Old El Paso Soft Taco Dinner Kit, Versatile Pantry Kit for Casual Home Entertaining
Old El Paso Soft Taco Dinner Kit, Versatile Pantry Kit for Casual Home Entertaining
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Why you'll love it
- All-in-one kit eliminates the need to buy shells, sauce, and seasoning separately
- Ready in about 20 minutes fits into hectic weekday schedules
- Trusted heritage brand (Old El Paso / General Mills) reduces mealtime risk
- Soft taco shells appeal to families with picky eaters who prefer them over crunchy shells
- Pack-of-2 variant offers value and convenience for frequent taco nights
- Versatile base lets each person customize with their own toppings and proteins
- Tortillas are notably fresh
- Soft tortillas don't break like hard shells and reduce mess/stuffing falling out
- Seasoning is flavorful without being overly salty
- Tastes like takeout
- Great quantity/portion size
- All-in-one box includes tortillas, seasoning packet, and salsa
- Hassle-free preparation
Perfect for
- Quick 20-minute weeknight family dinner
- Customizable Taco Tuesday celebration with personalized toppings
- Beginner-friendly introduction to Mexican-style home cooking
- Casual entertaining for small get-togethers and game nights
- Budget-friendly pantry meal solution during busy weeks
- Weekly taco night tradition
- Quick weeknight dinner when short on time
- Cooking with children as a fun, hands-on family activity
- Substituting shredded chicken instead of beef
Product Information
TACO SHELLS: Dinner kit contains soft taco shells, taco sauce and seasoning mix MEXICAN-STYLE ENTREES: Add your favorite ingredients to make delicious tacos in minutes AMAZING TASTE: This kit is bursting with flavorful ingredients that are seasoned to Old El Paso perfection QUICK AND EASY: Ready in about 20 minutes, these kits are perfect for any busy night CONTAINS: 12.5 oz
Product Dimensions : 1.75 x 7.75 x 7.5 inches; 12.5 ounces Item model number : 12410 UPC : 046000287324 Manufacturer : General Mills Units : 12.5 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #20,603 in Grocery & Gourmet Food TACO SHELLS: Dinner kit contains soft taco shells, taco sauce and seasoning mix MEXICAN-STYLE ENTREES: Add your favorite ingredients to make delicious tacos in minutes AMAZING TASTE: This kit is bursting with flavorful ingredients that are seasoned to Old El Paso perfection QUICK AND EASY: Ready in about 20 minutes, these kits are perfect for any busy night CONTAINS: 12.5 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the kit really include everything I need for taco night?
Yes. Each 12.5 oz box contains the soft taco shells, the taco seasoning packet, and the taco sauce, so you do not need to buy those three components separately.
How long will a box stay good in my pantry?
Old El Paso kits are shelf-stable for many months when stored in a cool, dry pantry, so you can buy a few at a time and always have a backup dinner on hand.
Is this kit a good value compared to buying ingredients separately?
In most grocery comparisons, the kit costs less than buying shells, sauce, and seasoning individually, and it reduces packaging and decision fatigue at the store.
Can I use the seasoning and shells for other meals during the week?
Definitely. The seasoning works well on ground turkey, shredded chicken, or roasted veggies, and the soft shells can be used for breakfast tacos or quesadillas.
Does the kit work for two taco nights in one week?
The pack-of-2 version is designed exactly for that. You get two full kits, so you can plan one taco night this week and another next week without an extra grocery run.
Is this a good product to keep stocked in a small apartment kitchen?
Yes. The compact box fits in a small cabinet or dorm room shelf, requires no extra storage for shells, sauce, and seasoning, and uses only basic kitchen tools to prepare.
Can I use this kit if I have never made tacos before?
Yes, it is one of the easiest entry points into Mexican-style home cooking. The package walks you through the steps, and the included seasoning takes the guesswork out of flavor.
Is this a reliable weeknight dinner when I have no time to plan?
