Our Best Easy Valentine's Day Food & Meal Ideas
Easy Meals For Two This Valentine's Day
There are many ways to show a special someone you love them on Valentine’s Day, but one of the best is with a warm, home-cooked meal! Why not ditch the table reservations this February 14th and opt for a cosy candlelit dinner at home? To help inspire your special evening, we’ve put together a three-course Mexican-inspired menu complete with recipes.
Explore it and our best easy Valentine’s Day food and meal ideas below.
Three-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu
Our three-course Valentine’s Day dinner menu is easy to pull together at home and sure to impress! We’ve even included vegetarian-friendly options:
- Starter: Mexi Topped Potatoes (vegetarian-friendly and full of flavour).
- Main Course: Choose between Crunchy Beef Tacos or Mushroom & Onion Tacos and optional sides.
- Dessert: Banana Split Stand 'N Stuff™ Tacos.
Ready to get cooking? Read on to learn how each dish is made, plus décor ideas to add some ambience to your dinner table.
Starter: Mexi Topped Potatoes
Start your Valentine’s Day meal for two with our comforting and vegetarian-friendly Mexi Topped Potatoes. The dish is simple to prepare and hearty in flavour while remaining light, meaning you’ll both have plenty of room left for the main course. In this recipe, crispy baked potato bases are topped with vegetarian mince, a swirl of cooling sour cream, and a smattering of fresh chives and grated cheese. Taking only 15 minutes to make, it’s a delicious way to kick off your romantic evening.
Recipe Name
Mexi Topped PotatoesTotal Time
15 minutesSpice Level
MildServings
2Ingredients
- 2 medium baking potatoes
- 250g frozen meat-free vegetarian mince
- 175g Old El Paso™ Thick 'N' Chunky Salsa
- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ Soured Cream
- Fresh chopped chives, to garnish
Preparation
- Pierce the potatoes with a fork. Place on microwave-safe paper towel in the microwave. Microwave on High for 5-7 minutes or until tender, turning and rearranging potatoes once halfway through cooking.
- Meanwhile, mix the frozen vegetarian mince, salsa, chili powder and 60ml of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook over a low heat for 4-5 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
- To serve, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and mash the flesh with a fork. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the vegetarian mince mixture over potatoes and top each with a dollop of soured cream and garnish with chopped chives.
Expert Tips
- These are great served with extra toppings such as grated cheese, coriander, chopped spring onions, diced tomatoes or chopped red pepper.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe to serve more people, but only cook 2 potatoes at a time in the microwave.
- Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.
Made With...
Main Course: Beef or Veggie Tacos
Tacos offer a fun and interactive main course! Choose succulent beef or a vegetarian-friendly mushroom and onion option to tailor the meal to your tastes.
Meat Option: Crunchy Beef Tacos
Total Time: 20 Minutes | Servings: 4
These crunchy beef tacos are the ultimate easy Valentine’s Day meal idea. Seasoned beef, cooked to perfection, marries beautifully with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Make sure the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 75°C, and pair these tacos with lime wedges for that extra citrus zing.
Pro Tip: Prep everything in advance for a laid-back, fun taco-building experience together. Layer on cheese, Old El Paso Taco Salsa™, or guacamole for more flavour contrast.
Veggie Option: Mushroom & Onion Tacos
Total Time: 25 Minutes | Servings: 4
For a vegetarian main that sacrifices no flavour, sauté portobello mushrooms and red onions seasoned with Old El Paso™ Garlic & Paprika Seasoning. Top these with crumbled feta or a plant-based alternative for a delicious and filling dish - no meat required.
Sides: Taco Fries or Chicken Nachos
No Valentine’s Day dinner is complete without a few extra bites to share and enjoy. Elevate your meal by whipping up one (or both) of these quick and easy sides.
Veggie Option: Taco Fries
Total Time: 40 Minutes | Servings: 4
Take classic fries to the next level with Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning Mix. Oven-baked to perfection and tossed in our flavourful seasoning, these wedges bring an extra-satisfying crunch, perfect for dipping in guacamole or salsa.
Meat Option: Microwave Cheesy Chicken Nachos
Total Time: 15 Minutes | Servings: 4
Pressed for time? Throw together these microwave nachos in minutes! Simply layer Old El Paso™ Cheesy Baked Enchiladas Cooking Sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips for gooey, delicious bites.
Dessert: Banana Split Stand 'N Stuff™ Tacos
You’ve had savoury and now it’s time for a sweet dessert to sweep your Valentine off their feet. These Banana Split Stand 'N Stuff™ Tacos offer a fun twist on the classic banana split, served taco style!
Dessert Recipe: Banana Split Stand 'N Stuff™ Tacos
Total Time: 30 Minutes | Servings: 8
Using Old El Paso™ Stand 'N Stuff™ Soft Flour Tortillas, fill these mini taco shells with scoops of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of rich, melted chocolate. Top with whipped cream and cherries for a classic feel.
Valentine’s Day Dinner Table Decoration Ideas
Now that your meal is planned, it’s time to set the tone for a romantic night in with a few thoughtful touches. These décor tips will ensure your Valentine’s Day meal feels extra special:
- Romantic Candles: Create a soft, flickering glow by placing candles around your dining space. For extra safety, use flameless LED candles and place them inside mason jars for a cosy, intimate ambience.
- Valentine’s Tableware: Compliment your vibrant Mexican feast with themed dishware such as heart-shaped plates and bowls. A pop of red or pink is perfect for adding a sense of romance to your table.
- Personal Touches: Add a handwritten note or a small gift to your partner’s plate.
- Vivid Flowers: Fresh red roses or pink tulips add an elegant touch to your table and brings an extra element of luxury to the evening.
Ready to get started with your Valentine’s Day meal for two? Don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media! With our easy Valentine’s Day food and meal ideas, cooking up love has never been easier. Explore more Mexican-inspired recipes to help make every night just as special as this one here.