Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar (Printable)

A festive spread with proteins, fresh toppings, tortillas, and sides ideal for Cinco de Mayo gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 taco seasoning, divided
05 - 1 can 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 cilantro
15 - 2 avocados, sliced
16 - 2 limes, cut into wedges
17 - 1 cup sliced jalapeños

→ 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
22 - 1 cup pico de gallo

→ Sides

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

# How to Make:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and half the taco seasoning. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through.
02 - In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, crumble while cooking, and brown for approximately 8 minutes. Stir in remaining taco seasoning and 1/4 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 foil. Heat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.
05 - Place lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, jalapeños, Mexican blend cheese, queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, and pico de gallo in individual serving bowls.
06 - Cook Mexican rice according to package directions. Transfer tortilla chips to a large serving bowl.
07 - Arrange all proteins, warmed tortillas, toppings, sauces, and sides in a buffet-style setup, allowing guests to build their own tacos.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Interactive and customizable for all tastes.
  • Includes plenty of options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
  • Balances flavorful proteins with fresh toppings and sides.
  • Perfect for parties and casual gatherings.
02 -
  • Divide taco seasoning between proteins to layer flavors.
  • Keep cooked proteins warm by covering them with foil until serving.
  • Use foil to warm tortillas evenly without drying them out.
  • Arrange toppings by color and flavor intensity for an inviting display.
  • Offer both fresh and pickled jalapeños to suit different spice preferences.
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