• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide
freezer meal quick start guide

Get Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide

Loading

 

About
Free Resources
Contact

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

Thriving Home

Food & Lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Sides & Salads
      • Soups & Chilis
      • Appetizers
      • Snacks
      • Desserts
      • Baked Goods
      • Beverages
      • Condiments
    • Method
      • Freezer Meals
      • Stovetop
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Grill or Smoker
      • 6 Ingredients or Less
      • Air Fryer
    • Diet
      • Gluten-Free
      • Dairy-Free
      • Vegetarian
    • Ingredients
      • Chicken & Turkey
      • Beef
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Pasta & Pizza
    • Holiday
      • Birthday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine's Day
    • All Recipes
  • Freezer Cooking
    • Start Here
    • Freezer Meal Recipes
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Cookbooks
  • Menu Plans
  • Shop
    • Cookbooks
    • Our Recipe Ebooks & Digital Products
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Shop Our Favorites
    • Gift Guides
Home Recipe Index Beef

Totally Tasty Taco Bar

5 /5
Jump to Recipe Rate Recipe
Polly Conner
By: Polly ConnerPosted: 10/8/23Updated: 2/9/23

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Need some Taco Bar ideas? We have everything you need and more to make your own amazing Taco Bar at home. Delicious ingredients and practical tips on how to serve this easy dinner to your family or to a group of people.

Ingredients set out in bowls for a taco bar. this …


 
Table of Contents
  • 5 Stellar Reasons to Make a Taco Bar
  • Taco Bar Ideas
  • How to Make Taco Meat
  • Make It Ahead as a Freezer Meal
  • Taco Bar FAQs
  • Side Dishes That Go Well With Tacos
  • Totally Tasty Taco Bar

5 Stellar Reasons to Make a Taco Bar

Making a Taco Bar for dinner pretty much solves all of life’s problems.

  1. It’s easy to make. After making your meat filling (your choice of traditional Taco Meat, Carnitas, Cilantro Lime Chicken, Shredded Beef Taco Meat, and/or Southwest Chicken), all that’s left to do is chop some veggies, warm tortillas, and set out your toppings.
  2. It’s a great meal to feed a group of people. Hello, assembly line! Guests can also customize their meal.
  3. A Taco Bar is cheap! The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and very affordable.
  4. It works as a make-ahead meal. Simply prep the taco meat ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you want to eat it. Perfect for those nights when everyone is eating at different times!
  5. It’s freezer-friendly! In this article, we will teach you how to transform a Taco Bar into a freezer meal.
Tacos on a plate with lots of toppings.

Taco Bar Ideas

There are SO many options that you can serve at a taco bar. When it’s just my family eating it, I keep it really simple and only set out what I know they will eat.

Here’s a list of ingredients you might consider adding if you’re serving a crowd of people.

Taco bar ingredients in bowls and labeled.
  • Taco meat (recipe below) – Aside from the standard ground beef Taco Meat, you could also provide Crispy Carnitas, Shredded Beef Tacos, Southwest Chicken, and/or Cilantro Lime Chicken, if you want to have options.
  • Taco shells (soft and/or hard) – If you have a gluten-free eater, provide corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas.
  • Chopped iceberg or green leaf lettuce
  • Diced fresh tomatoes
  • Diced red onion or white onion – Or kick it up a notch and make these super simple and delicious pickled red onions.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – Other cheese options include shredded Mexican mix or the traditional street taco cotija cheese.
  • Diced avocados OR Guacamole
  • Salsa – We highly recommend Mateo’s medium salsa, found in most large grocery stores.
  • Cilantro Lime Aioli – Put this in a cheap squeeze bottle from the dollar store and drizzle over the top of your taco for a flavor bomb experience!
  • Cilantro, finely diced
  • Lime wedges
  • Black beans, rinsed and warmed – Or pinto beans work too.
  • Sour cream – Or plain Greek yogurt works in it’s place.

You could also include some Cilantro Lime Rice for serving in or on the side of the tacos. And don’t forget to have some tortilla chips on the side for the salsa and/or guacamole.

How to Make Taco Meat

A taco bar is only going to be as good as the taco meat, am-I-right? Skip the pre-packaged taco seasoning kits and make your own taco meat at home using our Homemade Taco Seasoning.

Taco meat ingredients measured out and labeled.

