Turn a basic taco party upside down for Cinco de Mayo. This holiday is one that is fun to go kitchy. Taco parties are easy, quick and can be done ahead of time if you want.
Must haves are the basics, of course, chips, salsa and guacamole. Keep it simple and buy this from the store or make it even more fun. I like having three different homemade salsas to add variety from mild pico de gallo to smoky chipotle and fresh tomatillo. I like to have ground beef tacos because everyone loves them that way. But pulled chicken or chicken tinga, spicy shrimp or even veggie with kale and zucchini are great too!
Make it easy grate cheese, shred cabbage (or lettuce) in advance. Add pickled red onion, cilantro, jalapenos and radishes for authenticity. Add some sides of rice and beans and your vegetarian friends are covered.
Atmosphere matters so break out any clay pots you may have as serving dishes. Ristras of chilis are a great natural decoration. Party stores are full of colorful fake flowers, Mexican flags and candles for this holiday. Go overboard.
Don’t forget a great playlist starting traditional with Cielto Lindo moving on to something new like Me Deje Llevar—mix it up.
For some extra fun rent or buy a frozen margarita machine, but let’s get real, you can get a Vitamix for $300 at CostCo! Let one guest be the bartender.
Recipe:
Ground Beef Taco Filling
2lbs of ground beef (80/20)
2 small onions
2 cloves of garlic
¼ cup ancho chili powder
¼ tsp guallio chili powder
¼ tsp green chlio powder
½ tsp Mexican organo
¼ tsp cumin
Tsp salt
Tsp pepper
Brown ground beef, if the beef looks greasy use a paper towel to degrease it a bit.
Add seasonings and cook for a minute, add onions and garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
Warm tortillas on the stove. Place right on top of a gas burner for a couple seconds, then flip and store in a kitchen towel. For an easier option, put the bag of tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds or less depending on your microwave oven.
Your favorite black beans. Open two or three cans of black beans. I like the ones flavored with Lime and jalapenos. Put in a shallow pan. Mash with a potato masher. Add one tablespoon of butter while finishing mashing for a smooth, rich finish.
Salsa – Try our Pineapple Salsa with Backed Tortilla chips!
