What Makes a Great Taco Filling? Tips on Choosing the Perfect Ingredients

February 12, 2025
Mexican chicken tacos kept in sequence
Discover the art of crafting the perfect taco with our comprehensive guide on taco fillings. Explore a range of options from authentic beef and zesty seafood to vibrant vegetarian and vegan choices, learning how to blend texture and flavor for a truly memorable meal. Whether you're seeking traditional tastes or innovative taco filling ideas, this article is your go-to resource for making every taco night extraordinary.

How to Choose the Perfect Taco Fillings: Balance Flavour, Texture, and Creativity

Tacos are more than just a meal—they’re an invitation to celebrate, share, and enjoy bold, flavour-packed bites. At the heart of every great taco lies its filling, a mix of ingredients that not only satisfy the palate but also embody the joy of coming together over food. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or exploring plant-based options, this guide will help you craft taco fillings bursting with flavour, balanced texture, and vibrant colour. Ready to create your taco masterpiece? Let’s dive in.

Essentials of Taco Fillings: Balance Flavour, Texture, and Freshness

A great taco filling balances three key elements: flavour, texture, and freshness. From smoky meats to crisp veggies and creamy toppings, every ingredient should play its part in making each bite memorable. Using Old El Paso™ products alongside fresh, carefully prepared ingredients, you can mix and match to suit any occasion or craving—all while keeping Mexican food’s lively and welcoming spirit alive.

Mexican sauces & toppings such as guacamole, salsa, cheese sauce, sliced onions & tomatoes, chilies, avocado placed on rustic black background

Building Layers of Flavour

Taco fillings rely on layers of flavours that complement one another. Start with a well-seasoned base, whether it’s meat, seafood, or a vegetarian option, and build from there.

 
Crispy Fish Birria Tacos

Selecting the Perfect Protein

Protein forms the foundation of your taco, setting the tone for the rest of the filling. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:

  • Beef: Go classic with lean, seasoned minced beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces, until browned and fully cooked.
  • Chicken: Shredded chicken cooked with chipotle or smoked paprika makes an irresistibly tender filling. Add fresh salsa or avocado crema for an extra layer of texture and flavour.
  • Seafood: Light options like grilled fish or prawns pair beautifully with citrusy salsas and crunchy slaws. Make sure seafood is properly cooked—prawns should turn opaque, and fish should flake easily.
  • Discover more options with our Chicken Tinga Tacos —a flavour-packed recipe perfect for taco night.
 
Lentil and bean tacos hero

Vegetarian Taco Fillings: Delicious and Creative Ideas

Whether you're accommodating dietary preferences or celebrating plant-based cuisine, vegetarian fillings can be just as satisfying:

  • Bean Taco Filling: Black beans or chickpeas seasoned with cumin, roasted garlic, and chilli powder make for a hearty, protein-rich filling. Lightly mash beans for added texture.
  • Roasted Fresh Veggies: Sweet potato, zucchini, and capsicum (bell peppers) roasted with olive oil and smoky spices are perfect additions.
  • Sautéed Mushrooms: Mushrooms like portobello or button varieties provide umami depth and a “meaty” texture. Add Old El Paso™ Taco Spice Mix for bold flavour.
  • For a curated guide to vegetarian options, check out our Vegetarian Tacos.
 
steak fajitas topped with sliced jalapenos served on a plate surrounded by lime wedges & sour cream

Balancing Texture for the Perfect Bite

A great taco isn’t just about taste—it’s about the perfect blend of textures. Here’s how to hit the mark:

  • Soft & Creamy Additions: Use guacamole, sour cream, or crumbled cheese to balance the crunchier elements. Old El Paso™ Guacamole Spice Mix is an easy way to add extra flavour to your tacos. is an easy way to add extra flavour to your tacos.
  • Crunchy Freshness: Shredded lettuce, thinly sliced radish, or a crisp slaw can brighten and balance richer ingredients.
  • Pickled Elements: Pickled onions, jalapeños, or cucumbers add acidity and crunch while cutting through the richness of meats and cheeses.
 
