I missed National Tortilla Chip Day by one day but that didn’t stop me from making my favorite food to celebrate it – Mexican! This includes tacos, taco salad, nachos, tostados, enchiladas (with tortilla chips), salsa, chips and guac…you get the idea.
Taco Tuesday (or Monday, Wednesday or ANY day) is a favorite in our home. Everyone loves it and makes their own variation of the taco. Some prefer the classic crispy taco shell while others like a soft corn or flour tortilla (which I like to fry – about 15 seconds on each side – when I have time). I prefer mine as a salad with plenty of tortilla chips. Plus, this is the perfect meal to invite people over since you can prep most of it ahead of time and set out all the ingredients family style. Then everyone can assemble their very own version of the perfect taco.
start with these three ingredients t0 build the base for the perfect taco
Building the perfect taco begins with the base. By choosing the freshest ingredients here you may find these are all you need:
- Ground beef (or turkey) and seasoning
- Cheddar cheese
- Shredded romaine lettuce.
Sauted ground beef. 
Grated cheedar cheese. 
Crisp romaine lettuce.
Making the perfect taco can be as easy as you want. If you’re rushed and just need to get something on the table, you can use prepared ingredients like bags of shredded cheese, pre-washed and chopped romaine lettuce and other prepackaged ingredients. If you have a bit more time, I like to grate medium cheddar cheese, wash and crisp up my romaine in the fridge and then chop it up.
1. saute the ground beef (or Turkey) and add seasoning
I usually use Lawry’s or McCormick’s taco seasoning mix. I use a mild spice level if I’m entertaining and a medium spice level if it’s just us. Many of you have your favorite homemade seasoning that I would love you to share!
2. grate the cheddar cheese (the more the better)
We love a good medium or sharp cheddar. Make sure to grate extra to have on hand for leftovers and to just keep in the fridge to easily grab for nachos, eggs and anything else made so much better with cheese. Another bonus to making tacos is you can enlist the help of your kids to prep ingredients. Olivia expertly grated this cheese!
3. Wash, crisp and chop the romaine lettuce.
If you have the time, taking these steps ensures perfectly crunchy crisp lettuce. I always prep extra too, since like the cheese, it’s so nice to have already prepared greens in the fridge for a quick salad, sandwich, etc.
Rinse romaine leaves well under water. 
Spread out leaves on dry towel and wrap. 
Place wrapped leaves in refrigerator to crisp (at least 30 minutes) 
Lay out crisped leaves and chop to desired size.
Add your favorite taco toppings
You can continue to build your taco with any numerous yummy sides . Our favorites include salsa or (diced tomatoes), guacamole, corn, green onion and sour cream. The skies the limit on what constitutes a great taco.
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you will have a great lunch to pack for the kids the next day or to enjoy on your own, watching your favorite Netflix show and washing it all down with a spicy Diet Coke.
What are some of your favorite sides for tacos? Do you have any must-have tips to make the perfect taco? Please share and tag me with your photos!
Annie Diamond says
Chicas Tortilla Chips! We have nothing like it here on the east coast! And we certainly don’t have Bristol Farms! Everything is better in California! Especially tacos!