Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar (Printer-friendly)

A festive taco bar with proteins, fresh toppings, cheeses, and sides perfect for interactive gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1.5 pounds ground beef
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning, divided
05 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Tortillas

09 - 20 small corn tortillas
10 - 20 small flour tortillas

→ Fresh Toppings

11 - 2 cups shredded lettuce
12 - 2 cups diced tomatoes
13 - 1 cup diced red onion
14 - 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
15 - 2 ripe avocados, sliced
16 - 2 limes, cut into wedges
17 - 1 cup sliced jalapeños, fresh or pickled

→ Cheeses and Sauces

18 - 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
19 - 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
20 - 1 cup sour cream
21 - 1 cup salsa, mild or spicy
22 - 1 cup pico de gallo

→ Sides

23 - 2 cups prepared Mexican rice
24 - 2 cups tortilla chips

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and half the taco seasoning. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through.
02 - In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and crumble while cooking until browned, approximately 8 minutes. Stir in remaining taco seasoning and one-quarter cup water. Simmer for 2 minutes.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine drained black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Stack tortillas and wrap in aluminum foil. Heat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warm and pliable.
05 - Place lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and jalapeños in separate individual bowls for self-service.
06 - Arrange Mexican blend cheese, queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, and pico de gallo in individual bowls.
07 - Cook Mexican rice according to package directions. Transfer tortilla chips to a large serving bowl.
08 - Arrange all cooked proteins, warmed tortillas, toppings, sauces, and sides in a buffet-style presentation, allowing guests to customize their tacos.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Offers a customizable taco experience with multiple proteins and toppings.
  • Perfect for parties and festive occasions like Cinco de Mayo.
  • Includes vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate all guests.
  • Easy to prepare and set up buffet-style for casual dining.
02 -
  • Divide taco seasoning evenly to season proteins separately for balanced flavors.
  • Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and fresh.
  • Arrange toppings and sauces in small bowls for easy self-service and minimal mess.
  • Use foil to keep tortillas warm longer and prevent drying out.
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