Taco Bar Party Board

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Updated 2023

Whether you’re looking for a fun and easy food idea for your next gathering or hosting a taco Tuesday, look no further than this build-your-own taco bar! No idea is a bad idea when it comes to taco bar toppings and party ideas. All you have to do is set out a stack of tortillas (warmed or not–totally up to you!) and bowls of all your toppings, and voila! You have yourself a fiesta. For added fun, whip up some Simple Margs or serve with your favorite Mexican lager!

For more family-style ideas, try my Build Your Own Antipasto Skewer Board, Build Your Own Bagel Brunch Board, Build Your Own Bloody Mary Board, Loaded Baked Potato Toppings Bar, Build Your Own Grilled Cheese Board, and Sundae Toppings Bar.

Plus for more fiesta ideas, check out my Mexican-Inspired Grazing Board, Fish Taco Board, and my Top Your Own Quesadilla Board.

Taco Toppings

Carbs

• 4-inch Flour or corn tortillas (I prefer corn!) 

• Taco shells

Fillings

• Ground beef 

• Black beans

Toppings

• Shredded cheese

• Shredded Lettuce

• Pickled red onion (See this recipe for instructions)

• Jalapeño slices

• Chopped tomatoes

• Sliced black olives

• Shredded Mexican cheese

• Diced white onion

Sauces & Dips

• Queso fresco

• Salsa (I like salsa verde)

• Guacamole

• Sour cream

Garnish

• Lime wedges

• Cilantro

• Cotija Cheese

How to Build a Taco Bar

• First, add all toppings, fillings, and sauces and dips to separate small or medium serving bowls and sprinkle beans with cotija cheese.

• Next, add the beef to a cast iron skillet or serving bowl and place on the board.

• Add bowls with cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, Mexican cheese, and sour cream to the board around the beef, forming a half circle. 

• Add bowls with jalapenos, remaining cotija, onions, guacamole, olives, and salsa to the board in a line around the other bowls.

• Finally, add taco shells and lime wedges around the edge of the board. Serve tortillas on the side.

How to Make the Best Taco Meat Filling

You don’t need to have a packet of taco seasoning on hand to make excellent taco meat! The main ingredients are salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and, if you like a kick, cayenne. I also love adding Trader Joe’s Everything But the Elote seasoning! 

 If you want an actual recipe, check this one out!

How Much Taco Meat Per Person

The usual rule of thumb is about ¼ cup taco meat per taco so you have room for all those other fillings and toppings! Generally speaking, it’s good to budget about 3 tacos per person, which means almost 1 cup of meat for each guest. That being said, definitely plan to have extra–some folks have a heavy hand (I certainly can’t blame them!).

Fun fact: even though caterers know people eat on average about 3 tacos, they actually budget for 2 tacos per person for a taco bar because they know people tend to add more filling than ¼ cup.

Other Taco Toppings

• Sliced avocados

• Charred corn

• Sliced radishes

• Sautéed poblano slices

• Diced mango

• Diced pineapple

• Fried onions

• Pickled jalapeños

• Cilantro Lime dressing

• Fried tortilla strips

Show Me Your Taco Bars

I hope this post inspires you to host a family-style meal. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.