i used to love taco night when i was growing up, because we didn’t do it very often and that made it special. i remember my mom putting out bowls (and bowls and bowls – many more in my memory than in real life, probably) of all different kinds of toppings. she always served the hard-shell kind.
so even to this day, taco night feels special. but it’s also quick, easy, and healthy way of spicing up a weeknight dinner.
(sorry for the terrible-quality picture) (i broke my shell into chips.)
everything came from trader joe’s and took like 10 minutes to pull together: one box taco shells, one can refried beans, shredded mozzarella, container of fresh salsa (tomatoes, onion, cilantro all in one place!), and bag of broccoli slaw.
ways to make it even more special:
1. toast the taco shells in a 250 degree oven for about 5-10 minutes.
2. definitely heat up the beans, too, in the microwave or a pan.
3. mix broccoli slaw with a little olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, pinch of sugar, dried oregano, and a little mayo. adds great crunch and color!
4. fill shells with beans in the kitchen, but put all your toppings in bowls on the table. let people dress tacos as they go!
5. add more toppings: sour cream, jalapenos, olives, lettuce, avocado…