The best meals that feed a crowd are ones where dinner guests are as involved as the cook! Here's all you need to know to set up the ultimate taco bar at home.
When feeding a crowd, I have found that the more hands-on your guests are, the easier it is for the cook. What I mean by that is: the less you have to plate up and serve, the better. This is where the beauty of a taco bar comes in.
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I have done many different food “bars” in the past, including a potato bar, salad bar, hamburger bar, and a pizza bar (nightmare) — but the taco bar is the crowd favorite. Not only does everyone love a taco, but you can make it all ahead of time and then sit down with your guests and eat instead of plating up food all night. Plus, it’s great for Cinco de Mayo!
This customizable meal is great for showers, graduation parties, family-style meals, small groups, neighborhood get-togethers, or a fun Taco Tuesday.
I was feeding a large crowd recently and cooked up 18 pounds of meat. You read that right — I bought three of Costco’s six-pounders of ground beef.
I knew that would be a lot, but here’s why I didn’t worry: Taco meat freezes incredibly well. So, if I had lots left over, I would just freeze it. (You can use two or three types of protein if you’d like, but I just served ground beef.)
Alright, let’s get down to business … here is your taco bar checklist!
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SB Note: Originally published in 2015, we like to keep this article updated with new images from each team taco bar we host, along with updated captions and slight copy changes.PinElevate your taco bar with a colorful centerpiece and various hot sauces — guests will love the festive touch and the chance to customize their perfect bite! Image: Grannis Photography
SB Tip: For a vegan, non-meat alternative to taco meat, check out our Tofu “Taco Meat” in our Vegan Taco Bowl Recipe!PinKeeping your meat, rice, and beans warm is crucial to the success of your taco bar. I use a Crock-Pot for ground beef and a dual warming tray for the rice and beans. Image: Grannis PhotographyPinTortilla options are endless, but be sure to provide at least one soft tortilla option and one hard shell option. The soft tortillas are seen here in the Le Creuset pot. Image: Grannis Photography
Taco Toppings
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomato (you could make pico and have the onions, tomatoes, and cilantro be one topping)
**To make this even easier, get a Kroger Boost Membership and have all your items delivered in less than two hours!**PinLine up your taco toppings in the order you would put them on a taco. We used a set of matching ramekins here, but you could use any small bowls, divided serving dishes, or even shallow cups you have on hand. Image: Grannis PhotographyPinSave time by picking up pre-prepared toppings from the grocery store. When you’re in a hurry, pre-shredded lettuce, pre-diced onion, and pre-chopped tomatoes are heaven-sent. Image: Grannis PhotographyPinSB update: Herdez makes a variety of sauces that are ideal for serving with a taco bar. This is a newer addition to the original lineup from 2015. We love the Guacamole Salsa, pictured here, the Salsa Verde, and the Chipotle Salsa Cremosa. You can typically find them all at your local Kroger! Image: Grannis Photography
Lay out all the food in order. Follow this list and set up around a kitchen island or dining table. As I set up, I like to place pieces of paper in each ramekin (or bowl, or whatever you’re using) to indicate which topping should go where. This is the order I like to use:
Flatware, napkins, and plates
Tortillas and hard taco shells
Meat
Beans and rice
Side of veggies
Taco toppings — lay these out in the order that you would put them on a taco:
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese
Shredded lettuce and diced tomato
Onion, cilantro, and jalapeños (I call these “the optionals”)
Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole (and any other sauces you like! I call these the “final condiments”)
PinI’m a planner; I’ll own it. And, if I could have used a label maker, I would have. Image: Grannis PhotographyPinI like to place a slip of paper into each ramekin indicating which topping should go where. It makes setup a breeze. Image: Grannis Photography
Taco Bar Extras
It’s all about the details! Consider incorporating extra touches like flower arrangements, a variety of hot sauces, and a lineup of themed beverages — Topo Chico bottles with fresh lime wedges are always a crowd favorite!
For alcoholic festive beverages, serve Corona with lime or margaritas.
PinChilled bottles of Topo Chico are always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with a bowl of fresh lime wedges. Image: Grannis PhotographyPinThis is a great time to pull out all of those hot sauces you’ve been collecting! Image: Grannis PhotographyPinNo special occasion is complete without a few beautiful floral arrangements. Image: Grannis Photography
Here’s my recipe for taco meat and how I cooked all 18 pounds at once and kept it warm. This should be a talent competition in the Miss America Pageant.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out our Catfish Tacos!
In a saute pan, brown ground meat. After this is browned, add onion and cook until it is translucent. Add taco seasoning packet and follow directions. Let simmer or place into a Crock-Pot to keep warm until your dinner is served.
NOTE: This is for one pound. I created this recipe multiplied by 18! Adjust accordingly for whatever size crowd you're serving.
Keyword taco meat, Tacos
Enjoy these taco bar ideas, and have a great taco party!
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For more creative meal ideas, visit our Recipes archive!
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Enjoy these taco bar ideas, and have a great taco party!
