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Post by easternshoregirl on Jul 4, 2017 18:33:27 GMT -6
So, you all have probably talked me into doing a taco bar for E's birthday party this year! Suggestions on making it go well for a party (max of 25 people, I'd say)?
Also...I have never cooked ground beef for tacos. What do I do? Just brown it in a pan? I make my own taco seasoning for other recipes, so I'll probably use that. Then do I drain the fat off into a jar or something? My cooking with beef is pretty limited.
Any other recs on another protein to offer? I have a tacos al pastor (pork) recipe I like but it is a little more time consuming than I think I want to try.
I can figure out toppings and I'm sure we'll make some guac. Do I offer corn and flour tortillas? We just do corn but I know some people might not like them. Soft and hard? How do you serve the hard ones? Do you have to warm them?
I know I'm making this more complicated than it needs to be, I'm just thinking it all out here. Also, I know I can google some of this, just looking for tips from you taco bar experts!
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Jul 4, 2017 18:49:31 GMT -6
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Post by Betweenthelines on Jul 4, 2017 18:49:31 GMT -6
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jedi
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Post by jedi on Jul 4, 2017 19:26:03 GMT -6
I did a taco bar a few years ago for S1. I did ground beef, ground it, drained it, seasoning and threw it in the crock pot.
Made vegetarian ones for me.
I did flour soft shell and hard shell with all kinds of toppings
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Jul 4, 2017 19:42:37 GMT -6
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Post by RunsforWineandCarbs on Jul 4, 2017 19:42:37 GMT -6
Beef, brown it, drain, add seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Bring to boil then simmer about 10 mins. Liquid will absorb.
I would offer flour tortillas not corn just because more people prefer them.
You can do ground turkey or ground chicken and cook exact way as beef.
You can throw a couple of chicken breast in crockpot, taco season with broth and then shred. You can even toss in salsa for flavor.
I would also offer hard shell.
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Jul 4, 2017 19:43:45 GMT -6
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Post by RunsforWineandCarbs on Jul 4, 2017 19:43:45 GMT -6
And yes, you need to warm hard shell. Oven at 325 and warm for about 6 minutes.
I make tacos way too much....
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Jul 4, 2017 19:46:53 GMT -6
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Post by redandblue on Jul 4, 2017 19:46:53 GMT -6
We did a taco bar last year for M's party. Did ground beef and seasoning, also did a shredded chicken with peppers (I think I just did it in the crock pot with salsa and then shred). I also bought the soft taco shell bowls for something different (maybe you could find a way to make hard taco shell bowls for hard options? It was definitely a bit hit!
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Post by coconutbacon on Jul 4, 2017 21:40:47 GMT -6
You can do beans— pinto or black as a veggie option and/ or a veggie medley seasoned with your taco seasoning. I vote having all the tortilla options— flour, corn and hard shell. Make sure the corn are gluten free in case you have guests with that restriction. Occasionally they are not, so I would just double check the ingredients. Have a pico/ fresh salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and maybe another salsa option. Limes and jalapeños.
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armpants
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Jul 5, 2017 3:31:27 GMT -6
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Post by armpants on Jul 5, 2017 3:31:27 GMT -6
I just did ground beef and then had beans and rice for the vegetarian option. I suck to soft shell, but had corn and wheat options since in a celiac. I had the buffet trays, so I used those to keep the meat, beans, and rice warm. Then I just had normal toppings, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapenos. I also got about 5 different salsas.
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Post by mommabakes on Jul 5, 2017 7:59:34 GMT -6
Brown beef, drain meat, add seasoning and water and simmer. I'd do ahead of time and then keep warm in a Crock-Pot.
If you want another meat option-which I don't think you need!- shredded chicken would be easy.
I would do flour and corn shells-corn are friendly for any gf people. I would just do soft shells, wrap in foil and warm in the oven or Crock-Pot.
I'd do beans too, either black beans or pinto beans.
Toppings, I would do lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, onion, avocado, sour cream, and a couple types of salsa.
Maybe a chunky fresh salsa, a guac, and a queso dip too.
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Peekaru
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Post by Peekaru on Jul 5, 2017 9:20:17 GMT -6
Are you near Stevensville? El Jefe has some pretty good carnitas if you wanted to just pick that up instead of making ground beef.
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Peekaru
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Post by Peekaru on Jul 5, 2017 9:22:48 GMT -6
Beef, brown it, drain, add seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Bring to boil then simmer about 10 mins. Liquid will absorb. I would offer flour tortillas not corn just because more people prefer them.You can do ground turkey or ground chicken and cook exact way as beef. You can throw a couple of chicken breast in crockpot, taco season with broth and then shred. You can even toss in salsa for flavor. I would also offer hard shell. Well, those people are wrong.
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armpants
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Jul 5, 2017 9:38:28 GMT -6
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Post by armpants on Jul 5, 2017 9:38:28 GMT -6
Beef, brown it, drain, add seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Bring to boil then simmer about 10 mins. Liquid will absorb. I would offer flour tortillas not corn just because more people prefer them.You can do ground turkey or ground chicken and cook exact way as beef. You can throw a couple of chicken breast in crockpot, taco season with broth and then shred. You can even toss in salsa for flavor. I would also offer hard shell. Well, those people are wrong. Yes! Tacos go on corn tortillas. Bonus points for hand made ones.
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Post by easternshoregirl on Jul 5, 2017 10:20:05 GMT -6
Are you near Stevensville? El Jefe has some pretty good carnitas if you wanted to just pick that up instead of making ground beef. Ha, that is a good idea! But I'm trying to keep costs down too. I work up there but live about 1/2 hour south. I haven't actually eaten at El Jefe yet but I'm sure I'll try it one day if it sticks around.
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Post by easternshoregirl on Jul 5, 2017 10:21:31 GMT -6
Thanks guys, this is all really helpful! I was distraught once b/c Chipotle put my tacos on flour tortillas....the horror! But I do know some kids especially prefer them, I'm sure my parents/in-laws would too.
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Peekaru
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Jul 6, 2017 4:51:31 GMT -6
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Post by Peekaru on Jul 6, 2017 4:51:31 GMT -6
Are you near Stevensville? El Jefe has some pretty good carnitas if you wanted to just pick that up instead of making ground beef. Ha, that is a good idea! But I'm trying to keep costs down too. I work up there but live about 1/2 hour south. I haven't actually eaten at El Jefe yet but I'm sure I'll try it one day if it sticks around. We go once every other week or so, and have been for 2 years now. DS orders off menu (mac and cheese), and literally says "it's not on your menu, but you have it" Once the babe comes, margaritas?
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Post by easternshoregirl on Jul 6, 2017 11:31:29 GMT -6
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