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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Mexican

    How To Host a Taco Party That Slays

    Published: Apr 10, 2023 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    people taking tequila shots at a taco party

    Hosting a Taco Bar Party is one of the best ways to host a dinner or celebration, especially for a larger group. Everyone pretty much loves tacos, right? With a taco bar, your guests can build a plate to their liking. The best part is It doesn’t require extensive work in the kitchen, making it a stress-free option for your next social gathering.

    a sign that says tacos

    I am going to give you budget-friendly and easy-to-implement ideas, so you can create a delicious menu that will satisfy everyone. Everything from taco shells, meat filling, toppings and side dishes… and don’t forget the margaritas!

    Get ready to slay your celebration with this Guide on How To Host a Taco Party!

    RELATED: How To Create A Salsa Bar & Cinco De Mayo Dinner Menu

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Menu Planning
    2 Taco Shells
    3 Taco Filling Options
    4 Topping Ideas
    5 Sauces
    6 Side Dishes
    7 Drinks
    8 Leftovers
    9 More Amazing Mexican Recipes
    10 Did you make this recipe?!
    11 Taco Bar Party Menu

    Menu Planning

    It is important when you are planning your menu that you include the taco shells, meat filling, toppings, sauces and side dishes. We will go through options for all these categories below.

    My suggestion is to include 2 types of taco shells, 2 types of meat, at least 6 topping options, and 2 types of salsa.

    ground beef tacos with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes

    You will want to plan on at least 2-3 tacos per person. Now, if you are hosting a party for 20 college boys, you might want to up that to 4-5 tacos per person! Use your best judgment.

    Below I will go over about how much meat/filling to plan per person.

    Taco Shells

    There are a lot of different options of types and sizes when it comes to taco shells! I recommend having at least 2 different types of shells. Remember, there is some prep required with some taco shells, which I cover below.

    Plan on 2-3 shells per person. But like I said before if you know you have an extra hungry crowd you may want to bump that up to 4-5 shells per person!

    A roaster oven or tortilla warmer is a great way to keep the taco shells warm!

    Here are some options:

    • Hard Shell Tacos– I recommend heating these in the oven, just for about 5 minutes on 300. This makes them flavorful, fresh and crispy!
    • Soft Shell Flour– Buy taco sized shells and prep them by slightly wetting and wrapping in foil, placing in the oven on 300 for about 5 minutes. Or wrap in a damp paper towel and popping in the microwave for 1 minute.
    • Corn Tortillas– I recommend using yellow corn tortillas because they are more flavorful. Corn tortillas can be difficult to use. Make sure you heat them and keep them warm so they don’t crack and tear on your guests. A tortilla warmer can be a great way to keep them soft.
    • Lettuce Wrap– if you are a group of low carb eaters this is an excellent option for your taco bar. Use large romaine lettuce leaves or iceberg lettuce.

    Taco Filling Options

    Choosing the right taco meats is crucial when planning a taco party. The meat filling is the star of the taco.

    Consider marinating and/or preparing the meats in advance. Most options below can be reheated perfectly the day of your dinner.

    Grilled Steak Tacos assembled with pico de gallo and chipotle crema

    Plan on 2 types of taco filling; preferable not the same protein for both. Offering a variety of taco meats ensures that everyone can find something they love at the taco bar.

    • Ground Beef Tacos – for this option plan on about 6 tacos per pound of meat.
    • Shredded Chicken – plan on about 7 tacos per pound of chicken.
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos – plan on about 7 tacos per pound of chicken.
    • Creamy Chicken Filling
    • Barbacoa – you will get about 6 tacos from one pound.
    • Instant Pot Carnitas – you will get about 6 tacos from one pound.
    • Grilled Steak – plan on slicing your steak thin, across the grain, you should get about 5 tacos per pound.
    • Grilled Shrimp – for this option plan on about 3-4 shrimp per taco.

    Topping Ideas

    Make sure you offer a lot of toppings so everyone can customize their own taco. Plan on at least 6 different toppings. I have put an asterisk next to the ones I would choose

    *shredded lettuce, *shredded cheese, *queso fresco, *diced avocado, *pickled or fresh jalapenos, *diced white onions, chopped black olives, cilantro, diced fresh tomatoes, cilantro lime slaw, sauteed onions and bell peppers, black beans, lime wedges, green onions, hot sauce like Cholula, pickled red onions

    toppings for a taco bar

    Sauces

    When we are talking about tacos, “sauces” mean all the yummy salsas. Plan on at least 2 types of salsa, plus guacamole and sour cream.

    • Restaurant Style Salsa
    • Hot Sauce
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pineapple Salsa or Mango Salsa
    • Tomatillo Salsa or Grilled Tomatillo Salsa
    • Guacamole
    • Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
    • Chipotle Crema (great with the steak)
    • Jalapeno Tartar Sauce (great with the shrimp)
    tomatillo salsa in a bowl with tortilla chips to the side

    Side Dishes

    Keep the side dishes classic; tortilla chips, beans and rice! If you have a larger crowd or want more variety add a slaw or fruit side dish.

