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Flavorful Build-Your-Own Taco Bar for 12

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A quick and easy taco bar perfect for parties, featuring seasoned ground beef and grilled chicken with fresh toppings and sauces for a customizable feast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 head shredded lettuce (about 4 cups)
  • 3 medium diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium chopped red onion
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups guacamole
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños
  • 3–4 fresh lime wedges
  • 24 small soft corn tortillas (6-inch)
  • 12 small flour tortillas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into 1-inch strips. Season ground beef and chicken separately with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Cook ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon oil and cook chicken strips over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
  4. Chop lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Grate cheddar cheese if needed. Arrange toppings in separate bowls or platters.
  5. Wrap corn and flour tortillas separately in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or use a tortilla warmer. Alternatively, warm tortillas on a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side.
  6. Set up the taco bar by arranging warmed tortillas, cooked proteins, and toppings buffet-style with serving utensils, lime wedges, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.
  7. Before guests arrive, taste the meats and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking meats to ensure proper browning. Season meats early and adjust seasoning after cooking. Keep tortillas warm and moist by wrapping in foil and warming in the oven or using a tortilla warmer. Prep toppings fresh or a day ahead stored in airtight containers. Use fresh lime juice for brightness. For vegetarian options, substitute proteins with seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms and peppers.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco bar, build your own tacos, party food, ground beef tacos, grilled chicken tacos, easy taco recipe, customizable tacos, Mexican food, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/flavorful-build-your-own-taco-bar-for-12-easy-party-feast-ideas/