This $1.25 Dollar Tree Find Is Always in My Pantry

It’s my go-to quick and easy dinners.

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In Sarah Forte's latest book, Around Our Table, there's a section under the main dishes titled "There's Always Chicken." It's a part of the book that I turn to often for marinade recipes, and in it, she says, "Whenever I don't know what to make, there's always chicken. I pick a flavor direction, make rice or quinoa or potatoes, and whatever vegetable makes sense, and prepare a green salad to round it out."

This is precisely how I feel about tacos. There's always chicken, just as there's always tacos. And it's why I always keep a package of soft tortillas and hard shells in my pantry. As long as there are tortillas kicking around, I can make tacos out of anything. They may not be authentic, but they'll be delicious, and my kids will be thrilled to eat them. 

I'd been buying a much more expensive, higher-end brand of hard shells from my local grocery store when I came across Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells at Dollar Tree. For $1.25 for a package of eight, I thought, "Why not give them a try?"

Now, they’re my go-to.

With a few shells in hand, I can turn any combination of ingredients into dinner. And that's exactly what I need when I'm standing in my kitchen at six p.m., wondering how to make a meal out of whatever is in my fridge.

Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells

• Price: $1.25 for an eight-count box
• Why I Love It: Tacos are one of my go-to easy meals, and I always keep a box of these crunchy yellow corn shells on hand. They’re especially affordable at Dollar Tree.

Simply Recipes / Dollar Tree

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells

They're a simple, classic, Tex-Mex-style corn shell that creates an ideal canvas for whatever filling adventure I'm embarking on. Of course, they provide that essential crunch factor, which is what I want in a hard-shell tortilla for the perfect contrast to softer fillings. 

We make more authentic tacos at least once a week, using a variety of protein and vegetable options, and I love how meals like this encourage my kids to take ownership at the table. They're more creative, curious, and adventurous with their fillings and toppings when they're doing it themselves. 

On the nights when I'm trying to make leftovers feel exciting again, these always help to seal the deal. I've stuffed them with everything from roasted sweet potatoes that I jazz up with beans and cheese, remnants of sheet-pan sausages and peppers that are fantastic with avocado and pickled onions, crumbled-up veggie burgers topped with hot sauce and slaw, or grilled chicken.

Whether I'm stretching a small amount of leftover protein to feed my whole family or need a quick dinner solution after a chaotic day, taco shells help turn what I have into something my kids will enthusiastically eat. I always keep a box in my pantry because I never regret having a backup plan that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

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