Big Game Taco Bar (Printable)
A flavorful taco bar featuring seasoned meats, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
05 - 1/3 cup water
→ Tortillas
06 - 16 small corn or flour tortillas
→ Toppings
07 - 2 cups shredded lettuce
08 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
10 - 1 cup sour cream
11 - 1 cup guacamole
12 - 1 cup salsa
13 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
14 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
15 - 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
16 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
17 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
→ Extras
18 - Tortilla chips for serving
19 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned completely. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in half the taco seasoning and half the water. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
02 - Heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Pour in the remaining taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the sauce coats the chicken and it's cooked through completely.
03 - Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil. Place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel in 30-second intervals until warm.
04 - Arrange the cooked beef, chicken, and warm tortillas on a serving table. Place each topping in separate bowls alongside the black beans and tortilla chips. Set out serving utensils for each item.
05 - Guests build their own tacos by choosing their preferred protein, tortillas, and toppings. Provide small plates and napkins for easy self-service.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Letting guests customize means everyone leaves happy, including your pickiest eater and that friend who puts everything on their taco
- Most prep happens beforehand, so you're actually hanging out with people instead of stuck behind the stove
- The leftovers, if you somehow have any, make incredible breakfast tacos the next morning
02 -
- Keep the proteins warm in slow cookers on the lowest setting so nobody's eating cold meat halfway through the party
- The guacamole will brown if it sits out too long, so either make it fresh in batches or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface
03 -
- Double the protein portions if you're feeding a crowd that includes teenage boys or anyone who treats taco night like an eating competition
- Prep all your toppings the night before, keeping them in separate containers so you're just doing assembly on party day