A Tortilla Bowl Taco Bar

I recently served these taco bowls at some large buffet dinner parties, as explained in a previous post. This is a fun way to feed a large group. Guests fill their own tortilla shells with a variety of topping choices, making it easy to customize each one for individual preferences (vegetarian, spicy or not, etc.).

But, this menu isn't just for big parties. It can also be a fun family dinner. In fact, King-Man and I often have these for just the two of us, although I'm less ambitious about the topping options when I'm making these for 2.

Today, I'm going to offer suggestions for assembling your own ingredients for a Tortilla Bowl Taco Bar. There are many options, and you can pick and choose the ones that appeal to you.

Tortilla bowls. First you need to bake tortilla bowls. It's so easy, and is explained in detail in my previous post.

Click to view How to Make Tortilla Bowls

Meat options
You can prepare just one type of meat, or make several. Here are 4 options--all are delicious in these tortilla taco bowls.

• Ground turkey or beef taco meat. Season it with Fiesta Taco Seasoning Mix (Click here for recipe; or use store bought)

• Ropa Vieja Shredded Beef. (Click here for recipe)
• Carnitas Pork (Click here for the recipe)
• Fiesta Salsa Chicken (Click here for recipe)

Additional Toppings

• Chili Beans (click here for recipe)
• Cilantro & Lime Brown Rice (click here for recipe)
• Shredded lettuce

• Shredded cheese (mine is a cheddar/jack mix)
• Sour cream
• Fast and Easy Roasted Salsa (click here for recipe); or use store bought
• Simple Guacamole (click here for recipe); or use store bought

Other options, not pictured: 

• chopped onions
• cilantro
• black olives
• grilled corn
• chopped/sliced jalapenos
• chopped tomatoes

Put all of your topping choices in individual bowls and let everyone fill their own tortilla bowl.

If you're serving this buffet style, arrange the topping choices in a logical order for filling the bowl.

Here's a suggested order for filling the bowl: start with rice in the bottom of the tortilla bowl followed by meat, beans, & lettuce. Then add sauces—salsa, sour cream, guacamole. Sprinkle on any other options (chopped onions, cilantro, olives, etc.) and top with cheese. If you want the cheese to melt, add it earlier between the heated meat and beans.

Make ahead tip: Most of these toppings can be prepared in advance, so all you have to do is heat a few items and put everything in bowls right before serving time. The meats, beans, and rice all freeze well, too. The salsa can be made several days ahead, and the tortilla bowls can be made the day before.

Not only do these taste fantastic, but they are also fun to eat. Break off pieces of the tortilla bowl to eat as you go.

That is one good lookin' bite right there.

 You can read all of my tips and other complementary menu items
for serving these tortilla bowl tacos at a big dinner party.

Click to view A Mexican Buffet Dinner Party

Make it a yummy day! ¡Ole!

Tortilla Bowl Taco Bar

By Monica              Servings: serves a few or many

Ingredients

• tortilla bowls*
• ground turkey or beef taco meat seasoned with Fiesta Taco Spice Seasoning*
• ropa vieja shredded beef*
• carnitas pork*
• salsa fiesta chicken*
• chili Beans*
• cilantro lime brown rice*
• lettuce, shredded
• cheese, grated (cheddar, jack or similar)
• sour cream
• guacamole*
• salsa (to make your own, try Fast & Easy Roasted Salsa*)
• other options: chopped onions, cilantro, black olives, grilled corn, chopped/sliced jalapenos, chopped tomatoes

Directions

Bake tortilla bowls and prepare toppings of your choice. Put toppings in separate bowls, and arrange them in a logical order for filling tortilla bowls.  Suggested order: start with rice in the bottom of tortilla bowl followed by meat, beans, & lettuce. Then add sauces—salsa, sour cream, guacamole. Sprinkle on any other options (chopped onions, cilantro, olives, etc.) and top with cheese. If you want the cheese to melt, add it earlier between the heated meat and beans.

*recipes available at www.TheYummyLife.com in the recipe index, see International-Mexican category.