Taco Night

Ingredients

Proteins (choose 2-3):

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 lbs chicken breast (for shredded chicken)
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 lbs pork (for carnitas)
• Fish fillets (for fish tacos)
• Black beans (vegetarian option)

Seasoning for Ground Meat:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Or use store-bought taco seasoning packets

Shells:

• Hard taco shells
• Soft flour tortillas
• Soft corn tortillas
• Tostadas (flat crispy shells)

Fresh Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa (mild, medium, and hot)
• Diced onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sliced radishes
• Pickled onions

Extras:

• Black olives
• Corn (fresh or canned)
• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Rice (cilantro lime rice)
• Queso dip
• Hot sauce

Instructions

Easy Seasoned Ground Beef:

1. Brown the meat: Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain fat.
2. Add seasoning: Add taco seasoning and ¾ cup water. Stir well.
3. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Keep warm: Transfer to slow cooker on warm or keep in covered pot.

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken:

1. Cook: Place chicken breasts in slow cooker with 1 cup salsa and taco seasoning.
2. Cook low and slow: Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
3. Shred: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker and mix with juices.

Quick Fish Tacos:

1. Season: Season white fish (tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi) with cumin, chili powder, and lime juice.
2. Cook: Pan-fry or bake until fish flakes easily.
3. Flake: Break into chunks and serve with cabbage slaw and lime crema.

Easy Homemade Guacamole

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash avocados in a bowl with a fork.
2. Stir in lime juice, onion, tomato, cilantro, and garlic.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on surface to prevent browning.

Creative Taco Ideas

Korean BBQ Tacos:

• Marinated bulgogi beef
• Kimchi
• Sriracha mayo
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

Breakfast Tacos:

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Cheese
• Salsa
• Hash browns

Hawaiian Tacos:

• Grilled chicken or pork
• Pineapple salsa
• Teriyaki sauce
• Cabbage slaw
• Green onions

Dessert Tacos:

• Cinnamon sugar tortilla chips
• Ice cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Whipped cream
• Berries

Taco Bar Setup

1. Shells first: Place warm shells at the beginning of the line
2. Proteins: Set out meat options in slow cookers or warming dishes
3. Toppings: Arrange cold toppings in order: cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, etc.
4. Sauces last: Place salsas, sour cream, and guacamole at the end
5. Extras on side: Set rice, beans, and chips on a separate table

Activity Ideas

• Have a "taco creation" contest with creative categories
• Try to create fusion tacos from different cuisines
• Taco eating contest (be careful!)
• Name your taco creation and explain your ingredients
• Vote on best taco combinations
• Learn to make tortillas from scratch as a group