Taco night hits differently when it’s outside, the grill is fired up, and everyone’s enjoying the summer sun. Here are a few of our favorite picks for next-level backyard tacos.
1. Steak Tacos
You can never go wrong with steak tacos. Go for a cut like skirt steak, flank, or sirloin, all of which cook up quickly and slice beautifully. Marinate your steak in lime juice, garlic, and a little cumin for a flavorful punch. Grill hot and fast, then slice thin against the grain.
Pro-tip: Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
2. Pork Shoulder Tacos
When you’ve got a little time to spare, pork shoulder is perfect for low-and-slow cooking. Season generously with chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika, then slow cook until it’s fall-apart tender. It’s rich, flavorful and perfect for taco night.
Pro-tip: Cube or slice your pork shoulder before slow cooking.
3. Ground Beef Tacos
There’s a reason ground beef is a go-to when it comes to taco night. It’s easy, versatile, and always a hit. Brown up your ground beef, season it with your favorite taco blend, and you’re done. Whether you’re serving corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or crunchy shells, ground beef keeps things simple and delicious.
4. Ground Chicken Tacos
Looking for a leaner option? Ground chicken is a great, healthy alternative for tacos. Add a little extra seasoning and maybe a splash of lime juice or broth to keep the chicken from drying out. Ground chicken pairs well with fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, avocado, and cilantro-lime crema.
5. Spicy Sausage Tacos
Want a unique twist on your traditional tacos? Try tacos with one of our housemade sausages. Grab our Red Hots, Cajun Andouille, or XXX Sausages for some extra heat and flavor. Heat up your sausage, and let the bold smoky seasonings take center stage. Spicy sausage adds a savory kick that balances well with cooling toppings like sour cream or mango salsa.
6. Chuck Roast Tacos
If you’re in the mood for something special, chuck roast is a great choice. Think slow-cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s the cut behind birria tacos—the ones you dip in rich, spiced broth with melty cheese. They’re worth the effort and time it takes to perfectly cook to shredded perfection.
Bonus: Make It a Taco Bar
Want to take your taco night to the next level? Set up a DIY taco bar. Offer two or three meat options, a variety of tortillas (corn, flour, crunchy shells) and bowls of toppings: chopped onions, salsas, guacamole, shredded cheese, crema, cotija, lime wedges—you get the idea.
It’s fun, easy to set up, and lets everyone build their own perfect taco.
Ready to fire up the grill?
Stop by Gartner’s and we’ll help you pick the perfect cuts for your next backyard taco night. From marinated steaks to housemade sausages, we’ve got everything you need to feed for the perfect taco night.