Taco night.
You know the kind you had as kids with ground beef, shredded cheese, sour cream and iceberg lettuce?
Let’s not forget the crunchy taco shells.
I can’t lie-I do love these in an old school, reminiscing sort of way.
Heck, I even like the ones from Taco Bell.
However, as all things they can be so much better! Skinnier and healthier too.
Let’s break it down:
Ground beef: Swap in ground chicken and add in antioxidant boosting green peppers and onions
Shredded cheese: Swap in natural sharp cheddar, so you just need un poquito. (A tiny bit)
Iceberg lettuce: Swap out this zero nutrient topping and add in chopped superfood baby spinach and diced cilantro
Sour cream: Swap in all natural, skinnier Greek Yogurt and a big squeeze of lime
Crunchy taco shells: Swap in organic crunchy (like the ones from Garden of Eatin’) or whole grain or crain soft shells
Here’s What You Need For Healthier Taco Meat:
1 lb ground chicken (preferably organic)
½ of a large white onion, diced
1 small or ½ large green pepper, diced
4 TBS All natural taco seasoning* (Like Penzey’s Bold Taco Seasoning)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely diced
Topping options: Greek yogurt, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, sharp cheddar, lime
Here’s What You Do:
Heat a pan over medium high and add the onions and the green pepper until they start to soften. (A couple of minutes) Add in the meat, really breaking it up with a spoon. Press it down into the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, flip and stir in garlic. Cook another two or three minutes or until most of the pink is gone. Add in the taco seasoning and ¾ cup of water. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Build your taco adding in all your favorite toppings.
Kid Tip:
4 TBS of the Bold was a bit spicy for my kids, so next time I will add only 3 and then add a jalapeno to the adult portion of the meat. Kids probably will shy away from the spinach and tomatoes, so instead of topping the tacos with them, stir in the spinach and tomatoes the last couple minutes of cooking (for their portion)mand they will “melt” into the meat. Of course topping with a bunch of cheese will cover up that it is not the usual ground beef 
.
Would you mind voting for Skinny Mommy Skinny Dinner Starter in this mompreneur contest?
You can vote more than once
And don’t forget to LIKE Skinny Mommy on Facebook! www.facebook.com/skinnymommyllc
We always look forward to taco night in my house, so thanks for the healthy tips!
That’s awesome-I hope you enjoy them
You can’t beat a good taco night! You’re little mention about the kid tip, really got me excited to start making dinners for Liam (almost 3 months) soon!
I still can’t believe I’m a mom. You make it look so easy! 
That’s so exciting that you have a little one. I am sure it will be an easy transition for you Caroline!
Mmmm, this would help offset all the treats I bake! (and eat)
Lol! It’s all about balance, right?!
I like your Tacos, my daughter’s gonna love them (7years)
I find you via Fit and fabulous Friday, I am your new follower:) Meriem
Thanks Meriem! Let me know if you tried them. I just checked out your blog too-lots of great ideas!
Never thought about making tacos with chicken. Now I will make this sometime for my kids, especially since I got some taco seasoning the other day at the store
That’s great! I hadn’t either, but I couldn’t find organic ground turkey and I actually liked the chicken better!
OOooo, yum!
We love taco night!
I like the idea of using spinach in place of lettuce and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Thanks Bree!
Great Candy! Let me know if you try it
I thought of you tonight when I made creamy Pesto Tortellini – I used Greek Yogurt instead of cream or sour cream – it was SOOOO yummy! Its on my blog!
Oh I can’t wait to check it out–sounds awesome!
GREAT pictures! These sound delicious, and actually better than the original- even with all the skinny changes. They will be on my weekly menu for sure! Thanks, Bree!
Aw thanks Amber! Let me know if you do try them. I made taco salad with the left overs and roasted zucchini, squash and peppers and it was super good that way too!
Taco night was my favorite as a kid. I just handmade some corn tortillas yesterday and now I wonder what they would taste like fried and crunch like the “old school” kind
Oh my gosh you go girl! We make homemade tortillas in Guatemala and I always think how much harder they are than they really look!
Bree, these tacos look amazing!!! Thank you for sharing at Fit and Fabulous Fridays! Come back soon!
Thank you! I just posted another one