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17 Tacos, Tostadas and More to Make Your Kids Forget About Fast Food Forever

From tacos to tostadas and everything in between, this lineup has fast food beat by a mile. Kids will love the chance to stack, wrap, and munch their way through a fun, hands-on dinner that brings everyone to the table. They have the perfect mix of crunch and mess, making fast food look a little, well, boring. Say goodbye to drive-thrus and hello to meal time everyone actually looks forward to!

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With a spoonful of Mexican Street Corn Salad, kick your regular side dishes to the curb. Each bite offers a fresh twist, turning a simple meal into an instant crowd-pleaser without fuss. It’s easy to whip up for any occasion, and it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust us, no one’s missing the drive-thru with this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget the bucket of fried chicken; Chicken Tinga is the new go-to for a quick and delicious dinner. This dish brings bold tastes right to your kitchen table with minimal effort. It’s all about the layers of flavor that’ll have the kids asking for more. You’re just a few steps away from making your usual chicken night something to talk about.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Transform corn on the cob into an exciting meal with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. These beauties are perfect for a hands-on dining experience that’s as fun to eat as it is to prepare. The charred bits add a smoky taste that enhances the entire dish. It’s outdoor grilling vibes, served right at your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Texas-Style Carne Asada brings big, bold flavors to the forefront, making any gathering at home feel special. No need to hop on a plane when you can have a Lone Star state experience in each bite. This meal is proof that a hearty, home-cooked meal trumps fast food any day. Gather round the table for some serious grub, y’all.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the craving for comfort hits, Birria de Res answers the call. This dish’s rich and hearty texture makes every dinner an occasion. It’s got all the makings of a family favorite that reminds you why homemade beats out the rest. So, who needs a drive-thru when you’ve got this waiting at home?
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Shake up your routine with a kickin’ Taco Casserole that has everyone running to the dinner table. It’s a whole fiesta in one dish, where you can scoop up all the goodness in every serving. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist digging in, and it might just become the weeknight lifesaver you’ve been looking for. Say goodbye to the hassle of making individual tacos and hello to easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Leftover Steak Quesadilla turns yesterday’s dinner into today’s crave-worthy lunch. Reinvent that steak with a crispy, cheesy outer shell that’s perfect for dipping. It’s a genius way to make the most of what you’ve got in the fridge. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll hope for leftovers more often.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring on this Creamy Jalapeno Dip to spice things up without going overboard. It’s the perfect companion for chips, veggies, or just about anything that could use a little kick. Not too heavy, not too light, this dip hits that sweet spot right in the middle. Even kids will be dipping non-stop, no complaints heard.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in need of a trusty side, Baked Spanish Rice has got your back. This dish is a low-maintenance friend that complements any main and shines on its own. Oven magic does the work for you, giving you more time to focus on the main event. It’s a no-brainer for a complete meal that leaves everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Chile de Arbol Salsa

Chile de Arbol Salsa on wooden board with chips and chilies nearby.
Chile de Arbol Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to dial up the heat in a way that’s completely in your control? Chile de Arbol Salsa is your ticket to customized heat levels. This salsa is the perfect sidekick for your chips, tacos, and practically anything in need of a fiery touch. Go ahead, be the boss of your salsa’s spice level!
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde rice in a black pan with tomatoes and herbs.
Arroz Verde. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Liven up your typical rice situation with Arroz Verde, where every spoonful takes you beyond the ordinary. This dish brings something unexpected to the table, something that’s fresh and full of life. It’s a simple switch from your standard side that makes a huge impact. And it’s not just visually appealing – the taste is there to back it up.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fusion food is in, and Birria Pizza is riding that wave like a pro. It combines two favorites into one epic meal that’s impossible to resist. You’ve got the tender, stewed meat, the melty cheese – it’s an unbeatable combo. Say adios to mundane pizza nights, because this one’s a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Cheez-Its Tostada

Cheez-It Tostada on a plate with hot sauce in a bottle.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Break out of the regular taco shell routine with Cheez-Its Tostada—a playful twist that’s bound to get a double-take at the dinner table. Crispy, cheesy, and totally out-of-the-box, it’s the snack favorite reimagined as a mealtime winner. Plus, it brings a fun, unexpected crunch to your tacos, making every bite a mini celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Wrap up your steak in a fresh new way with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. This is the move for some quick and stress-free cooking that brings life back to last night’s dinner. Plus, it’s a surefire hit for those who want something simple yet thoroughly enjoyable. Nothing like rolling into a good meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican black beans in a white bowl with parsley and garlic.
Mexican Black Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Say hello to Mexican Black Beans, the sidekick you didn’t know you needed. This dish proves simplicity can be mighty tasty without any fuss. It’s not just about filling up; it’s about keeping things interesting on the side. Get ready for this to become a staple at your family meals.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Set the scene for a laid-back feast with Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. This is the go-to for hassle-free preparation with a tasty finish. Lay out all the goodies, let everyone build their bite, and watch the feast unfold. It’s the kind of meal that encourages seconds… and maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meet Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef, the versatile hero of quick and straightforward dinners. Whether it’s taco night or you need a hearty filling, this dish has tons of possibilities. It’s got everything you want in a weeknight staple without any of the drama. Ditch the fast-food routine; this homemade hero has your back.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

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