Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit, Crunchy – 20-Minute Dinner Solution for Busy Weeknights and Shared Kitchens
Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit, Crunchy – 20-Minute Dinner Solution for Busy Weeknights and Shared Kitchens
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Why you'll love it
- All-in-one kit eliminates need to buy shells, sauce, and seasoning separately
- Ready in about 20 minutes, ideal for hectic schedules
- Trusted Old El Paso brand from General Mills ensures consistent flavor
- Customizable with personal favorite proteins, veggies, and toppings
- Kid-friendly crunchy shells and mild seasoning appeal to younger palates
- Affordable meal solution that feeds a family without restaurant costs
Perfect for
- Quick 20-minute weeknight family dinner
- Taco Tuesday tradition with the family
- Casual game-day or movie-night gathering
- Beginner-friendly introduction to homemade tacos
- Customizable meal base for picky eaters or varied diets
Product Information
TACO SHELLS: Dinner kit contains crunchy 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: 8.8 oz
Product Dimensions : 2.08 x 9.31 x 5.52 inches; 8.8 ounces Item model number : 46000287355 UPC : 046000287355 Manufacturer : General Mills Units : 8.8 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #26,391 in Grocery & Gourmet Food TACO SHELLS: Dinner kit contains crunchy 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: 8.8 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get this whole dinner done in about 20 minutes between work calls?
Yes, the kit is designed for quick assembly: brown your protein, add the included seasoning, warm the shells, and top with the sauce, all in roughly 20 minutes.
Does this kit help me avoid a separate trip to the grocery store?
Yes, since the shells, seasoning, and sauce are all included, you only need to grab a protein and any fresh toppings, saving a second shopping stop.
Is this a good option for meal prepping in a small apartment kitchen?
Yes, the single 8.8 oz pack keeps storage minimal and the short prep time fits well into small-space cooking without lots of extra pans or cleanup.
Can I keep this kit in my pantry as a backup dinner for busy weeks?
Yes, the dry components have a long shelf life and are designed for pantry storage, making it a reliable fallback on packed weeks.
Will the steps be simple enough to follow after a long workday?
Yes, the kit is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps, so you do not need to consult a recipe or follow complex techniques after work.
Is this Old El Paso kit a better use of my weeknight time than a delivery app?
For many shoppers, yes, because the 20-minute prep is comparable to delivery wait times and is typically more affordable than a takeout order.
Does this kit work for a shared office break room or co-working kitchen?
It is best for home use due to the cooking required, but it can be a quick option in any kitchen with a stovetop or microwave for warming the shells.
Can I rely on consistent results every time I make this kit?
Yes, Old El Paso is a trusted General Mills brand and the pre-portioned seasoning and sauce help deliver the same flavor profile each time.
Is this kit easy to clean up after a quick dinner?
Cleanup is generally light because the shells, sauce, and seasoning come pre-portioned, leaving you to wash only the pan used for your protein.
Can I make this kit even faster by prepping toppings in advance?
Yes, chopping onions, tomatoes, or lettuce ahead of time on a less busy day can bring the active cook time down to just a few minutes.
Does the kit support a healthy weeknight routine?
Yes, you control the protein and vegetable add-ins, so you can build a balanced meal around the included shells, seasoning, and sauce.
Is this kit a good fit for a college student with back-to-back classes?
Yes, the short cook time, pantry-friendly storage, and simple steps make it ideal for students managing tight academic schedules.
Will this kit work with a microwave-only dorm setup?
The shells can be warmed in a microwave, but you will still need a way to cook a protein, so a stovetop, hot plate, or microwave-safe protein option is recommended.
Can I keep the kit in my desk drawer as an emergency lunch?
It is best stored in a pantry rather than a desk, but its compact size and dry ingredients make it easy to keep on hand for last-minute meals.
Does this kit help me stick to a grocery budget while still eating well?
Yes, the kit is an affordable base meal, and adding a simple protein and a few fresh toppings typically costs less than a restaurant meal of similar size.
Can I use this kit as a study break dinner without a lot of mental effort?
Yes, the simple steps and pre-measured seasoning mean you can assemble dinner on autopilot and get back to studying or resting quickly.
How do I make Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit at home?
Brown one pound of ground beef or your preferred protein in a skillet, drain the excess fat, stir in the included taco seasoning packet along with a small amount of water, and simmer for a few minutes. Warm the crunchy taco shells in the oven or microwave, then fill each shell with the seasoned protein, the included taco sauce, and your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, or sour cream.
Can I make this taco kit with chicken, beans, or a vegetarian protein instead of beef?
Yes, the kit is designed to be flexible, so you can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, black beans, pinto beans, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative and still use the included seasoning and sauce.
How should I warm the crunchy taco shells so they stay crisp?
The shells can be warmed in a 350°F oven for a few minutes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, or in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and filling them promptly after warming helps preserve their crunch.
Does this kit work with gluten-free or other specialty diets?
The Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit contains wheat in the crunchy shells, so it is not gluten-free as packaged, but the seasoning and sauce can be paired with gluten-free taco shells or lettuce wraps sold separately to suit different dietary needs.
Can I use this taco kit in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can brown the protein using the sauté function on an Instant Pot or in a separate pan, then combine it with the seasoning packet and a small amount of water to cook low and slow, or use the slow cooker setting for hands-off preparation.
What is included in the Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit box?
The kit includes crunchy taco shells, one packet of taco seasoning mix, and one packet of taco sauce, providing the core components needed to assemble a basic taco dinner; you supply the protein and any additional toppings.
Is the taco sauce packet spicy, and can I control the heat level?
The included sauce is a mild, family-friendly taco sauce, and you can easily adjust the heat by adding a milder or spicier salsa, hot sauce, or fresh jalapeños on top to match your preference.
How long does the Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit last in the pantry?
Unopened, the kit typically has a shelf life of several months to a year, so it is well suited for stocking in a pantry and using on busy weeks when you need a quick meal option.
What is the difference between a taco dinner kit and a box of standalone taco shells?
A taco dinner kit includes the shells plus a pre-portioned seasoning packet and a taco sauce packet, giving you the core flavor components in one box, whereas a standalone box of shells only provides the shells and requires you to buy seasoning, sauce, and any other ingredients separately.
