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Post by not2peased on Sept 22, 2019 16:27:49 GMT
I know the peas have expertise in this area and can hopefully help me! I am planning a taco bar for 20-25 people (adults)and could use some advice as to how much of the below to buy if we are planning on the below taco options:
Ground Beef
Chicken
Pulled Pork
Beans (black and refried)
chopped tomatos
lettuce
Cabbage
Cheese
Sour Cream
Cilantro
I also plan on making a mango chutney, but I know how much of that to bring/make
any advice for me if you were doing the shopping?
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Sept 22, 2019 16:33:11 GMT
I am not sure on quantities, but might I suggest that you include salsa on your shopping list? Also, though maybe you left them off on purpose, don't forget taco shells and tortillas!
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 9:13:36 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2019 16:36:41 GMT
I like a lot of meat so I would do seven or eight pounds of each meat.
Also where are the guacamole and the salsa/Picco?
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Post by Basket1lady on Sept 22, 2019 17:11:40 GMT
I would add some onions as well. If you think people may want to do salads, I’d add tortilla chips and some Mexican rice. I’d add some lime to ranch salad dressing to make a dressing for the salad. And I’d only do one kind of beans, but you have enough people to justify two kinds. And I’d probably just do two meats as well, but the meats will freeze well, so you aren’t out much with kinds. Add some lime wedges to finish it off.
As for quantities, even people who like meat seldom take more than 1/4 lb. If you only have taco shells, I plan for one pound of ground beef to feed 6 people and one pound of shredded pork or chicken to feed 5. People always prefer one kind of meat over another, but it’s never been consistent as to which meat. I find soft tortillas go long before hard shelled tacos.
I always make extra when I’m feeding company. If I’m feeding a team meal, I would reduced the meats to 3 lbs each and tell the kids that you get what you get. So I’d do:
4 lbs chicken
4 lbs pork
4 lbs ground beef
4 cans black beans
6 cups Mexican or lime rice
50 soft tortillas
20 hard shelled tacos
3 bags of chips
2 heads lettuce, shredded
8 cups salsa/pico
4-6 cups guacamole
6 tomatoes, diced
one onion, diced
? Cabbage-no idea. I don’t serve cabbage for tacos
4-5 lbs shredded cheese
2 cups sour cream
chop up a big bunch of cilantro
6-8 limes, cut into quarters
I went lesser on the ingredients, as it’s a pain to have leftovers and I don’t know the situation. If you are having people in your home and you want them to go home stuffed, I’d add another cup or two of the rice and the beans and I’d add more chips and salsa/pico.
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Post by bc2ca on Sept 22, 2019 17:25:52 GMT
I like a lot of meat so I would do seven or eight pounds of each meat. Also where are the guacamole and the salsa/Picco?Hahaha, my first thought, too. In addition to guacamole and a variety of salsas, I'd have sliced avocado, jicama and limes. Mango salsa is a great option and different from what I think of as chutney (usually sweeter and with ginger). |
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Post by bc2ca on Sept 22, 2019 17:32:09 GMT
I would add some onions as well. If you think people may want to do salads, I’d add tortilla chips and some Mexican rice. I’d add some lime to ranch salad dressing to make a dressing for the salad. And I’d only do one kind of beans, but you have enough people to justify two kinds. And I’d probably just do two meats as well, but the meats will freeze well, so you aren’t out much with kinds. Add some lime wedges to finish it off. As for quantities, even people who like meat seldom take more than 1/4 lb. If you only have taco shells, I plan for one pound of ground beef to feed 6 people and one pound of shredded pork or chicken to feed 5. People always prefer one kind of meat over another, but it’s never been consistent as to which meat. I find soft tortillas go long before hard shelled tacos. I always make extra when I’m feeding company. If I’m feeding a team meal, I would reduced the meats to 3 lbs each and tell the kids that you get what you get. So I’d do: 4 lbs chicken 4 lbs pork 4 lbs ground beef 4 cans black beans 6 cups Mexican or lime rice 50 soft tortillas 20 hard shelled tacos 3 bags of chips 2 heads lettuce, shredded 8 cups salsa/pico 4-6 cups guacamole 6 tomatoes, diced one onion, diced ? Cabbage-no idea. I don’t serve cabbage for tacos4-5 lbs shredded cheese 2 cups sour cream chop up a big bunch of cilantro 6-8 limes, cut into quarters I went lesser on the ingredients, as it’s a pain to have leftovers and I don’t know the situation. If you are having people in your home and you want them to go home stuffed, I’d add another cup or two of the rice and the beans and I’d add more chips and salsa/pico. Shredded cabbage is more common on tacos in CA than lettuce, especially fish tacos.  |