Kids’ Party Mini Tacos with Beef and Sweet Potato

Exciting Taco Filling Ideas for Every Mood

Looking for inspiration? Whether you’re aiming for classic, adventurous, or modern tacos, here are ideas tailored to fit your mood:

  • Classic Comfort: Ground beef seasoned with Old El Paso™ Taco Spice Mix, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and chunky salsa.
  • Authentic Mexican Flavours: Slow-cooked pork with citrus, tomatillo salsa, and fresh coriander (cilantro) for a vibrant Mexican-inspired dish.
  • Light & Fresh: Grilled prawns with mango salsa, crisp slaw, and lime crema—a perfect summer taco.
  • Vegan Taco Filling: For plant-based taco lovers, try shredded jackfruit seasoned with smoky spices, topped with roasted capsicum and avocado crema.
  • Featured Recipe: Try our Pulled Pork Tacos to see just how easy and satisfying slow cooking can be. This family-friendly meal is brimming with crunch and zest.
     
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos

Enjoy traditional pork carnitas without the hassle with this easy slow cooker tacos recipe, perfect for entertaining.

Recipe Name

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos

Total Time

6 hours and 30 minutes

Spice Level

Mild

Servings

8

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 sachet Old El Paso™ Taco Spice Mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 250mL orange juice
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1.4kg boneless pork shoulder joint, rind removed
  • 1 pack Old El Paso™ Stand 'N' Stuff Soft Tortillas (8 tortillas)
  • 150g mixed salad leaves or shredded lettuce
  • 80g ready-grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely sliced

Preparation

  1. In small bowl, combine the oil, taco spice mix, salt, thyme and cumin. Spread the paste all over the pork shoulder, pressing to coat. Place in the slow cooker dish. Pour the orange juice around the pork and add the garlic.
  2. Cover and cook on the Low heat setting for 5-6 hours or until the pork is very tender. Transfer the pork from the slow cooker to a shallow dish. Cool for 5 minutes then use 2 forks to roughly shred the meat. Toss with about 200ml of the braising liquid (discard the remaining braising liquid).
  3. Heat the tortilla boats to pack instructions. Divide the lettuce and cheese evenly between the tortilla boats. Top each one with about 85g of the pork (see Tips for using up any leftovers), then top with the cheese and sliced onion.

Expert Tips

  • Turn your taco dinner into a real Tex-Mex family feast by serving with sides of Traditional Guacamole and Salsa.
  • To take the edge off the raw onion, place the sliced onion in a sieve and rinse with cold water for about 30 seconds. Drain and pat dry with kitchen paper.
  • To take the edge off the raw onion, place the sliced onion in a sieve and rinse with cold water for about 30 seconds. Drain and pat dry with kitchen paper.
  • You’ll have some have leftover pork after making the tacos – use hot or cold in sandwiches, quesadillas, burritos or grain bowls.

Made With

Mexicans

Taco Night Tips for Success

Taco nights are as much about the experience as they are about the flavours. Here’s how to ensure your taco bar is a winning hit for everyone:

  • Warm Tortillas Properly: Heat tortillas in a dry pan, wrap in foil, or use a microwave to make them pliable and enhance their flavour. Consider using Old El Paso™ Gluten-Free Soft Tortillas for gluten-sensitive guests.
  • Make It Interactive: Set up a taco bar with plenty of filling options and toppings. Guests can unleash their creativity and build tacos to suit their tastes.
  • Aim for Balance: Encourage moderation when layering ingredients. Overloading tacos can make them difficult to eat and cause flavours to overwhelm one another.
a tray with grilled chicken strips, tortillas, bell peppers, onions, avocado slices & cilantro on a wooden surface

Why Authentic Taco Fillings Matter

Authentic taco fillings capture the heart of Mexican cuisine. From slow-cooked pork with citrus and smoky spices to tomatillo salsa, they celebrate traditional flavours. Using quality ingredients like Old El Paso™ products ensures every taco feels like a true Mexican fiesta.

Take Your Tacos to the Next Level

Tacos are the ultimate canvas for creativity, flavour, and fun. Whether you’re experimenting with fresh ingredients, mixing in seasonal flavours, or customizing the spice level to suit your preferences, tacos are a perfect fit for any occasion. From plant-based fillings to zesty seafood creations or hearty beef and chicken options, there’s no end to what you can do with tacos.

Try these taco recipes today:

Ready to craft your taco masterpiece? Stock up on your favourite Old El Paso™ products and dive into a festive, flavour-packed adventure. Visit our products page to find everything you need, and explore more taco recipes to inspire your next meal.

 

Sharing your taco creations with the world? Don’t forget to tag @OldElPasoAustralia in your taco masterpieces!