Tacos and taco bowls have long been a firm favorite among fans of Mexican cuisine. With a wide variety of flavors and textures to please all tastes, you’ll never be stuck for inspiration when tacos are on the menu. That’s why Carolina® Rice is here to provide you with the recipes you need to take your taco game to the next level! So, let’s get cooking!
Staple Ingredients for Tacos and Taco Bowls
Having the right ingredients at hand is important for maximizing the potential of your taco dishes. To get the ball rolling, here’s a handy list of some of the most popular taco ingredients.
Best Toppings for Tacos and Taco Bowls
- Cheese: What would tacos be without cheese? Whether it’s Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Cotija, cheese is an essential component of any taco recipe.
- Avocado: Soft, delectable, and packed with nutrients, avocado brings its refreshing flavor and creamy texture to taco meals.
- Cilantro: Fragrant and refreshing, cilantro is a popular ingredient in a whole range of Mexican recipes, including tacos.
Meat and Protein Options for Tacos
- Ground beef: Perhaps the most popular filling of all, ground beef adds meaty texture to tacos.
- Turkey: Similar to beef, turkey is a go-to meat filling for many.
- Chicken: Also a popular meat option, the versatility of chicken makes it ideal for taco recipes.
- Beans: A vegan-friendly protein option, and with flavor to boot, beans also work wonders in tacos.
Crowd-pleasing Taco Meals
When it comes to pleasing grown ups and kids alike, tacos are a safe bet. These Tacos Dorado with Rice and Beans feature staple Mexican ingredients like rice, pinto beans, and avocado cream. With melted Monterey Jack cheese on top, it’s a meal that will have everyone at your dining table begging for seconds! What’s more, baked taco recipes are not just wholesome and delicious, they’re also hassle-free. All you need to do is gather your ingredients, place them in corn tortillas, and let the oven take it from there!
Chicken Taco Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe for tacos that includes chicken, then you’re in for a treat. These Chicken Tinga and Rice Tacos are much the same as traditional tacos, but with a spicy twist. Chicken tinga recipes are becoming more and more popular not only in Mexico, but also among Mexican food fans around the globe. Made with fluffy Carolina® White Rice, cumin, chipotle, avocado, lime juice, and feta cheese, chicken tinga makes for a fresh and zesty taco filling that’s guaranteed to have everyone at your table patting their tummies in satisfaction!
Easy to Make Taco Bowl Recipes
Now that you’ve expanded your taco recipe repertoire, let’s dive into some craveworthy taco bowls that you can rustle up in no time. To kick things off, here’s a tasty recipe which blends classic Mexican flavors with the convenience of rice bowl recipes. This Cilantro Rice Taco Bowl is made with Carolina® Cilantro Limón Ready to Heat Jasmine Rice. Cooking with Carolina Ready to Heat seasoned rice varieties not only saves you time in the kitchen, it also gives your meals an extra flavor boost, as this recipe demonstrates!
Taco Bowls with Seafood
One of the best things about tacos and taco bowls is the fact they’re customizable, meaning you can tailor your recipes according to your cravings. This Air Fryer Baja Fish Rice Bowl is a great option for lovers of fish tacos. Made with a range of popular Mexican ingredients such as avocado, pico de gallo, chili powder, lime juice, and sour cream—it makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option. What’s more, air fryer recipes such as this one are a great way to make meal prep a fun and stress-free experience.
Making Perfect Tacos and Taco Bowls
The secret to making your taco dishes delicious every time is to be prepared. Efficient meal prep will ensure optimal results come taco time. That’s why batch cooking makes perfect sense for when you’re planning a fiesta de tacos.
Cooking in Batches
Whether you are cooking for the little ones or have a busy week ahead of you, batch cooking is an excellent method to save time in the kitchen. But what is the best way to approach it? Here are some useful strategies to help:
- Prepare seasoned meat beforehand to save time during the week.
- Make lots of cilantro lime rice to serve as a base for taco bowls.
- Roast a variety of veggies, including bell peppers and onions, to add to your bowls.
- To save time on ingredient prep, store pre-chopped toppings such as avocado, tomatoes, and cheese in separate containers.
Host a Taco Night for Friends and Family
Now that you’re armed with an arsenal of delicious and varied taco recipes, why not host your very own taco night? For a novel twist, set up a taco bowl bar where visitors can create their own personalized taco bowls. Provide a range of ingredient options, such as cilantro lime rice or shredded lettuce, as well as meat options like beans, corn, and grated cheese varieties. Encourage your guests to get creative and experiment as they build tasty and unique taco bowls.
Finally, don’t forget to check out our blog for more helpful cooking tips and recipe ideas!