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Post by PEAcan pie on Sept 22, 2019 17:34:38 GMT
Just wondering about the shells, tortillas wrap, and chips? Avocado would be a nice addition. Also hot/mild sauce and onions. My advice is to use Daisy sour cream, IMO it is the best!!  I love Taco bars |
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Post by 950nancy on Sept 22, 2019 17:38:58 GMT
Just wondering about the shells, tortillas wrap, and chips? Avocado would be a nice addition. Also hot/mild sauce and onions. My advice is to use Daisy sour cream, IMO it is the best!! I love Taco bars We always get it in the squeeze containers for tacos. Makes it easier to serve. |
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Post by PEAcan pie on Sept 22, 2019 17:40:59 GMT
I would add some onions as well. If you think people may want to do salads, I’d add tortilla chips and some Mexican rice. I’d add some lime to ranch salad dressing to make a dressing for the salad. And I’d only do one kind of beans, but you have enough people to justify two kinds. And I’d probably just do two meats as well, but the meats will freeze well, so you aren’t out much with kinds. Add some lime wedges to finish it off. As for quantities, even people who like meat seldom take more than 1/4 lb. If you only have taco shells, I plan for one pound of ground beef to feed 6 people and one pound of shredded pork or chicken to feed 5. People always prefer one kind of meat over another, but it’s never been consistent as to which meat. I find soft tortillas go long before hard shelled tacos. I always make extra when I’m feeding company. If I’m feeding a team meal, I would reduced the meats to 3 lbs each and tell the kids that you get what you get. So I’d do: 4 lbs chicken 4 lbs pork 4 lbs ground beef 4 cans black beans 6 cups Mexican or lime rice 50 soft tortillas 20 hard shelled tacos 3 bags of chips 2 heads lettuce, shredded 8 cups salsa/pico 4-6 cups guacamole 6 tomatoes, diced one onion, diced ? Cabbage-no idea. I don’t serve cabbage for tacos 4-5 lbs shredded cheese 2 cups sour cream chop up a big bunch of cilantro 6-8 limes, cut into quarters I went lesser on the ingredients, as it’s a pain to have leftovers and I don’t know the situation. If you are having people in your home and you want them to go home stuffed, I’d add another cup or two of the rice and the beans and I’d add more chips and salsa/pico. Hmm Hmm never tried this "I’d add some lime to ranch salad dressing to make a dressing for the salad" Just add a bit to the ranch? I have tried adding salsa but never this sounds good! Edited to add... our family of five, husband, 16, 11 and 7 years old and myself. eat 2 pounds of taco meat when I make it. |
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Post by lucyg on Sept 22, 2019 18:03:18 GMT
I would chop LOTS of lettuce, because I think many people would prefer taco salad to tacos. Salsa ranch or cilantro ranch dressing is good.
I would have tortilla chips available, in addition to tortillas/taco shells. Add chopped onions (regular and green) and several kinds of salsa/taco sauce. Fresh pico de gallo if you can get it or make it. Sliced radishes are a nice touch. Limes for sure.
If you’re using canned refried beans, get the vegetarian kind unless you’re positive there are no vegetarians in the crowd.
Have fun! Taco bar is a great choice for feeding a crowd.
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Post by not2peased on Sept 22, 2019 18:07:17 GMT
thanks everyone! I only listed those things that I wasn't sure on the quantities-but several of you gave me ideas I hadn't thought of so I appreciate it.
Will definitely be doing rice, salsa, avocados (forgot that those!) as well as tortillas/taco shells, (limes-forgot that too!)
