It’s Monday, and after a weekend of grilling, what better way to use up those delicious leftovers than with a family taco night? Taco bars are not just a meal; they’re an experience, perfect for bringing everyone together. If you’re wondering how to create the ultimate family taco feast, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into why a family taco night is the perfect solution for a fun, customizable, and budget-friendly dinner.
Family Style Taco Bar with various meats, toppings and salsas
Why Family Tacos are a Fantastic Choice
Having hosted countless taco bars, from my private chef days to casual family gatherings, I can confidently say they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s why Family Tacos should be your next go-to meal:
Budget-Friendly Family Meals
One of the biggest advantages of a family taco night is its affordability. Whether you’re feeding a small family or a large group, tacos are incredibly economical. You can easily scale the ingredients to fit your budget without sacrificing flavor or fun. Compared to more elaborate meals, family tacos are gentle on the wallet, making them perfect for regular family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Everyone Loves Tacos! Dietary Flexibility for All
Who doesn’t love tacos? Seriously! This is where the beauty of a family taco bar truly shines. It’s inherently customizable, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Load up on veggie toppings like grilled peppers, onions, corn, and black beans.
- Meat Lover’s Paradise: Offer a variety of proteins such as chicken, steak, shrimp, or ground beef.
- Gluten-Free Options: Corn tortillas are a fantastic gluten-free alternative to flour tortillas. You can also create taco salads for a no-tortilla option.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Simply skip the cheese and sour cream, and focus on flavorful salsas and guacamole.
With family tacos, no one feels left out. Everyone can build their perfect meal according to their own tastes and dietary restrictions.
Protein Variety to Please Every Palate
Get creative with your protein choices! This is where you can really elevate your family taco night. Consider offering a mix-and-match selection:
- Chicken: Grilled, shredded, or seasoned chicken provides a classic and versatile option.
- Shrimp: Grilled shrimp adds a touch of freshness and is quick to cook.
- Steak: Flank steak or skirt steak, grilled to perfection, brings a hearty and satisfying element.
- Carnitas: Slow-cooked pork carnitas offer rich, savory flavors.
- Ground Beef: A traditional and kid-friendly favorite, easy to season and prepare.
Many of these proteins can be prepped in advance, saving you time on the day of your family taco night. Some, like carnitas or shredded chicken, can even be made days ahead!
Taco Toppings: The Key to Customization and Fun
The toppings bar is where the real magic happens! A wide array of toppings allows everyone to personalize their tacos and truly enjoy the experience. Don’t hesitate to take shortcuts from the store to simplify your prep. Pre-made salsas, guacamole, or pickled onions can be huge time-savers.
Close-up of Family Style Taco Bar Toppings
Family Style Taco Night: Recipes and Ideas
Ready to create your own family taco night? Here are some fantastic recipes and ideas to get you started.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These shrimp tacos are quick, flavorful, and perfect for a light yet satisfying taco night.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Gaby’s Go To Seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning)
Instructions:
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, and seasoning.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Set aside and keep warm for taco assembly.
Grilled Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are a crowd-pleasing classic. This marinade adds a smoky chipotle kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Gaby’s Go To Seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 3 chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Combine vegetable oil, chopped chipotle pepper, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Grilled Steak Tacos
For steak lovers, these grilled steak tacos are a must-have. The marinade tenderizes the steak and infuses it with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons Gaby’s All Things Meat Seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning)
Instructions:
- Combine marinade ingredients. Marinate steak for 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness, turning 90 degrees halfway through each side for grill marks.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Essential Taco Toppings Bar:
- Gaby’s Famous Guacamole (or your favorite recipe)
- Chipotle Salsa
- Tomatillo Salsa
- Pico de Gallo
- Pickled Red Onions
- Freshly Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- Sliced Jalapenos
- Charred Corn (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped Green Onions
- Chopped Chives
- Chopped Cilantro
- Charred Corn Tortillas
- Charred Flour Tortillas
Overhead shot of Family Style Taco Night spread
Make it a Family Taco Night Tradition
Family taco night is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to connect, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner together. The customizable nature of tacos means everyone gets exactly what they want, and the make-your-own aspect encourages even picky eaters to try new things. So, gather your family, set up your taco bar, and get ready for a fun and flavorful evening!
