When it comes to the favorite food of an entire nation, the United States is pretty lucky. Because America is known as a melting pot, we are fortunate enough to have communities from every part of the world come here to live.
When people bring their culture, they also bring their food. Tacos were brought from Mexico and even though we’ve Americanized them, they are one of our favorites.
How Much Ground Beef For Tacos For 50?
Use 6.25 Pounds of Ground Beef to Make 50 tacos. For each taco, expect to put about two ounces of beef in each. When making that many, you will want to be careful and avoid overfilling because the meat is just one part of the taco equation.
It’s also important to pay attention to the type of taco. If you’re opting for a traditional taco, these are small. If you’re using shells, they can pack in more meat.
Be sure to adjust the amount of beef based on other ingredients as well as size.
Differences in Tacos
As stated, what you need for a taco will change based on the format you’re using to make it. There’s actually a large percentage of Americans who didn’t know that fast food tacos are not what is considered authentic tacos. So, what exactly is the difference?
The meaty goodness crossed the border over a century ago. Mexicans were coming stateside to do laborious work on the newly established railroad across the country. Since they brought the cultural dish with them, that was the start of a delicious relationship between us and tacos.
Authentic Tacos
The tacos you’ll be served if you sit down at an authentic Mexican restaurant look nothing like what you see in pop culture. In recent years, more of these establishments have been spreading out to share the good stuff with everyone.
To start with, these are small, about the size of your hand. These tacos have a base of either a corn or flour tortilla. Traditionally, it would be corn but most places offer the flour option. The thing about flour is that it holds together better but the corn has a better flavor.
Nevertheless, these tortillas lay flat and the ground beef would be spread across the inside, leaving space all the way around the edges. The ground beef is cooked with taco seasonings and onions. On top, cilantro and perhaps a squeeze of lemon. These tacos are pretty simple and cost-effective.
Just fold the ends up and that’s how you eat it.
American Tacos
It may seem weird to call them American tacos, but it’s kind of what happens when food comes here. There are always places to find the real stuff but we have a habit of making it our own in mass quantities.
Eventually, a food item gets so diluted by what we’ve done to it that the dish no longer resembles the original enough. Just ask Italians.
Most Americans hear taco and think of a crunchy exterior. Those who don’t like the shell can order the same thing but with a soft, flour tortilla.
It might be a little bit of a misconception when you hear soft tacos. While it sounds like it’s closer to the authentic version, it’s bigger and has added ingredients. Also, it’s always a flour tortilla.
Inside the shell will be a thick layer of beef at the bottom cooked with taco seasonings, hopefully. On top of that will be lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a layer of sour cream.
Seasoning Ground Beef for 50 Tacos
So, now that you have an idea about what your options are, now we have to make this ground beef good. With that many people trying out your tacos, it’s time to show off.
What you want out of ground beef is a kick. However, not a kick so hard that the stomach will revolt. Keep in mind that guests will be adding salsa or hot sauce to their tacos that will coincide with their spice needs and tolerance.
The service you’re providing is flavorful meat. Below is a list of seasonings you will need to make the meat taste like it belongs in a taco before any salsa hits it. The amounts listed are for 50 tacos aka 6.25 pounds of ground beef:
- 8 tablespoons chili powder
- 5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 7 teaspoons pepper
- 4 teaspoons ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon oregano
You’re going to need a big bowl to get all of that in there so it doesn’t poof up in your face when it’s being stirred around. Be sure to get it all mixed up very well, you don’t want clumps to show up in the beef later.
Find Your Taco Preference
Since you’re making these tacos at home, there’s no need to live strictly by the book. Use this as an opportunity to experiment with what you like the most.
Of course, you may not be aware of what your guest’s preferences are either. One way to bridge the taco gap would be to make a taco station.
Ground up to seven pounds of beef, it doesn’t hurt to make extra just in case. Then, put it in the center of the table. Around the beef, put a stack of tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
This way, you can let everyone in attendance decide for themselves which type of taco best satiates their hunger pangs.
Frequently Asked Questions to How Much Ground Beef For Tacos For 50?
What Are the Crunchy Taco Shells Made Of?
Corn tortillas that have been fried or baked. If you purchase a box of taco shells from the grocery store, the shells have a chance to sit and harden more. You can make them from home with a regular pack of corn tortillas and an oven.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef for Ground Turkey in the Tacos?
Turkey is a healthier option than beef and the weight ratios pretty much equal out. The main difference is taste and protein content. Also, beef has more fat, so the meat is juicier.
What Can You Serve With Tacos for a Party of 50?
Authentic and American tacos are both paired well with Mexican rice and refried beans. Adding a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa will be the bonus everyone eating tacos will enjoy.
Conclusion to How Much Ground Beef for Tacos for 50?
Assuming two ounces of beef per taco, you will need about 6.25 pounds of ground beef to make tacos for 50 people. However, it would also depend on the type of tacos you are making. It is always best to adjust the amount of beef in proportion to the other ingredients in your tacos.