Taco Tuesday

I hope you're up for a Taco Tuesday. (I always am!) Today's offerings include Classic Beef Tacos (a big hit) and Easy Green Chile Chicken Tacos. Enjoy!

ZESTY RANCH CHICKEN TACOS

This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Chicken tacos are jazzed up with a creamy, Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch sauce coleslaw topping. Topped with fresh avocado and cilantro, these tacos are hard to beat!"

Prep Time: 20 Minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 5 servings

You can view this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/zesty-ranch-chicken-tacos.

Ingredients

2 cups coleslaw mix

1/3 cup chopped red onion

1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch sauce

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 package (16 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix

1/4 cup water

1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package

1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

In medium bowl, mix Coleslaw ingredients; cover and refrigerate.

In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink in center. Add taco seasoning mix and water; reduce heat, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Divide chicken among warm taco shells. Top evenly with cheese and coleslaw; top with avocado and cilantro.

Expert Tips

Garnish tacos with sliced jalapeños for a bit of spicy heat.

If desired, serve drizzled with additional sauce.

To easily assemble tacos, line heated shells in baking pan, and use tongs to add chicken and coleslaw to the shells. Continue with the remaining toppings, and they’ll all be ready to serve.

Nutrition: 5 servings (2 tacos each); 1 Serving: Calories: 440 (Calories from Fat: 220); Total Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0g); Cholesterol: 75 mg; Sodium: 770 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 28 g (Dietary Fiber: 5 g, Sugars: 2 g); Protein: 28 g

% Daily Value: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 20%; Iron 10%

Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Vegetable, 2 Very Lean Meat, 1 High-Fat Meat, 3 Fat

Carbohydrate Choice: 2

CLASSIC BEEF TACOS

This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Stuffed with seasoned ground beef, diced tomato, lettuce, sour cream and cheese, you can’t go wrong with this classic taco—unless you forget to crack open a cold Corona™ Extra to go with it, that is."

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes 10 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/classic-beef-taco.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)

2/3 cup water

1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix

1 package (4.7 oz) Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ taco shells (10 shells), heated as directed on package

1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (5 oz)

1 1/4 cups shredded lettuce

3/4 cup diced tomato

1 cup sour cream

Preparation

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Divide beef among heated shells; top with cheese, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

Expert Tips

Choose crunchy lettuce for this recipe, such as iceberg or romaine.

Want more toppings? Try sliced green onion, sliced jalapeño, or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.

Nutrition: 1 Taco Calories 260 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 17g (Saturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 0.5g); Cholesterol 55mg; Sodium 360mg; Total Carbohydrate 12g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 1g); Protein 13g

% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 15%; Iron 8%

Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Medium-Fat Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 1 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 1

EASY GREEN CHILE CHICKEN TACOS

This taco recipe is from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, who not only posts recipes on VeryWell Fit, but has her own food site, called Lively Table.

For this recipe, Kaleigh wrote, “Instead of making the same old tacos this week, why not change things up with delicious and healthy green chile chicken tacos?

“This chicken taco recipe is super easy to make. Just boil the chicken in a bit of broth, shred, and add diced green chiles. It's a simple nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

“Corn tortillas are naturally whole grain, so they make a great choice for these tacos. Top with a bit of shredded red cabbage, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro to make a weeknight meal.”

Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; CookTime: 30 minutes; Servings: 4 (2 tacos each)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast

2 cloves garlic

1 fresh jalapeno

1 cup low sodium chicken broth

Water

1 can (7-ounce) diced green chiles

8 warm corn tortillas

1 small avocado, sliced

1 cup red cabbage, shredded

Fresh cilantro, to taste

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, add chicken, garlic, jalapeno, and broth. Add water to cover the chicken. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Discard garlic and jalapeno, reserving cooking liquid.

In a skillet, add green chiles and shredded chicken. Cook over low heat, stirring until warmed through and sauce is thickened. Add reserved cooking liquid as needed to keep the chicken moist.

Serve with warmed corn tortillas, avocado, cabbage, and cilantro.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Use any type of tortilla that you like. Look for whole grain options, if possible.

