Complete Taco Tuesday Menu: From Drinks to Dessert
Monday might objectively be the worst weekday, but Tuesday is its own unique monster.
At least on Monday, I have some level of motivation to start the week, but by Tuesday, it’s usually evaporated. And the weekend is still SO far away.
Maybe that’s why I love Taco Tuesday so much. After all, tacos make everything better. And one of my favorite things is finding ways to make ordinary days feel special.
To help you elevate your week, I put together a complete Taco Tuesday menu that includes everything from drinks to dessert. If you want to make a regular Tuesday feel like a party, this one’s for you.
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My Easy Taco Tuesday Menu
My Taco Tuesday menu includes a mix of simple, elevated recipes and a couple of my favorite Trader Joe’s shortcuts. You can recreate the entire menu or just pick a few things that sound like fun to you!
Drink: Mango Margarita (Cocktail or Mocktail)
I’m a firm believer that drinks set the tone for any occasion, and this mango margarita is the perfect way to kick off Taco Tuesday.
It’s tropical and fun, and the Tajín rim perfectly complements the sweetness of the mango. It pairs especially well with tacos, and it’s easy to batch if you’re hosting a larger group.
I originally developed this as a mocktail recipe (which is great for a responsible weeknight), but again, Tuesdays can be rough. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, don’t worry — I’ve also included instructions for an alcoholic version in the recipe below!
Appetizer: Chips & 4-Ingredient Guacamole
Chips and guacamole are a classic for a reason, and they’re my go-to app for Taco Tuesday.
My 4-ingredient guacamole recipe is incredibly simple. The garlic salt is the secret to making it so addictive (honestly, is there anything garlic salt can’t solve?).
My favorite chips for serving this guac are Tostitos Hint of Lime and Trader Joe’s Corn Chip Dippers. If you’re short on time, I also love Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt Guacamole as a healthy(ish) shortcut.
Main: Ribeye Tacos with Crispy Cheese-Crusted Tortillas
I developed my all-time favorite taco recipe after I tried some life-changing ribeye tacos at a resort in Mexico.
The magical part is that the cheese is pan-seared onto the tortillas, which not only tastes amazing but prevents your tortilla from getting soggy. Absolute genius.
These tacos feel elevated, but are actually quite easy to pull together, provided you can handle a little multitasking.
Side: Trader Joe’s Frozen Spanish Style Rice
You don’t really need a side for tacos, but more carbs are never a bad thing. Rice is a great filler, especially if you’re serving a crowd.
I love Trader Joe’s frozen Spanish Style Rice for an easy shortcut. You literally just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, and you’re ready to serve!
Dessert: Trader Joe’s Caramel Flan
Everyone knows you can’t have a party without dessert, and I love flan as the finishing touch for Taco Tuesday.
I’m an avid baker, and I’ve made a lot of desserts over the years (flan included). It’s quite simple in principle, but it involves making caramel. And making caramel is a HUGE pain in the butt.
It’s actually crazy how you can do everything right, and it will still decide to crystallize. I’ve done my fair share of scolding Great British Bake Off contestants (from the comfort of my own couch, of course) for ruining theirs, but after a few failed attempts of my own, I finally get it.
The last time I made flan, I managed to keep the caramel too light and cause it to crystallize simultaneously. Honestly, I didn’t even know those two flaws could happen at the same time.
It still tasted great, but the experience cured me of wanting to make it from scratch for a while. Luckily, I recently discovered that Trader Joe’s sells mini flans in the dairy section, and they’re pretty darn good!
But if you’re up for a challenge and want to brave the sugar-melting process yourself, here’s the recipe I’ve used in the past.
More Hosting Inspiration
To help you pull off the perfect Taco Tuesday (and every gathering after that), check out these hosting guides.