Here’s the basic method for making taco meat with ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken), but check out the recipe below for specifics:

  1. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Saute diced onion, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 to 60 seconds more.
  2. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir until coated. Add in some chicken/beef/vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the mixture has reduced some, about 5 minutes.

Change it up by using our Shredded Beef Tacos!

Cooked taco meat in a skillet.

Make It Ahead as a Freezer Meal

As long as you’re making the mess, this is a perfect meal to double and freeze. Either stash an extra batch in your freezer for a few weeks/months down the road or pass it on to someone who could use a great meal. I love this meal idea for new moms!

To Freeze for Later: Cook the meat as directed, then let the mixture cool completely. Place it in a freezer bag, seal, and freeze. In separate bags, freeze shredded cheese and tortillas along with the meat, to complete your kit

To Prepare from Frozen: Let all ingredients thaw in the refrigerator. Prep the fresh toppings and serve as directed.

Taco bar ingredients measured into freezer bags and all placed into a freezer-safe container to keep them together as a kit.

Taco Bar FAQs

How many tacos per person should I make for a taco bar?

I’d estimate that each person will eat about 2 tacos, give or take.

How many tacos does 1 pound of ground beef make?

This really varies depending on the size of tacos and how much meat you pack in one. However, as a general guideline, you can estimate that 1 pound of ground beef can make around 6-8 tacos.

Can you freeze taco meat?

Absolutely. Taco meat is very freezer-friendly. In fact, when I make taco meat, I almost always double the batch and freeze half of it.

Side Dishes That Go Well With Tacos

If you’re looking to be a little extra, try serving a few of these sides or appetizers along with your taco buffet.

Mexican chopped salad in a white bowl.

Mexican Chopped Salad

Homemade guacamole in a bowl with blue corn chips around it.

Chips and Guacamole

Layered taco dip in a square glass baking dish.

Layered Taco Dip

Avocado salsa in a white bowl with chips surrounding it.

Avocado Salsa

Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

Taco bar with all the toppings lined up
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews

Totally Tasty Taco Bar

An easy dinner idea that is great for a crowd. Lay out the ingredients and let your eaters choose their own taco adventure with all of the Mexican Toppings.

Yield: 6–8 servings (12–16 tacos, depending on size of shells) 1x
Prep: 5 minutesCook: 25 minutesTotal: 30 minutes
Print Recipe Rate Pin for Later
  • Email
Units:
Scale:

Ingredients

Taco Seasoning Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or less for sensitive palates)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Taco Meat Ingredients 

  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3–4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (sub: ground turkey)
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Additional Taco Bar Ingredients (pick and choose from the ideas below)

  • 12–16 taco shells (soft or hard), warmed according to package directions
  • 1–2 cups chopped lettuce
  • 1–2 cups diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion (or Pickled Red Onions)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sub: Mexican blend or Cotija cheese)
  • 1–2 avocados, diced (or Guacamole)
  • 1 cup salsa (recommend: Mateo’s medium salsa)
  • Cilantro Lime Aioli (put in a squeeze bottle from the dollar store)
  • Sour cream (sub: plain Greek yogurt)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and warmed (sub: pinto beans)
  • Cilantro Lime Rice

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

Make It Now:

  1. Make Seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together taco seasoning ingredients. Set aside.
  2. Saute Onion: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Saute the diced onion, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in 3-4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 to 60 seconds more.
  3. Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Drain off excess grease.
  4. Season & Simmer: Sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of taco seasoning over the meat and stir until coated. Add in 1 cup of chicken/beef/vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the mixture has reduced some, about 5 minutes.
  5. Serve: Transfer cooked ground meat to a serving bowl and set out with other Mexican toppings in various shapes/sizes of bowls in an assembly line to make your homemade taco bar! Keep soft tortillas warm by wrapping in a clean dish towel.

Freeze For Later: Cook the meat as directed, then let the mixture cool completely. Place it in a freezer bag, seal and freeze. In separate bags, freeze about 2 cups of shredded cheese and soft tortillas along with the meat, to complete your kit.

Prepare For Later: Let all ingredients thaw in the refrigerator. Serve as directed.


