Old El Paso Soft Taco Dinner Kit, Simple One-Box Weeknight Dinner Solution
Old El Paso Soft Taco Dinner Kit, Simple One-Box Weeknight Dinner Solution
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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 this kit really cut down on the number of items in my pantry?
Yes. One box replaces three separate items (shells, sauce, and seasoning), so you free up shelf space and reduce the number of half-used bottles cluttering your cabinet.
Is the packaging clean and easy to recycle?
It comes in a single recyclable cardboard box with a few small inner pouches. Compared to buying three separate products, the packaging footprint is meaningfully smaller.
Can I use the kit without buying any extra specialty ingredients?
You only need to add a protein and any fresh toppings you like. For a minimalist kitchen with just salt, pepper, oil, and ground meat, the kit has everything else covered.
Does the kit support a less-is-more approach to cooking?
Exactly. The included seasoning delivers balanced flavor on its own, so you do not need a cabinet full of spices to make a good taco.
Will the kit feel at home in a small, uncluttered apartment?
Yes. The compact box fits into a small shelf, a dorm room bin, or a tight kitchen cabinet without taking up the space of three full-size products.
Is this a good first-apartment or first-kitchen product?
Yes. It is a low-risk, high-reward product for someone setting up a first kitchen, because it requires almost no cooking skill and no extra tools.
Is this kit a good fit for a dorm room with only a microwave?
Yes. The shells warm in a microwave, the seasoning mixes with a pre-cooked protein, and the sauce is ready to spoon. No stove is required.
Can I keep my kitchen intentionally simple and still serve dinner guests?
Yes. The kit is designed to feed a small group with minimal effort, so you can host an informal dinner without pulling out specialty equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Is this kit a good value for a young adult on a tight budget?
It is one of the lowest-cost complete dinners per serving in most grocery stores, and a single box feeds several meals, which is ideal for students and early-career cooks.
Does the kit support a clean-eating or simple-ingredient lifestyle?
Yes. Because you add your own protein and toppings, you can keep the ingredient list very short and avoid processed extras you do not want.
How does this compare to a DIY taco recipe from scratch?
A from-scratch recipe requires buying and storing multiple spices, plus a longer prep time. This kit delivers the same flavor with one box and about 20 minutes of effort.
How does this compare to a meal kit delivery service?
Meal kits are more expensive per serving, require a subscription, and create more packaging waste. This Old El Paso kit is a one-time, low-cost, shelf-stable alternative.
How does this compare to a ready-to-eat frozen taco dinner?
Frozen dinners are more processed and have a shorter pantry life once thawed. The Old El Paso kit uses fresh-tasting soft shells and a customizable format, which suits a minimalist approach better.
What if I do not like the included seasoning flavor?
You can use less of the packet, mix it with a little tomato paste, or substitute your own simple spice blend. The shells and sauce still work as a base.
Is the kit worth buying if I only want soft taco shells?
The kit costs only a small premium over a plain shell pack, and you get fresh shells plus two more useful ingredients. Most minimalist shoppers find the value hard to beat.
What if I am worried about the kit being too processed?
Use the kit as a base and add whole-food toppings like beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Most of the sodium and processed content is in the seasoning, which you can use sparingly.
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.
