Few foods have won the hearts of so many people as tacos have. There’s even a weekday dedicated to them: Taco Tuesdays. What started as an advertising campaign for a fast-food chain in the 1980s quickly became a hit. Today, tacos need no help from a marketing team: they’re one of the most iconic foods in the United States — and a go-to pick for workplace meals.
Hard-shelled or soft-shelled, filled with tender meat or hearty beans, topped with fresh veggies or spicy salsa — tacos have something for everyone. Even people with food allergies and dietary restrictions. That’s your cue to spice up your teams’ mid-day breaks with creative taco lunch ideas. It’s such a simple way to boost productivity and morale.
10 delicious taco lunch ideas for the workplace
You might think you’ve tried every type of taco out there. But with millions of Mexican restaurants serving these handheld treats, there are so many more regional flavors, fusion recipes, and novel textures to try. Adding these unique taco lunch ideas to your next work catering order will keep things interesting, even for devoted taco aficionados.
1. Birria tacos
We’re kicking off our list with one of the newest recipes taking over social media and street food carts: birria tacos. This trending menu item takes a traditional dish — birria, a peppery stew from the Mexican state of Jalisco — and gives it a makeover. Now, the slow-cooked meat is shredded and served on a toasted corn tortilla as a taco. It often comes with a bowl of birria broth on the side, for dipping, and it’s a hit with fans of fiery-hot foods.
2. Barbacoa tacos
Barbacoa tacos are often made with just two ingredients: corn tortillas and shredded beef. They may not sound particularly exciting, but don’t let that simplicity fool you. The slow-cooked meat is what makes these tacos so special. It’s spicy, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
3. Chorizo tacos
Chorizo tacos may not be as well-known, but they’re a must-try for spicy food lovers. They feature crumbled pork sausage, onion, and cilantro served in a soft flour tortilla. For a low-carb version, you could try spooning the spicy filling onto whole lettuce leaves.
4. Tacos al pastor
If you want to impress employees with an unusual flavor combination, this is it. Tacos al pastor consist of a soft tortilla filled with spit-grilled pork slices, red onion, and pineapple. They are not spicy. Instead, they’re the perfect blend of salty and sweet.
5. Carnitas tacos
Carnitas is a Mexican version of pulled pork. It takes all day to cook, but it’s worth the wait. The meat soaks up all the tangy, citrusy flavors of the broth and becomes perfectly tender. Served on a small flour tortilla, carnitas tacos deserve a spot on your work lunch table.
6. Steak tacos
Steak tacos are the most classic and authentic recipe loved all over Mexico. These street-style tacos feature grilled steak slices, diced onion, and cilantro served in a small soft flour tortilla. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, they’re all about pleasing a crowd.
7. Ground beef tacos
Ground beef tacos are the quintessential taco in the United States. Sure, they’re not as out-there as some other taco lunch ideas we’ve covered, but they’re still the go-to order for millions. These tacos are made with hard shells, spiced ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese. A national best-seller and gluten-free, these tacos are a safe bet for work.
8. Chicken tacos
Poultry is the most popular animal protein in the United States, so we’re including it on our list. Chicken tacos (or pollo asado tacos) combine soft flour tortillas, shredded rotisserie chicken, and your choice of toppings. If you’re serving these tacos at a summer work party, try pairing them with cabbage slaw.
9. Black bean tacos
Mexican cuisine is very accommodating to dietary restrictions, and black bean tacos are one of the most beloved plant-based taco lunch ideas. These vegan-friendly delicacies usually combine warm spices, beans, and seasonal ingredients like squash and corn in the summer or sweet potatoes in the winter.
10. Nopales tacos
What about cactus tacos? Chances are most of your employees haven’t tried them, but they’re a thing. Nopal is an edible cactus native to Mexico. It has a unique taste and texture, somewhat similar to asparagus. If you want to really switch things up at work, add nopales tacos to your Meatless Mondays menu. Folded into corn tortillas and topped with queso fresco and salsa, the nopales are surprisingly refreshing.
Popular taco catering setup options
No matter what you order, taco bars are the best way to feed a crowd at work. They’re surprisingly easy to set up, even in an office. Just push a few tables together, place your catered ingredients on top, and encourage employees to mix and match taco lunch ideas. The goal is for everyone to craft a meal they’ll love.
Don’t want to do a taco bar? That’s okay, you can opt for individually packaged tacos instead. Many restaurants and caterers now offer small, single-portion boxes. They keep messes to a minimum and allow employees to enjoy their meals anywhere, including at their desks.
Consider taco catering today
Spicy or mild, meaty or green, tacos are excellent fuel for work. They’re energizing, satisfying, and good for employees’ mental health. Those are all perks you want from a nourishing meal, and now you know just how to get them. Order taco catering and surprise your hard-working teams with a delicious spread.
