🌮 Ultimate Taco Party Calculator 🌮
Calculate exactly how much meat, tortillas, and toppings you need for your next taco party – whether it’s for 10, 20, 50, or 100 people!
Party Details
Shopping List
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 25 small corn or flour tortillas
Marinade
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 3 cups chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 medium onions, finely chopped
- 5 whole limes, cut into wedges
- 5 cups salsa
- 5 cups guacamole
Savory Grilled Steak Tacos Recipe
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the flank steak, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Tacos: While the steak is resting, warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. Slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Assemble: Place slices of steak in each tortilla and top with chopped cilantro and onion. Add salsa or guacamole if desired.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Party Tips
- Set up a taco bar with all the ingredients in separate dishes to let guests build their own tacos.
- Prepare all toppings in advance and keep the meat warm in a slow cooker.
- Consider adding additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños.
- For large parties, you can cook the steak in batches or consider using a different cooking method like slow cooking for larger cuts.
Taco Party Quick Reference Guide
Not sure how much to make? Here’s a quick reference for different party sizes based on 2 tacos per person:
| Party Size | Steak Needed | Tortillas | Cilantro | Onions | Limes | Salsa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 people | 2.5 pounds | 25 small | 3 cups | 3 medium | 5 whole | 5 cups |
| 20 people | 5 pounds | 50 small | 5 cups | 5 medium | 10 whole | 10 cups |
| 50 people | 12.5 pounds | 125 small | 13 cups | 13 medium | 25 whole | 25 cups |
| 100 people | 25 pounds | 250 small | 25 cups | 25 medium | 50 whole | 50 cups |
Note: These calculations assume all guests eat meat tacos. Use our calculator above for more precise planning with vegetarian guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much meat do I need for tacos for 50 people?
For a party of 50 people, you’ll need approximately 12.5 pounds of flank steak or skirt steak. This calculation assumes each person will eat 2 tacos, and each taco contains about 2 ounces of meat. If your guests have larger appetites or you want to serve 3 tacos per person, you would need about 18.75 pounds of meat.
How many pounds of taco meat per person?
Plan for about 1/4 pound (4 ounces) of meat per person for 2 tacos. If you’re expecting hungry guests or want to serve more tacos per person, calculate 2 ounces of meat per taco. For example, for 3 tacos per person, you’d need about 6 ounces (just over 1/3 pound) of meat per guest.
How many tortillas do I need for a taco bar?
For a taco bar, plan on 2-3 tortillas per person, and then add 25% extra to account for breakage and people taking more than expected. For a party of 20 people, you would need approximately 50-75 tortillas. Small 6-inch corn tortillas are traditional for street-style tacos, but flour tortillas are also popular.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas warm for a large group?
For large groups, wrap stacks of 12-15 tortillas in aluminum foil and keep them in a 250°F (120°C) oven. Alternatively, use a tortilla warmer or slow cooker on the low setting. For the best texture, warm tortillas just before serving by briefly heating them on a hot griddle or cast-iron pan for about 30 seconds per side.
How far in advance can I prepare ingredients for a taco bar?
Most taco bar ingredients can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Chop vegetables like onions and cilantro the day before and store in airtight containers. Marinate the meat up to 24 hours ahead of time for maximum flavor. Cook the meat a few hours before the party and keep it warm in a slow cooker. Prepare guacamole as close to serving time as possible or use lemon juice to prevent browning.
