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Budget-Friendly Graduation Taco Bar for 30 Guests

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A simple, crowd-pleasing taco bar recipe designed to feed 30 guests on a budget, featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy shells, soft tortillas, and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 30 crunchy taco shells
  • 30 small soft flour or corn tortillas
  • 3 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
  • 4 large tomatoes, diced or 2 cups pico de gallo
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cups sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1 cup sliced black olives
  • 2 avocados, sliced or mashed
  • 2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup salsa verde or red salsa
  • 1 jar pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop onions, mince garlic, dice tomatoes, shred lettuce and cheese, slice avocados and green onions. Arrange all toppings in bowls for easy access.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until it starts browning, about 8 minutes.
  3. Add chopped onions and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
  5. Pour in beef broth or water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until most liquid evaporates and meat is richly seasoned, about 10-12 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Just before serving, heat crunchy taco shells in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up. Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for 10 minutes.
  7. Arrange warmed shells, tortillas, meat filling, and all toppings on a table or counter grouped by type for easy access.
  8. Encourage guests to build their own tacos with preferred fillings. Provide napkins and plates for a casual, festive vibe.

Notes

Brown the meat well for best flavor. Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance aroma. Keep toppings fresh by prepping close to serving time. Store avocados with lime juice to prevent browning. Use a slow cooker to keep meat warm without drying out. Label spicy toppings clearly to avoid surprises. Estimate 3-4 tacos per person to ensure enough food.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco bar, graduation party, budget-friendly, crowd-pleaser, easy party food, ground beef tacos, taco toppings, party recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/budget-friendly-graduation-taco-bar-for-30-guests-easy-party-recipe-ideas/