Notes/Tips

  • Use your time wisely. While the meat is cooking, chop up lettuce and prep other toppings. Or take a store short-cut and buy pre-prepped toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced onion, and sliced olives.
  • In addition to ground beef taco meat, consider offering other meat filling choices like Cilantro Lime Chicken, Crispy Carnitas, Shredded Beef Tacos, and/or Southwest Chicken. 
  • When you make taco meat, double the batch and freeze for later.
  • Hosting a group? Have attendees help bring toppings for the Taco Bar!
  • Consider providing a variety of salsas. Some like mild while others like it HOT!
  • Where We Get Our Beef: We get our beef from ButcherBox. The beef is grass-fed and curated from trusted farms. We highly recommend this service to source healthy meat–like uncured bacon, chicken, and wild salmon–and have used it for years ourselves.
  • Gluten-Free Version: This is an easy meal to make gluten-free. Just omit using wheat flour tortillas and use soft or hard shell corn tortillas instead.
© Author: Polly Conner
Cuisine: Mexican Method: Stovetop

Did you make this?

Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

Rate Recipe

Tag Us on Instagram

2.6K shares
  • Share
  • Email
Polly Conner

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

Read more...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Megan says

    Posted on 4/27/23 at 4:42 pm

    This taco meat is SO YUMMY. It’s my new go-to 🙂

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 4/30/23 at 4:47 pm

      Yay! Love to hear it Megan!

      Reply
  2. Donna says

    Posted on 1/4/23 at 8:07 am

    Do you heat your taco shells (both flour and corn)? How do you do that, and how far in advance can you do that? When we have a larger group I hate to be at the stove heating up the shells. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 1/4/23 at 1:56 pm

      Hi Donna. Good question. I heat my hard shell tacos in the oven at 325°F for 7 minutes. For soft corn tortillas, I heat them in a frying pan over medium heat (do not add oil) for like 15 seconds on each side. For flour, I place them inside a wrapped kitchen towel on a plate and microwave for them until warm—usually about 30-45 seconds. To keep the soft tortillas warm, wrap in a kitchen towel. You can also place the wrapped tortillas on a pan in the 200°F oven to stay warm. I hope that helps!

      Reply
  3. Lesa says

    Posted on 6/27/22 at 8:41 pm

    I’m planning to make this as a dish my son can eat for the fourth. He has many food allergies so I’m thankful that you have some gluten-free recipes to try.

    Reply
    • Rachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 6/28/22 at 9:56 am

      Happy to help! I also eat gluten-free, so I know it can be a challenge. Hopefully you can find some other winners in our gluten-free section that your son will like: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/category/recipe/gluten-free/

      Reply
  4. CHEE-CHEE MCCALEBB says

    Posted on 7/22/21 at 12:43 pm

    IM trying this for the first time it looks simple and fun for my taco night with family ill let everyone know how it went and taste

    Reply

sidebar

polly and rachel

Welcome

We’re moms, cookbook authors, and freezer cooking evangelists. Our mission is to help your home thrive, one delicious meal at a time. Let’s make the most of your time in the kitchen! Read more.

Follow Us On Instagram!

freezer cooking

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Learn More

freezer to table

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Learn More

FREEZER MEALS

Southwest Chicken over a salad

Southwest Chicken

Taco bar with all the toppings lined up

Totally Tasty Taco Bar

Tomato bisque in bowls with spoons and croutons on top.

Tomato Bisque

Chicken taco soup in a white bowl with toppings.

Chicken Taco Soup

TOP RECIPES

Chicken Parmesan casserole in a glass baking dish with a spoon.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Meatball subs that have been under the broiler, side by side.

Easy Meatball Subs

Tomato bisque in bowls with spoons and croutons on top.

Tomato Bisque

Seasoned cooked steak sliced on a plate with steamed broccoli and a baked potato.

The Perfect Pan-Seared Steak

Popular Round-Ups

Fully cooked ham and egg cups in a freezer bag.

20+ Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas

Collage image for freezer meals.

Easy Freezer Meals for One or Two

20+ Inexpensive, Easy Meals for Large Groups

Collage of 7 different marinades with chicken breasts on the left and cooked dishes on the right.

7 BEST Chicken Marinades

freezer meal update
New to freezer cooking?

Grab Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide!

5 days of recipes & tips from freezer meal experts.

Loading

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

About
About Us
Work With Us
Press
Recipes
All Recipes
Freezer Meals
Menu Plans
Shop
Cookbooks
1 Hour Prep Sessions
Gift Guides
Explore
Free Resources
Shop Our Favorites
Facebook Group
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
Contact
© 2025 Thriving Home
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
2.6K shares