We do tacos, quesadillas, or burritos every Tuesday, but this easy taco bar idea is my favorite because there’s no cooking! Okay, you have to warm up the beans and corn, but you don’t have to do anything more complicated than that. And everyone gets to be in charge of the ingredients that wind up on their plate, as a family-style meal, which is an easy way to keep stress low at meal times—kids love having power over what they get to eat! I try not to micromanage the kids plates and let them enjoy their meal, no matter what they choose to eat. I’ve found that approach helps the kids relax enough to enjoy their meal—and sometimes try new foods. And it allows me to enjoy my meal more, too. (Read more about this approach called the Division of Responsibility.) You may also like my Taco Roll-Ups, Sheet Pan Black Bean Quesadillas, Spinach Quesadillas, and my Fish Stick Tacos, which are equally easy and yummy!
Ingredients You Need
The sky is the limit with taco bars, but here are the ingredients I use most often so you have an easy place to start. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Canned beans or cooked from dry beans: You can use black beans, pinto beans, refried beans, or really, any beans you like. Corn: Frozen sweet corn or canned corn is a great option for both texture and flavor. Shredded cheese: We usually do cheddar cheese, but Monterrey Jack, Mexican blend, or any other type of shredded cheese works well. You can also use cojita cheese if you prefer, too. Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add freshness to taco buffets. Shredded lettuce or cabbage: Adding this crunchy ingredient adds a pleasant flavor contrast to tacos, so I like to add it. (This also makes it possible to use the ingredients to make a taco salad, which is a nice option.) Cooked meat or chicken: Ground beef, steak, shredded chicken, taco meat, tofu, shrimp, or any other preferred protein option is a nice way to make this meal more satisfying. Rice: You can add cooked rice (or another grain) to have an option for those who may want a Burrito Bowl from the assorted ingredients. Tortillas or crunchy taco shells: You can use either one according to your preference, made from flour, corn, or another available option. Guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, red onion, cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, or hot sauce, optional to top as everyone desires
TIP: You can add cooked beef, chicken, or shrimp if you like too.
How to Set Up a Taco Bar Step-by-Step
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in getting this easy weeknight dinner onto the table. TIP: I like to let everyone decide for themselves which foods to eat and how to eat their tacos, whether assembled or deconstructed.
How to Serve Tacos to Toddlers
It’s so easy to serve this easy toddler meal to little kids who aren’t quite up to the logistical challenge of holding and eating a regular taco. Simply serve the elements side by side on a plate, cut up the tortilla into strips, and let them eat it all as finger food. Add a dip if they like guacamole or salsa and let them enjoy their meal! I usually add a fruit to the mix (white peach is shown above) to add in extra nutrients. TIP: The meal is shown here on the EZPZ Mini Play Mat, which suctions to the table and is easy to clean.
Best Tips for Success
I rinse the beans to help them taste fresh and also to remove any excess salt. To use dried beans, try my Slow Cooker Black Beans or my Instant Pot Pinto Beans. You can use canned corn if you prefer. Increase the ingredients as needed for the appetites and preferences of your family. Add cooked beef, chicken, or shrimp if desired. Serve deconstructed to little kids for easy eating, with the taco fillings side-by-side on a plate. Let everyone choose which ingredients to add to their plates and tacos. I like tortillas labeled “soft” to avoid tortillas that crumble and crack easily. Add easy side dishes like Sliced Baked Apples, my Fruit Salsa, store bought mango salsa, or other simple vegetables you like.
If you make this recipe at home, please leave a comment to share how it went. I love to hear your feedback!
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