How Much Ground Beef Do You Need for Tacos for 30 People?

Making tacos for a large group can seem like a daunting task How much meat do you really need for 30 people? What are the best recipes and cooking methods? This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious tacos for a crowd,

Calculate How Much Ground Beef You Need

The first step is calculating how much ground beef to buy Here are some general guidelines

• Plan for 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound of ground beef per person. For 30 people, that’s 7.5 to 15 pounds of meat.
• Lean ground beef is usually 80/20 or 85/15 meat to fat ratio. Go with 80/20 for more flavor and moisture.
• Ground chuck or ground sirloin are good choices for tacos. Avoid extremely lean ground beef, which can turn out dry.
• It’s better to have extra than run out, so aim for the higher end of the range. For 30 people, plan to buy around 15 pounds of ground beef.

Choose a Tasty Seasoning Recipe

Now it’s time to select a recipe. When cooking for a crowd, keep the seasonings simple but flavorful. Here are some excellent options:

• Classic taco seasoning: Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust amounts to taste.
• Fajita seasoning: Use a blend of chile powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, coriander, salt, and sugar.
• Taco packets: Use store-bought seasoning packets for convenience. Two packets per pound of meat is a safe ratio.

Whichever recipe you choose, be sure to season the meat well. You want the flavor to shine through when guests add toppings.

Brown the Meat in Batches

Now comes the fun part—cooking! With a large quantity of meat, browning in batches is key. Here is the process:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Working in batches, add 1 to 2 pounds of meat at a time. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Cook each batch for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns.
• Drain excess grease between batches if needed.
• Repeat this process until all 15 pounds of meat are nicely browned.

Browning in smaller batches ensures the meat gets nicely caramelized. This adds tons of flavor!

Simmer with Seasonings

Once the meat is browned, you’re ready to simmer everything together:

• Return all the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
• Add your desired taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
• Pour in 1/2 cup water and stir to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Cook for 5 more minutes so the seasonings fully permeate the meat.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The mixture should be highly seasoned.

This final simmer blends all the flavors together into the perfect tasty taco meat filling!

Keep it Warm in a Slow Cooker

For a large group, a slow cooker is ideal for keeping the meat warm and ready to serve. Here’s how:

• Transfer the cooked taco meat into one or two large slow cookers.
• Cover and cook on low for up to 2 hours.
• Check occasionally and stir gently to redistribute juices.
• Add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.
• Keep the meat warm until serving time.

Having a slow cooker full of hot, delicious taco meat makes serving a crowd quick and easy.

Toppings Bar

No taco is complete without lots of fun toppings and sides! Be sure to provide an assortment of:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips
• Salsa
• Refried beans, Spanish rice, guacamole, and corn on the cob also make great accompaniments.

Set up a taco bar buffet so guests can customize their tacos just how they like them. Provide plates, bowls, serving utensils, and tongs.

Heat the Tortillas

Warming the tortillas is an important final step. Options include:

• Place tortillas directly on the grill for about 1 minute per side.
• Wrap stacks in foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Steam in batches in a tortilla warmer or bamboo steamer for 1-2 minutes.

Heated tortillas are soft and pliable, making them perfect for filling and folding.

Enjoy!

With seasoned meat, lots of toppings, and warm tortillas, you’re all set for a fantastic taco fiesta. When serving a crowd, remember:

• Have at least 15 pounds of ground beef for 30 people.
• Cook in batches and simmer with spices.
• Keep warm in slow cookers.
• Offer lots of toppings and sides.
• Heat tortillas before serving.

Using these tips, you can relax knowing you’ve made plenty of mouthwatering tacos for everyone to enjoy!