Slow Cooker Brisket Tacos

With football season in full swing, my kids have learned the routine: Clean the house like crazy until early afternoon and then curl up on the couch for lunch and the game. While they don’t always love forgoing cartoons for the gridiron, the kids do join me, asking questions about the plays, the score and who’s playing.

When it comes to the food, it has to be easy and delicious–and totally hands-off. Whether it’s just us or we have guests, slow cooker brisket is absolutely terrific for making tacos alongside an awesome toppings bar.

Here’s how to turn this fab football food into a game-day treat: 

1. Cheesy Choices. Who says you have to limit the cheese to just one? Instead, offer several options. For brisket tacos, sharp cheddar is a wonderful pairing. But other cheeses, like blue cheese, queso blanco or pepper Jack, can be great, too. 

2. Be a Veggie Groupie. Lettuce and tomato? They are fine taco toppings. But go beyond these usual subjects. Finely diced sweet peppers, sliced avocado, chopped olives, sweet corn kernels, thinly sliced red onions and pea shoots are awesome additions as well. 

3. Get Saucy. Hot or mild? There are so many sauce choices for tacos. Set out a sauce tray with a range of interesting options, like salsa verde, mango salsa and mild garden salsa. Also add a creamy choice or two, such as sour cream, Mexican crema or guacamole.