Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 10
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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a taco bar that brings the fiesta to your table! This recipe features tender beef and vibrant toppings, making it perfect for a fun and interactive meal with friends and family.

Ingredients for Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar

Beef chuck roast is the star here, providing a rich, beefy flavor that absorbs all the spices beautifully. A bit of olive oil helps the spices adhere to the meat while adding a touch of moisture. Beef broth is the liquid backbone, helping to tenderize the meat and deepen the flavor profile. The chipotle chili powder brings a smoky heat, while cumin adds an earthy warmth. Salt and black pepper enhance and balance the flavors.

For the toppings, fresh salsa brings brightness and acidity. Avocados are mashed into a creamy guacamole, with lime juice adding a zesty kick and preventing browning. Cilantro and diced onions give the salsa a fresh, herbal touch. Finally, a sprinkle of shredded cheese offers a melty, savory finish, and small corn tortillas are the perfect base for all these delicious components.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your beef is perfectly tender. You're looking for an internal temperature of around 195°F.
  • If you like your tacos spicy, add some sliced jalapeños to your topping options.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight with the spices and olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these tacos with a refreshing side of Mexican street corn salad or a simple black bean and corn salsa. For drinks, you can't go wrong with a tangy margarita or a cold cerveza. Finish the meal with churros or tres leches cake for a sweet touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or short ribs would also work well, though cooking times may vary.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with jackfruit or portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep the beef and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently to maintain its tenderness.

Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. While the oven warms up, rub the beef chuck roast with olive oil, chipotle chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Place the seasoned beef in a roasting pan and pour in the beef broth. Cover the pan tightly with foil to trap in the moisture. Pop it into the oven and let it roast for about 3 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.

While the beef is cooking, you can prepare the toppings. Mix together the fresh salsa with chopped cilantro and diced onions. Squeeze in some lime juice and stir well. For the guacamole, mash the avocados with a bit of lime juice and salt.

Once the beef is done, shred it using two forks and set it aside. To warm the corn tortillas, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and give each tortilla about 1-2 minutes per side until they're warm and pliable.

Set up your taco bar with bowls of shredded beef, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and warm tortillas. Let your guests dive in and build their perfect taco!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for gatherings: Everyone can customize their tacos.
  • Rich, slow-cooked beef that's melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Vibrant, fresh toppings that add zest and color.
  • Simple prep, with most of the work done by the oven.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup fresh salsa
2 avocados
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup shredded cheese
10 small corn tortillas

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Rub beef with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in a roasting pan, add beef broth, and cover with foil.
4. Roast for 3 hours or until tender.
5. Shred beef and set aside.
6. Prepare salsa by mixing diced onions, cilantro, and lime juice with fresh salsa.
7. Mash avocados with lime juice and salt to make guacamole.
8. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
9. Set up the taco bar with shredded beef, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and tortillas for guests to build their tacos.

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