You can also leave out the tortillas and serve the chicken on top of lettuce to make a taco salad or with brown rice and beans to make taco bowls.

Canned green chiles are usually found in the Mexican food aisle at the grocery store. They come in two varieties, spicy and mild. Choose the kind that best suits your taste.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Serve tacos with a side of low-sodium canned black beans for a quick and easy meal.

Add any toppings you like, such as your favorite salsa, tomatoes, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

TURKEY TACOS

This comes from Diabetes Food Hub, and begins, "Lean ground turkey makes a great base for a delicious taco meal. This recipe has a spicy kick that can be adjusted by adding more or less jalapeño."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 6; Serving Size: 1 taco

To view this online, go to https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/turkey-tacos.html.

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 red onion, diced

2 tbsp finely diced jalapeño pepper

16 oz. lean ground turkey

1 clove garlic (minced)

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tbsp water

6 6-inch corn tortillas

1 large avocado (diced)

6 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

6 tbsp no-salt-added pico de gallo

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and jalapeño to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add the turkey and cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and cook for 30 seconds.

Lower the heat and add the chili powder, paprika, and water, and mix thoroughly.

Fill each tortilla with 1/2 cup of the turkey mixture, plus about 2 Tbsp diced avocado, 1 Tbsp yogurt, and 1 Tbsp pico de gall.

Nutrition per serving (1 taco): Calories: 260; Total Fat: 12 g; Sat. Fat: 2.5 g; Trans Fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 60 mg; Sodium: 80 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 19 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Total Sugars: 2 g; Protein: 19 g; Potassium: 460 mg; Phosphorus: 280 mg

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 Nonstarchy vegetable, 2 lean protein, 1 Fat

CHORIZIO PORK TACOS WITH CREAMY SLAW

This is from Old El Paso, and begin, "Shake up taco night with this easy-to-make taco that delivers big on flavor. Cooked ground pork is seasoned with chorizo taco seasoning mix, and then layered with a quick and easy creamy cabbage slaw, topped with shredded cheese, radishes and green onions."

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 10 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/chorizo-pork-tacos-with-creamy-slaw.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons lime juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups shredded green cabbage

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 lb ground pork

2/3 cup water

1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix

1 1/4 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (5 oz)

1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package

1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Lime wedges, if desired

Preparation

In medium bowl, stir mayonnaise, lime juice and salt until blended. Add cabbage and 2 tablespoons of the green onions; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook pork over medium-high heat 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Divide warm pork mixture and cheese among heated taco shells. Top with slaw, radish, remaining 2 tablespoons green onions and the cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Expert Tips

To save time, purchase shredded cabbage.

Try shredded Monterey Jack cheese instead of Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a new flavor twist.

Nutrition: 10 servings (1 taco each); 1 Taco Calories 260 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 410mg; Total Carbohydrate 12g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 1g); Protein 13g; % Daily Value: Vitamin A 2%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 10%; Iron 6%; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 2 Fat

Carbohydrate Choice: 1

ZESTY RANCH CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Chicken tacos are jazzed up with a creamy, Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch sauce coleslaw topping. Topped with fresh avocado and cilantro, these tacos are hard to beat!"

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes 5 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/zesty-ranch-chicken-tacos.

Ingredients

Coleslaw

2 cups coleslaw mix

1/3 cup chopped red onion

1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch sauce

Chicken

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 package (16 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix

1/4 cup water

Tacos

1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

In medium bowl, mix Coleslaw ingredients; cover and refrigerate.

In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink in center. Add taco seasoning mix and water; reduce heat, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Divide chicken among warm taco shells. Top evenly with cheese and coleslaw; top with avocado and cilantro.

Expert Tips

Garnish tacos with sliced jalapeños for a bit of spicy heat.

If desired, serve drizzled with additional sauce.

To easily assemble tacos, line heated shells in baking pan, and use tongs to add chicken and coleslaw to the shells. Continue with the remaining toppings, and they’ll all be ready to serve.

Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 1/2 Vegetable; 2 Very Lean Meat; 1 High-Fat Meat; 3 Fat

Carbohydrate Choice: 2