Festive Customizable Taco Bar (Print)
Customizable taco bar with seasoned beef and chicken, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas. Easy entertaining for groups.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Tortillas
07 - 16 small corn or flour tortillas, gluten-free option available
→ Toppings
08 - 2 cups shredded lettuce
09 - 2 cups diced tomatoes
10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
12 - 1 cup sour cream
13 - 1 cup guacamole
14 - 1 cup salsa
15 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
16 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
17 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
19 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or frozen thawed
20 - 2 limes, cut into wedges
21 - 2 jalapeños, sliced
→ Optional Extras
22 - Hot sauce
23 - Pickled onions
24 - Diced avocado
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef with half the taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat continuously, until browned and cooked through, approximately 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and keep warm.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes per side. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.
03 - Wrap tortillas in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or alternatively warm in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
04 - Arrange all toppings in individual bowls or on serving platters for convenient access and self-service.
05 - Arrange cooked proteins, warmed tortillas, and all topping bowls in a buffet-style presentation. Allow guests to customize their tacos with desired proteins, fillings, and garnishes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The beauty lies in its flexibility everyone can craft exactly what they crave without you playing short order cook.
- When the chips are down and the games on, nothing brings people together like creating their own perfect bite while debating referee calls.
02 -
- After serving bland tacos at my first attempt, I discovered seasoning the meat as it cooks rather than after makes an enormous flavor difference.
- Setting out smaller bowls and replenishing them throughout the gathering keeps everything looking fresh and appetizing compared to large bowls that get messy quickly.
03 -
- Heating corn tortillas on a cast iron pan for just 15 seconds per side creates that authentic charred flavor that elevates the entire taco experience.
- Setting aside a portion of seasoned meat before adding heat allows spice sensitive guests to enjoy the flavors without discomfort, a trick I learned from my aunt who loves Mexican flavors but cant handle heat.