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Post by not2peased on Sept 22, 2019 18:09:07 GMT
I would chop LOTS of lettuce, because I think many people would prefer taco salad to tacos. Salsa ranch or cilantro ranch dressing is good. I would have tortilla chips available, in addition to tortillas/taco shells. Add chopped onions (regular and green) and several kinds of salsa/taco sauce. Fresh pico de gallo if you can get it or make it. Sliced radishes are a nice touch. Limes for sure. If you’re using canned refried beans, get the vegetarian kind unless you’re positive there are no vegetarians in the crowd. Have fun! Taco bar is a great choice for feeding a crowd. that's a good point-this is an office luncheon, so I bet salads will be very popular-I hadn't considered that. we will have at least one vegetarian, maybe more, so the advice on the refried beans is a good one-I didn't know there was a vegetarian kind and a non-vegetarian kind! |
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Post by not2peased on Sept 22, 2019 18:09:37 GMT
Just wondering about the shells, tortillas wrap, and chips? Avocado would be a nice addition. Also hot/mild sauce and onions. My advice is to use Daisy sour cream, IMO it is the best!! I love Taco bars We always get it in the squeeze containers for tacos. Makes it easier to serve. totally forgot about hot sauce! |
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Post by littlemama on Sept 22, 2019 18:09:53 GMT
People will use less meat on tacos than on nachos or taco salad. For taco salad dressing, i mix sour cream and salsa together.
Meat wise, I would do 4 lbs of each. Leftover meat can be frozen.
I dont like beans, so my input on beans would be useless!
Lots of shredded cheese, salsa, and lettuce. Maybe 3 of the squeezable Daisy sour cream. If you are using sour cream for salad dressing, pick up a tub just for that.
I wouldnt do guac or avocado for a large group situation (although I love both!)
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Post by lucyg on Sept 22, 2019 18:11:23 GMT
I would chop LOTS of lettuce, because I think many people would prefer taco salad to tacos. Salsa ranch or cilantro ranch dressing is good. I would have tortilla chips available, in addition to tortillas/taco shells. Add chopped onions (regular and green) and several kinds of salsa/taco sauce. Fresh pico de gallo if you can get it or make it. Sliced radishes are a nice touch. Limes for sure. If you’re using canned refried beans, get the vegetarian kind unless you’re positive there are no vegetarians in the crowd. Have fun! Taco bar is a great choice for feeding a crowd. that's a good point-this is an office luncheon, so I bet salads will be very popular-I hadn't considered that. we will have at least one vegetarian, maybe more, so the advice on the refried beans is a good one-I didn't know there was a vegetarian kind and a non-vegetarian kind! They use lard to make the regular ones. Vegetarian uses vegetable oil instead. Fat-free is also available and is (naturally) vegetarian.  |
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Post by mikewozowski on Sept 22, 2019 18:17:11 GMT
i think you are supposed to allow for 1/4 pound for a serving of meat. even if you go up to 1/2 pound per person, you are only looking at 12.5 lbs.
but the meat is easy enough to freeze.
idk what kind of a crowd you are having, but i think people don't really eat that much at parties. last party i had i had 12 people. i got fajitas for 6 and had more than half leftover! crazy!
you are missing queso from your list!
we really like mango on our tacos and taco salads.
where do you live? that may dictate which toppings to include or leave off.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Sept 22, 2019 18:17:20 GMT
Unless you know the cabbage is in high demand, I would probably buy one bag of coleslaw mix to use. If you want to hedge bets, buy two but only start with one opened. If the 2nd doesn't get used, you can use it for ramen salad or egg roll in a bowl or whatever at home.