That is exactly what it is built for. With about 20 minutes of total time and a clear recipe on the box, it removes the planning step from busy evenings.
Is this a good choice if I am trying to spend less on groceries?
Yes. The kit is one of the lowest-cost taco dinners per serving in most grocery stores, and using pantry staples like beans and rice to stretch the filling makes it even more budget-friendly.
Can I use this for casual entertaining with friends at home?
Absolutely. The build-your-own format is perfect for small get-togethers, game nights, and informal dinners because each guest customizes their taco to taste.
How does this compare to a frozen taco kit?
Frozen taco kits require oven baking and longer cook times. This Old El Paso kit is ready in about 20 minutes with no preheating, and the soft shells are noticeably fresher than frozen alternatives.
How does this compare to takeout tacos?
A family-size taco dinner at home typically costs a third of a takeout order, and you control the freshness, portions, and toppings. Many reviewers say it tastes just as good as a local taqueria.
How does this compare to a fully DIY taco bar setup?
A full DIY bar takes more shopping, more dishes, and more cleanup. This kit gives you the three hard-to-match ingredients pre-portioned, so you only need to add fresh toppings and protein.
What if I do not like the included sauce?
The included sauce is mild and versatile, but you can swap it for any salsa, hot sauce, or crema you prefer. The kit is designed to be a flexible base, not a finished meal.
Is there any plastic or hard-to-recycle packaging inside the box?
The box is recyclable, and the inner pouches are typical flexible food packaging. If you are aiming for zero waste, you can compost or rinse the cardboard after use.
What if my household prefers crunchy shells instead of soft?
Old El Paso makes a separate crunchy taco dinner kit if your family prefers that texture, or you can simply buy a box of crunchy shells and use the included seasoning and sauce from this kit.
How do I prepare the Old El Paso Soft Taco Dinner Kit step by step?
Brown one pound of ground beef (or your protein of choice) in a skillet, drain the fat, stir in the included seasoning packet plus the amount of water listed on the box, and simmer for a few minutes. Warm the soft taco shells according to the package, then spoon the filling into each shell and top with the included sauce and any extras you like.
Can I prepare the kit in the microwave instead of on the stove?
Yes. You can brown the meat in a microwave-safe dish, mix in the seasoning and water, and microwave the shells wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds. The texture and flavor are very close to the stovetop method.
Can I use the kit with chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles all work well with the included seasoning. The packet is designed as a flexible taco flavor base, not a beef-only recipe.
Is the kit compatible with keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets?
The soft taco shells are made from corn and wheat flour, so the kit is not gluten-free. For low-carb or keto diets, you can use the seasoning and sauce as a base and serve the filling in lettuce wraps or cheese shells.
Are the taco shells and sauce safe for people with common food allergies?
The shells contain wheat, and the box is manufactured in a facility that may also process milk and soy. Always check the current package label for the most accurate allergen information.
What is actually inside the box when I open it?
Each 12.5 oz box contains soft taco shells, a packet of taco seasoning mix, and a packet of taco sauce. You will need to supply your own protein (typically ground beef) and any additional toppings like cheese, lettuce, or tomatoes.
What do I need to buy separately to complete the meal?
You will need a protein of your choice (commonly one pound of ground beef, shredded chicken, or beans), and any optional toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or avocado.
How long does the kit last past the printed date?
Old El Paso kits are typically good for several months past the best-by date when stored in a cool, dry pantry, though freshness and flavor are best before that date. Always check the printed date and the shells for any signs of staleness before using.
Is this product safe to eat if the sauce packet looks puffy?
A puffy sauce packet can be a sign of spoilage. We recommend discarding any packet that looks or smells off and contacting General Mills customer service for a replacement.
What is the difference between a soft taco kit and a regular taco dinner kit?
A soft taco kit uses flexible flour tortillas, which are easier to fold and bite into and do not shatter like hard corn shells. They appeal to families with picky eaters and to anyone who prefers a more wrap-like texture.
