19 Taco Night Upgrades That’ll Have Your Friends Begging for the Recipes

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19 Taco Night Upgrades That’ll Have Your Friends Begging for the Recipes

Taco night is a classic for a reason. But the same old thing can be boring, so try one of these 19 incredible taco night upgrades and shake things up!

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Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a white ramekin topped with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes from Taco Bell in your own kitchen. This quick dish features crispy, spiced potatoes smothered in creamy nacho cheese sauce, making it a fantastic taco night companion.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Shake up your taco experience with honey and lime-infused chicken tacos made effortlessly in a crock pot. This recipe promises a stress-free evening with a burst of flavor, ideal for enhancing your weekly taco tradition.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Blueberry Margarita

Margarita glass with blueberry margarita topped with lime and a skewer of blueberries.
Blueberry Margarita. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool down your taco night with a simple, four-ingredient Blueberry Margarita. Blueberries, limes, triple sec, and tequila come together for a refreshing cocktail that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Margarita

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

Nacho fries covered with beans and cheese.
Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With this recipe, you can enjoy the essence of Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries Supreme at home. Crispy, spiced fries topped with taco beef, beans, and warm nacho cheese make for an irresistible taco night treat.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Street corn soup with potatoes, corn and red pepper in the crock pot with a spoon on the side.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Mexican Street Corn Soup brings the beloved flavors of elote into a comforting bowl. Prepared in a slow cooker, it’s a heartwarming addition to taco night, offering a creamy, satisfying soup that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Air Fryer Carnitas

Three tacos made from air fryer carnitas on a plate with onions, cilantro and lime.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Create tender, juicy pork with crisp edges using this Air Fryer Carnitas recipe. It’s a delightful way to bring the flavors of Mexico to your taco fillings, burritos, or other inspired dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole is an imaginative take on the portable snack, turning it into a layered feast with ground beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos. It’s an amazing taco night upgrade that’s as fun to make as it is to devour.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Arroz Verde

Bowl of green rice on a cutting board with cilantro in the background.
Arroz Verde. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Arroz Verde is a vibrant, herby side dish that brings a pop of color and flavor to your taco night spread. This simple yet impactful dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a variety of tacos.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your craving for Chipotle’s Barbacoa with this homemade slow cooker version. Tender, flavor-packed meat makes for an excellent taco filling, ensuring your taco night is a cut above the rest.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Chile Relleno Casserole

Casserole dish with chile relleno casserole topped with sliced jalapenos.
Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chile Relleno Casserole is a low-effort dish with authentic Mexican flavor, featuring layers of fresh chiles and cheese. It’s a delicious twist that will make your taco night extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Instant pot shredded chicken tacos on a plate.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is a three-ingredient wonder that’s shredded and ready for taco or bowl night. This easy, versatile dish is a time-saver that brings a homemade touch to your Mexican-themed meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Easy Guacamole

Yellow bowl with guacamole with avocado, and jalapenos next to it.
Easy Guacamole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up this simple guacamole with tomatoes, chilies, and lime for a fresh, flavorful addition to your taco night. This RO*TEL Rockin’ Guac is perfect for any festive occasion, especially Cinco de Mayo.
Get the Recipe: Easy Guacamole

Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Churros dipped in chocolate.
Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Treat yourself to homemade churros, fried to a golden crisp and coated in cinnamon sugar. This easy recipe provides a sweet finish to your taco night, perfect for dipping in chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Taco Rice Skillet is a one-dish wonder that’s ready in about 20 minutes, combining 8 simple ingredients for a tasty family dinner. It’s a practical and delicious way to make taco night even more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Quick Pickled Jalapenos

Jar of pickled jalapenos on a cutting board with a pepper next to it.
Quick Pickled Jalapenos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add a little spice to any meal with these easy-to-make Quick Pickled Jalapenos. They’re perfect for enhancing the flavors of tacos, and they’re ready in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Jalapenos

Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the comfort of Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup right at home. This homemade creation captures the renowned taste and is an excellent addition to your taco night lineup, so every spoonful is a pleasure.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a plate in tortillas with coriander and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Fish Tacos are a quick and healthy option that’s table-ready in about 30 minutes, even starting with frozen fish. Made with tilapia, this dish is an easy and flavorful enhancement for any taco night.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Fish Tacos

Mexican Pickled Onions

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Mexican Pickled Onions. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Brighten up your meal with these quick and easy Mexican Pickled Onions. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes, create vibrant, tangy onions that add a punch of flavor to your taco night.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Pickled Onions

Mexican Rice

Brown bowl with Mexican rice on a wooden cutting board with cilantro and lime.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a fuss-free side dish that complements any taco, burrito, or Mexican dinner. It’s a convenient one-pot meal that adds a homemade touch to your taco night spread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Copycat recipe: Cheesy corn tortillas with tomatoes and cheese on a plate.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craft your own Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home. Layer tortillas with meat and beans, smother in cheese and toppings, and bake for a delicious taco night innovation. Whether oven-baked or prepared in an air fryer, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

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