinaire here, ready to blow your minds with some taco tuesday dinner ideas that are so far from mashed potatoes, they’re not even in the same solar system. I mean, don’t get me wrong, mashed potatoes are great and all. If you enjoy eating flavorless piles of mushy blandness. But this is TACO TUESDAY we’re talking about! The one day of the week where we celebrate the glory that is the almighty taco in all its forms. And I don’t know about you, but in my book, tacos and mashed potatoes go together about as well as peanut butter and motor oil.

So strap in, grab a cerveza (or seven), and get ready for some taco tuesday dinner ideas that will make your abuela proud. And I promise, not a single one of them involves boiling innocent potatoes into submission. Let’s do this!

Idea #1: Spaghetti Tacos

I know what you’re thinking. “Spaghetti? In a TACO? What kind of unholy abomination is this?!” Well first of all, rude. Second of all, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! Just imagine – tender strands of pasta, tangled together with zesty tomato sauce and spicy chorizo, all nestled inside a warm, crispy taco shell. It’s like Lady and the Tramp meets Taco Bell, and let me tell you, it’s a love story for the ages.

Ingredients:

• Taco shells (or soft tortillas if you’re a wimp)
• Spaghetti noodles
• Tomato sauce (homemade or from a jar, I don’t judge)
• Chorizo sausage
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• A sense of adventure

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Or just throw them at the wall and see what sticks. It’s all going in a taco anyway.
2. While noodles are cooking, brown the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat. Try not to drool directly into the pan.
3. Add tomato sauce to the chorizo and let simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Feel free to add some extra spices if you’re feeling wild – I like to throw in a pinch of cumin and chili powder for some extra oomph.
4. Drain spaghetti noodles and add them to the sauce mixture. Toss until well coated.
5. Spoon spaghetti mixture into taco shells and top with shredded cheese, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
6. Take a moment to marvel at the beautiful monstrosity you’ve created. Then shove it in your face hole and enjoy the heck out of it.

See? I told you it would be delicious. And not a mashed potato in sight. Your welcome.

Idea #2: Taco Salad (But Not the Kind Your Grandma Makes)

Okay, I know taco salad is kind of a cop-out when it comes to taco tuesday dinner ideas. It’s like the participation trophy of Mexican cuisine. But hear me out – this isn’t your grandma’s sad, wilted iceberg lettuce and crushed tortilla chip concoction. Oh no no no. This is a taco salad that will make you question everything you thought you knew about salads. And life in general.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, arugula, whatever floats your boat)
• Seasoned taco meat (ground beef, turkey, or even tofu if you’re one of “those” people)
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla strips
• Cilantro lime dressing (recipe below)
• A healthy disregard for traditional salad norms

Instructions:

1. Brown your meat of choice in a skillet over medium heat. Season with taco seasoning mix (or make your own blend like the overachiever you are).
2. While meat is cooking, assemble your salad base by tossing together mixed greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado in a large bowl.
3. Once meat is cooked through, let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad mixture.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese and tortilla strips over the top of the salad.
5. Whip up a quick batch of cilantro lime dressing by combining the following in a blender:
   • 1/2 cup olive oil
   • Juice of 2 limes
   • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
   • 1 clove garlic
   • 1 tsp honey
   • Salt and pepper to taste
6. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss until well coated.
7. Devour salad while questioning all your life choices up until this moment.

See? Taco salad doesn’t have to be boring. And it definitely doesn’t have to involve mashed potatoes. I mean, can you imagine? Ew.

Idea #3: Taco Pizza I know, I know. Tacos? Good. Pizza? Gooood. But tacos AND pizza? Together? Mind. Blown. This taco pizza is the ultimate fusion of two of the greatest foods known to mankind. It’s like if tacos and pizza had a baby, and that baby grew up to be a supermodel astronaut who also cured cancer. Yeah, it’s that good.

Ingredients:

• Pre-made pizza crust (or make your own if you’re a masochist)
• Refried beans
• Seasoned taco meat
• Shredded cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• A willingness to break free from the shackles of culinary conformity

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Or just throw the pizza directly onto the sun. Whatever works.
2. Spread a layer of refried beans over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
3. Top beans with a layer of seasoned taco meat.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat, followed by diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.
5. Bake pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Or don’t, if you enjoy the taste of molten lava.
7. Drizzle sour cream and salsa over the top of the pizza.
8. Slice into wedges and serve hot, with a side of shame for betraying your loyal taco and pizza lovers.

But trust me, one bite of this taco pizza and all will be forgiven. It’s just that dang good.

Idea #4: Walking Tacos

Walking tacos, AKA tacos in a bag, AKA the ultimate in portable taco goodness. These beauties are perfect for when you’re on the go, or just too lazy to dirty a plate. Plus, they’re customizable AF, so even your pickiest eaters will be happy. And the best part? No mashed potatoes required.

Ingredients:

• Individual bags of Fritos or Doritos
• Seasoned taco meat
• Shredded cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Any other taco toppings your heart desires
• A complete disregard for societal norms around eating out of a bag

Instructions:

1. Cook up a batch of your favorite seasoned taco meat. Ground beef, turkey, chorizo, tofu crumbles – the world is your oyster. Or your taco, I guess.
2. Crush up the chips in their individual bags, leaving them slightly chunky for some crunch.
3. Open bags and spoon in a generous helping of taco meat.
4. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and whatever else your heart desires. Go nuts.
5. Grab a fork (or just use your hands like the animal you are) and dig in.
6. Try not to make direct eye contact with anyone while eating, lest they judge you for your life choices.

Walking tacos may not be the classiest meal out there, but damn if they aren’t delicious. And portable. And customizable. Okay, I’m starting to talk myself into making these for dinner tonight.

Idea #5: Taco Stuffed Avocados

Avocados: they’re not just for millennial toast anymore! These taco stuffed avocados are the perfect marriage of healthy fats and unhealthy amounts of cheese. Plus, they’re like little edible bowls, which means less dishes to wash. Win-win.

Ingredients:

• Avocados
• Seasoned taco meat
• Shredded cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime juice
• Sour cream (optional)
• Salsa (optional)
• A love for all things green and trendy

Instructions:

1. Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove pits. Scoop out a little bit of the avocado flesh to make room for the taco filling.
2. Brush avocado halves with lime juice to prevent browning. Or don’t, if you like your avocados looking like they’ve been left out in the sun for a week.
3. Spoon seasoned taco meat into the avocado cavities.
4. Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
5. Place avocado halves on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and top with sour cream and salsa, if desired.
7. Eat with a fork and knife like a fancy pants, or just pick ’em up and shove ’em in your face like the taco savage you are.

These taco stuffed avocados are like a fiesta in your mouth. A fiesta that’s good for your heart, thanks to all those healthy monounsaturated fats. So go ahead, eat your fill. Your taste buds (and your cardiologist) will thank you.

Conclusion

Well folks, there you have it. Five taco tuesday dinner ideas that are so far from mashed potatoes, they might as well be on another planet. From spaghetti tacos to taco pizza to walking tacos and beyond, these recipes prove that when it comes to tacos, the possibilities are endless.

So next time taco tuesday rolls around, ditch the boring old mashed potatoes and try something new. Your taste buds (and your Instagram followers) will thank you. And if anyone gives you grief about your unorthodox taco choices, just tell them to shove it. Or better yet, make them try a bite. They’ll be singing a different tune in no time.

Until next time, my taco-loving friends. May your tortillas always be warm, your salsa always be spicy, and your guac always be extra. Adios!