Here are some taco filling ideas that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Vegetarian taco filling:
- Black beans and sweet potato: Roast diced sweet potato in the oven with olive oil, cumin, and chili powder until tender. Mix with cooked black beans, diced onion, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grilled vegetables: Toss sliced zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until tender and slightly charred. Serve with chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
- Roasted cauliflower and chickpeas: Roast cauliflower florets and chickpeas in the oven with olive oil, cumin, and paprika until golden brown. Serve with salsa, avocado, and lime wedges.
Vegan taco filling:
- Tofu scramble: Crumble firm tofu and sauté with diced onion, garlic, and turmeric until the tofu is golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chopped tomatoes, avocado, and hot sauce.
- Lentil and walnut: Cook lentils until tender and mix with chopped walnuts, diced onion, and garlic. Season with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Serve with lettuce, tomato, and salsa.
- BBQ jackfruit: Drain and rinse canned jackfruit and sauté with diced onion and garlic. Add BBQ sauce and cook until the jackfruit is tender and coated in sauce. Serve with coleslaw and corn tortillas.
Ground beef taco filling:
- Classic beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet with diced onion and garlic. Season with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheese.
- Spicy beef: Add diced jalapeño or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick. Serve with sliced avocado and hot sauce.
- Beef and bean: Mix cooked black beans with the beef mixture for added fiber and flavor. Serve with diced onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own taco filling variations. Enjoy!
Topping Suggestions – Making it Even More Appealing to Picky Eaters!
Here are some topping suggestions that can make tacos more appealing to picky eaters, add some crunch or provide a healthy boost:
Kid-friendly toppings:
Shredded cheese: Melted or shredded cheese is a classic topping for tacos that most kids love.
Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and helps balance out the flavors in a taco.
Guacamole: If your child likes avocados, they may enjoy guacamole as a taco topping. You can also try adding diced tomato or onion to the guacamole for added flavor.
Lettuce or cabbage: Shredded lettuce or cabbage can add a refreshing crunch to tacos, and they are mild in flavor which can be perfect for picky eaters.
Salsa: Salsa is a great way to add some zest and flavor to tacos. Choose a mild version if your child is sensitive to spicy food.
Crunchy toppings:
Crushed tortilla chips: Adding some crushed tortilla chips to tacos can add a satisfying crunch and texture.
Toasted pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy and crunchy topping option that can add some nuttiness to tacos.
Jicama: This root vegetable has a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that can be a refreshing addition to tacos. Try slicing it into thin matchsticks or shredding it and sprinkling it over the tacos.
Healthy toppings:
Sliced avocado: Avocado is a healthy and delicious topping that can add some creaminess to tacos. It’s also a great source of healthy fats.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a burst of flavor and some greenery to tacos.
Radishes: Sliced or diced radishes are a healthy and crunchy topping that can add some peppery flavor to tacos.
Pickled onions: Pickled onions are easy to make and can add some tanginess and acidity to tacos. Plus, they can help balance out richer, meatier flavors.
These are just a few topping suggestions, but there are many more options to choose from. Experiment with different toppings and find what works best for you and your family’s tastes. Enjoy!
Secret Ingredient for the Perfect Taco Casserole!
There are many delicious ingredients that can go into a taco casserole, but one secret ingredient that can take it to the next level is cornbread mix. Adding a layer of cornbread on top of the taco mixture can add a sweet and savory contrast that makes the casserole more satisfying and flavorful. Here is a list of ingredients you can use to make a tasty taco casserole:
Ground beef, turkey or chicken: Cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning mix
Corn: Either canned or fresh, add some sweetness and texture
Black beans: They are a great source of protein and fiber
Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, adds acidity and sweetness
Onion: Adds flavor and texture
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma
Salsa: Adds flavor and moisture
Cornbread mix: Adds a layer of sweetness and texture
Cheese: Shredded cheddar, jack or Mexican blend
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown the ground meat with the onion and garlic. Drain the fat.
Add the taco seasoning, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Pour the taco mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions.
Spread the cornbread mix over the taco mixture in an even layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado.
Enjoy your delicious taco casserole with a sweet and savory twist!
