National Taco Day 2022: Upgrade food, Taco Tuesday with homemade tacos

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Today is National Taco Day, which falls on October 4,. Although the Del Taco chain is credited with instigating the holiday, the history of tacos itself is much more complicated. Many claim that tacos have been around for hundreds of years, if not thousands. The first American newspaper to mention the food was published in 1905. However, there are no specific records about the food. We do know that the taco has been a staple American cuisine for over a century since its introduction in the United States.

It just so happens that the 4th of October falls on a Tuesday in this year's calendar. Taco Tuesday! There are many discounts and freebies available to make this a special occasion. Once you’ve scored deals at your favorite restaurants, we’re here to help you make the best tacos right at home for round two with these game-changing tools. You can never have enough tacos.  

► Taco Day deals:Here's where to get free food, deals on National Taco Day

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1. Meat grinder

Whatever protein you choose to use in your tacos is important to remember that it must be ground. An attachment can be used to grind your meat at home if you own a stand mixer. KitchenAid offers a variety of easy-to-use meat grinder attachments, including metal and plastic versions. Turboforce's 3000 Meat Grinder is a more affordable alternative to meat grinders that don't require a stand mixer. The foot pedals allow you to use the machine without having to move your feet while grinding the protein.

Amazon2: $99 - Amazon$160 Frying pan

We recommend the OXO Non-Stick Pro 10 Inch Open Frypan if you plan to cook your food on the stove. It is the best nonstick pan we have tested. It heats quickly, retains heat, and has a comfortable handle that makes it easy to use. Most importantly, it’s affordable.

Amazon3: $50 Spatula

We recommend the Material Soft Edge Turner as a nonstick spatula. Since it’s nonstick, cleaning it is a breeze because seasoning and meat don’t cling to it while cooking. It is strong enough to allow you to use the spatula head to separate your protein while you cook.

Material4: $20 Tortilla press

Did someone say homemade tortillas? A tortilla press is necessary to make homemade tortillas. The best tortilla press we tested is the  Victoria 8" Cast Iron Tortilla Press. The Victoria’s weight makes pressing dough into consistently flat tortillas a simple affair and the press stays in place as you do so. Even if your dough isn’t perfectly centered, the press is big enough that it won’t spill out the side. If you’re making several tortillas at once, make sure to pick up a tortilla warmer, as well.

Amazon5: $20 Slow cooker

Are you looking for something new to do for National Taco Day (Nato Day)? Try slow cooking your protein. This cooking method gives your food a unique texture and flavor that is not possible with a skillet. The Cuisinart 6-Quart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker is our favorite slow cooker. It is easy to clean and even easier for you to maneuver because the handles stay cool to your touch.

Amazon6: $160 Air fryer

Air fryers can be used to make recipes that require frying. An air fryer can be used to make a classic taco, the crispy, gooey chimichanga. The Philips Premium AirfryerXXL is the best air fryer. It has a huge four-quart capacity, as the name suggests. It doesn't need preheating, and the food is crispy.

Amazon7.com: $300 Cutting board and knives

The meat is important, but toppings are even more important. To enhance your taco, you can add tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. The Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set is our favorite budget knife set. It can slice and dice all your fixings. Don't let the price fool you—it can hold its own against the more expensive options. It also comes with a stylish glass case for storage. We recommend the Totally Bamboo Kauai Cutting Board if you are in need of a cutting table. It’s the best cutting board thanks its design, durability and ease of cleaning.

$160 on Amazon $20 on Amazon8. Grater

Another great topping is cheese to give your tacos a unique flavor contrast is cheese You can either buy pre-shredded cheese from the store or grate your own cheese. By grating it yourself, you can choose from a wider variety of cheeses to feature on your taco— havarti, anyone? What’s more, you can also use a grater to make preparing certain vegetables easier. The Microplane box grates were our favorite. Each of its four sides is very sharp, its blade panel can easily be removed for cleaning and the rest of the grater is dishwasher safe.

Amazon9.com: $44.33 Mortar and pestle

Guacamole adds a unique, nutty taste to your tacos. Combine it with sour-cream and you have a winning combination. A mortar and pestle is a great tool for making your own guac. There are few better options than our value pick for the best mortar and pestle, the ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle. This set is durable and comes with a nonslip pad to ensure that your mortar doesn’t move while you’re mashing. Its small size makes it easy to store.

Amazon10: $35 Ramekin set

A ramekin set is a great way to store your freshly grated, mashed toppings. You'll be able to quickly access your ingredients as you prepare your tacos. Sweese is the best ramekin seller on Amazon. Reviewers love the set's premium construction without having to pay a premium price.

Amazon11: $17 Casserole dish

Taco casserole is a new dish you can try for National Taco Day. It's a taco casserole with all the same flavors, but in a new form. It's best to use a dedicated casserole dish like the Great Jones Hot Dish. This is our favorite. The Hot Dish has a lot to be loved, whether it's the five-quart size, the stylish design, or the sturdy handles. You'll be able to whip up a new favorite recipe in no time with the Great Jones Hot Dish.

$75 from Great Jones12. Tortilla bowl

A tortilla bowl is a great option if you prefer a bowl-shaped tortilla bowl. WOOPOWER's nonstick fluted tortilla bowl has been praised by hundreds of customers. It's as simple as placing a tortilla into the bowl, then baking it in the oven. The bowls are nonstick so you can easily slide your tortillas out when you're ready.

Amazon13: $13.99 Taco rack

No matter whether you prefer your tacos soft-shelled or hard, you know how difficult it is to keep them upright. The Fiesta Kitchen Taco Holder Stand will make it easy to stop worrying about your tacos falling apart. The stand makes it easy for you to fill your tacos and keeps them up until it's time to serve. The taco holder can also be used in the oven for toasting your shells. It also has handles that make it easy to carry. The dishwasher-safe material makes it easy to clean when you're done.

Amazon: $16.97

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Prices were correct at the time of publication, but could change over time.