    • Tortilla Chips
    • Refried Beans or Black Beans
    • Mexican Rice or Instant Pot Mexican Rice
    • Cilantro Lime Rice
    • Pineapple with Cilantro
    • Cilantro Lime Slaw

    Drinks

    If you are hosting a Taco Party, chances are you will also want to have some drinks! Tequila Cocktails are a great choice to pair with Mexican Food.

    We have you more than covered in the Margarita department. This Pitcher of Grapefruit Margaritas is a great way to pre-make a large amount of drinks.

    Cucumber Margarita in a glass with a fresh cucumber garnish

    Or set up the bar so that guests can make their own drinks. A tequila soda , ranch water, classic paloma, or tequila sunrise are easy ones. Just make sure you have the drink garnishes:

    • lime slices
    • orange wheels
    • lemon wedges
    • jalapeno slices
    • Ice
    • Cocktail Shaker
    • Kosher Salt for Margaritas

    Here are some more tequila cocktail we love. You can print these recipes and let your guests choose which one they want:

    • Margarita on the Rocks
    • Pineapple Margarita
    • Tequila Lemonade
    • Cantarito

    Or for guests that don’t drink, this margarita mocktail will be a fun choice.

    All Tequila Cocktails

    Leftovers

    If you are like me then you over-estimate how much everyone will eat. So this is a fun idea; let your guests make a to-go container for their lunch the next day. Mexican leftovers are ALWAYS amazing!

    The Dollar Store has wonderful foil to-go containers that are super inexpensive. Grab a stack and hand them out at the end of the party for guests to fill up!

    More Amazing Mexican Recipes

    If you love Mexican food, check out some of these recipes that aren’t tacos:

    • Favorite Chicken Enchilada Recipe momsdinner.net
      Our Favorite Chicken Enchilada Recipe
    • beef enchilada Casserole with a slice cut out so you can see the layers of corn tortillas, beef, cheese and sauce
      Beef Enchilada Casserole
    • cream cheese chicken enchiladas on a plate with red chili sauce, cheese, and avocados
      Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
    • Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
      Healthy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
    • Frito Taco Salad in a while bowl
      Frito Taco Salad
    • a pan of baked Chicken Enchilada Suiza garnished with cilantro
      Easy Chicken Enchiladas Suiza

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    a sign that says tacos and palm trees to the side

    Taco Bar Party Menu

    Pull together an amazing taco bar for a fun dinner, party or celebration! Choose your taco shells, meat(s), toppings and side dishes from the options below.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved to Grow
    Prep Time: 1 hour hour
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 2 hours hours
    Servings: 10 people
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Ingredients

    Taco Shells – choose at least 2 types, plan on 2-3 shells per person, unless you have a super hungry bunch then plan 4-5 per person.

    • Hard Shell Tacos
    • Soft Shell Flour
    • Corn Tortillas
    • Lettuce Wrap

    Taco Filling -choose at least 2 not from the same protein group.

    • Ground Beef Tacos – for this option plan on about 6 tacos per pound of meat.
    • Shredded Chicken – plan on about 7 tacos per pound of chicken.
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos – plan on about 7 tacos per pound of chicken.
    • Barbacoa – you will get about 6 tacos from one pound.
    • Instant Pot Carnitas – you will get about 6 tacos from one pound.
    • Grilled Steak – plan on slicing your steak thin, across the grain, you should get about 5 tacos per pound.
    • Grilled Shrimp – for this option plan on about 3-4 shrimp per taco.
    • Creamy Chicken Filling

    Toppings – choose at least 6 options

    • shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
    • shredded cheese or queso fresco
    • diced avocado, diced tomatoes
    • pickled or fresh jalapenos
    • diced white onions, pickled red onions and/or green onions
    • chopped black olives
    • cilantro and lime wedges
    • sauteed onions and bell peppers
    • black beans or pinto beans

    Sauces and Salsa – choose 2 salsas plus sour cream and guacamole

    • Restaurant Style Salsa
    • Hot Sauce
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Corn Salsa, Pineapple Salsa or Mango Salsa
    • Tomatillo Salsa or Grilled Tomatillo Salsa
    • Chipotle Crema (great with the steak) OR Jalapeno Tartar Sauce (great with the shrimp)
    • Guacamole & Sour Cream or Greek yogurt

    Side Dishes – choose 2 plus tortilla chips

    • Refried Beans or Black Beans
    • Mexican Rice or Instant Pot Mexican Rice
    • Pineapple with Cilantro
    • Cilantro Lime Slaw

    Drinks

    • Choose some amazing Tequila Cocktails to go with your party!
    • Garnishes for the bar: lime slices, orange wheels, lemon or grapefruit wedges, jalapeno slices
    • Bar equipment: Ice, Cocktail Shaker, Cocktail Jigger, and Kosher Salt for Margaritas
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • Choose your taco shells, filling, toppings, sauces and drinks.
    • Set it all out for your guests in a buffet style
    • Let everyone make their own tacos!
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

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