Put the taco fillings in the middle and let everyone build their own. This game-day taco party board serves six with seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas and simple toppings. Mild Taco Dust keeps the base approachable; set out a hot salsa separately for anyone who wants more heat. It works just as well on a shaded patio as around the kitchen table.
2 pouches Desert Dust Mild Taco Seasoning, 1 oz (28 g) each
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) water
12 small flour tortillas, about 6 inches across
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup prepared salsa
3/4 cup sour cream
2 limes, cut into wedges
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, optional
Directions
Prepare the cold toppings. Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, limes and cilantro. Put the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa and sour cream in separate small serving bowls and refrigerate until serving. Set out a clean large board or tray, individual serving spoons and six small plates.
Brown the beef. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Work in two batches if crowded. Drain excess fat carefully. Check the meat reaches at least 160°F with a food thermometer.
Season and simmer. Return all the beef to the skillet. Stir in both Mild Taco pouches and the water, using one pouch and 3/4 cup water per pound as directed on the seasoning pack. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until saucy but not watery. Follow your pouch directions if the formulation changes.
Warm the tortillas. During the simmer, warm the tortillas according to their package directions, then wrap in a clean towel inside a basket or bowl. Transfer a serving portion of hot beef to a heatproof bowl. Place hot bowls on a trivet rather than directly on an unprotected table or board.
Build the party board. Arrange the hot beef bowl, covered tortillas and small cold topping bowls on the board or tray, with lime wedges and cilantro if using. Let each person build two tacos. Bring out only what will be eaten promptly and replenish from safely held food. Keep hot beef at 140°F or above and chilled toppings at 40°F or below; refrigerate perishables within 2 hours, or 1 hour when outdoors above 90°F.
The Dust In This Recipe
Mild Taco Seasoning
$19.99
Make it with Mild Taco Desert Dust. Taste before adding extra salt.
✦Mild HeatFull taco flavor without a big hit of heat.
✦Organic SpicesGuajillo, cumin, onion, garlic and other spices build the savory profile.
Six people, allowing two small tacos each from 12 tortillas and 2 lb of raw ground beef. Appetites vary; add a side if this is the main meal. For twelve people, double the ingredients and brown the meat in batches.
CAN I PREPARE THE BEEF THE DAY BEFORE?
Yes. Cook it fully, cool promptly in shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to 165°F before transferring it to a preheated warmer. A slow cooker can hold hot food but should not be used to reheat cold cooked beef slowly.
CAN I USE SPICY TACO DUST INSTEAD?
Yes. Use the same amount of Spicy Taco Dust if its packet directions match. For a mixed group, Mild Taco Dust in the beef and hot salsa on the side lets guests choose their own heat.
HOW DO I SERVE IT OUTDOORS?
Keep the board shaded, set out small portions and keep spare toppings in a cooler at 40°F or colder. Hold the beef at 140°F or hotter. Perishable food should not sit out longer than 2 hours, reduced to 1 hour when the outdoor temperature is above 90°F.
DO I NEED A SPECIAL SERVING BOARD?
No. A clean tray or a clear section of the table works well. Keep meat and wet toppings in bowls, give each bowl its own spoon, and put a heatproof trivet under hot dishes. Practical and easy to refill is the aim.
This homemade salsa recipe blends canned tomatoes with fresh onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime. A small measure of Savory Dust rounds out a pourable salsa that is easy to spoon over tacos or serve with chips.
This black beans and rice recipe cooks long-grain rice with peppers, then folds in canned beans. Mild Taco Dust and lime keep the simple skillet flavorful.