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Post by Basket1lady on Sept 22, 2019 18:44:25 GMT
I would add some onions as well. If you think people may want to do salads, I’d add tortilla chips and some Mexican rice. I’d add some lime to ranch salad dressing to make a dressing for the salad. And I’d only do one kind of beans, but you have enough people to justify two kinds. And I’d probably just do two meats as well, but the meats will freeze well, so you aren’t out much with kinds. Add some lime wedges to finish it off. As for quantities, even people who like meat seldom take more than 1/4 lb. If you only have taco shells, I plan for one pound of ground beef to feed 6 people and one pound of shredded pork or chicken to feed 5. People always prefer one kind of meat over another, but it’s never been consistent as to which meat. I find soft tortillas go long before hard shelled tacos. I always make extra when I’m feeding company. If I’m feeding a team meal, I would reduced the meats to 3 lbs each and tell the kids that you get what you get. So I’d do: 4 lbs chicken 4 lbs pork 4 lbs ground beef 4 cans black beans 6 cups Mexican or lime rice 50 soft tortillas 20 hard shelled tacos 3 bags of chips 2 heads lettuce, shredded 8 cups salsa/pico 4-6 cups guacamole 6 tomatoes, diced one onion, diced ? Cabbage-no idea. I don’t serve cabbage for tacos 4-5 lbs shredded cheese 2 cups sour cream chop up a big bunch of cilantro 6-8 limes, cut into quarters I went lesser on the ingredients, as it’s a pain to have leftovers and I don’t know the situation. If you are having people in your home and you want them to go home stuffed, I’d add another cup or two of the rice and the beans and I’d add more chips and salsa/pico. Hmm Hmm never tried this "I’d add some lime to ranch salad dressing to make a dressing for the salad" Just add a bit to the ranch? I have tried adding salsa but never this sounds good! Edited to add... our family of five, husband, 16, 11 and 7 years old and myself. eat 2 pounds of taco meat when I make it. Yes, I just squeeze in some lime juice. It thins it down a little, too. So in theory, you use less and it’s more healthy. I’ll add salsa as well sometimes. It’s all good! I should have added this for the ground beef—if you use a higher far content of beef, you will get less actual meat after it’s cooked. I’ve found when serving a taco bar, people usually take about a large spoonful of ground beef per taco. And I did say if the OP wanted people to go away stuffed, to add a larger quantity. But I’m not sure you need to plan for a half of a pound of meat per person. That’s a lot! |
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Post by Basket1lady on Sept 22, 2019 18:45:45 GMT
I would add some onions as well. If you think people may want to do salads, I’d add tortilla chips and some Mexican rice. I’d add some lime to ranch salad dressing to make a dressing for the salad. And I’d only do one kind of beans, but you have enough people to justify two kinds. And I’d probably just do two meats as well, but the meats will freeze well, so you aren’t out much with kinds. Add some lime wedges to finish it off. As for quantities, even people who like meat seldom take more than 1/4 lb. If you only have taco shells, I plan for one pound of ground beef to feed 6 people and one pound of shredded pork or chicken to feed 5. People always prefer one kind of meat over another, but it’s never been consistent as to which meat. I find soft tortillas go long before hard shelled tacos. I always make extra when I’m feeding company. If I’m feeding a team meal, I would reduced the meats to 3 lbs each and tell the kids that you get what you get. So I’d do: 4 lbs chicken 4 lbs pork 4 lbs ground beef 4 cans black beans 6 cups Mexican or lime rice 50 soft tortillas 20 hard shelled tacos 3 bags of chips 2 heads lettuce, shredded 8 cups salsa/pico 4-6 cups guacamole 6 tomatoes, diced one onion, diced ? Cabbage-no idea. I don’t serve cabbage for tacos4-5 lbs shredded cheese 2 cups sour cream chop up a big bunch of cilantro 6-8 limes, cut into quarters I went lesser on the ingredients, as it’s a pain to have leftovers and I don’t know the situation. If you are having people in your home and you want them to go home stuffed, I’d add another cup or two of the rice and the beans and I’d add more chips and salsa/pico. Shredded cabbage is more common on tacos in CA than lettuce, especially fish tacos.  That’s what I thought, but the OP isn’t serving fish! But I thought it might be a regional thing. |
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Post by not2peased on Sept 22, 2019 19:18:48 GMT
cabbage is pretty common with fish tacos, but it's also pretty good with pulled pork tacos as well. I might mix some cole slaw mix with lettuce for beef or chicken tacos at home, but I will keep it separate for this party. It's an office party lunch
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Post by nlwilkins on Sept 22, 2019 19:22:06 GMT
I'd stick to chicken and ground beef for meat. You are really making it complicated by adding so many things. We served a taco bar lately at a retreat and only had ground meat, lettuce, tomatoes, chopped onion, grated cheese, diced jalapenas, sour cream, salsa and taco shells. Everybody loved it. Those that did not want ground meat did without meat on their tacos and were happy to do so. Those who just wanted salad, used the ingredients available to make a salad. We did not even include beans.
The deal is, if you do not want what is being served, you use what is available to customize. If you add all the ingredients mentioned, it is really going to add up in cost. There is only so much that can fit in a taco shell and this is for a lunch at work, not a major meal in my books. A couple of tacos and a spoon of rice is a very good meal.
OH and I did not notice drinks. Are you providing iced tea or something to drink? and a smallish dessert?
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 9:13:36 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2019 19:28:21 GMT
A hell no to daisy sour cream it is horrid. Use Mexican creme.
Use Napa cabbage one head should be enough.
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