READ REPLIES

Ellen

Hi, TKL family:
I have been asked to prepare a taco meal for 30 high schoolers. Anyone have ideas as to quantities of stuff (meat, shells, fixins, etc.) that it will take? I don't have any teenagers, but I know it would probably be quite a bit more than adults would eat. Also, do you think they would prefer hard or soft shells, or some of both? Any advice you could supply would be helpful. Thanks!

Re: Questions on Tacos for Teenagers

Jo/AZ

When my kids were teens, they liked both kinds of tacos.
You need to decide how many tacos to allow each student (some will grab 6 assuming it's allowed).
You can probably get 8 tacos per pound of ground beef. (More if you're careful, less if the students make their own.)
Half the taco will be lettuce, then tomato pieces. Try mixing Mexican Cheese or jalapeno cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a topping. Not all the kids like sour cream on theirs.

Re: Questions on Tacos for Teenagers

Ginger, So. Cal

Dear Ellen, My two teens, one boy, one girl rarely eat more than 2-3 tacos at dinner. I do agree with the last person that there will always be some who will take more. My advice is to pre cook everything including the shells. The shells can be pre-filled with the meat and cheese and re-heated on baking sheets in the oven. My teens prefer chicken to beef these days. You could purchase those large bags of skinless chicken breasts at a club store (costco) and poach them with some chopped onion, cilantro, even some prepackaged taco seasoning. Then shread the cooled meat. While you are at the club store, buy a case of tomatoes, and a large bag of romaine. Both should be enough for sixty or more tacos. Get the cheese and salsa there too, for more savings!

P.S. My kids like refried beans IN their tacos. Good luck to you, it's a nice thing to volunteer for! Ginger

Recipe: Tacos for Teenagers

Hi Ellen,
Here is my favorite taco meat recipe which can also be used to make burritos.
I have made this for a large crowd before and it's always a hit.
Terrific Tacos
2 TBS oil
1 large onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 ls of ground beef or ground turkey
2 large cans of peeled whole tomatoes with the juice
1 large green pepper seeded and coarsely chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 TBS. chili powder
2 bay leaves (make sure to take out after completely cooked!)
Heat oil in pot, add onions and garlic and saute for 10 minutes or until translucent. Add meat and brown. Drain Fat and stir in tomatoes with juice,green peppers and spices. Reduce heat to low and cover and simmer for
2 or more hours. Remove bay leaves. Drain meat well with a slotted spoon.
May be served in taco shells or tortillas. This has always been a hit at parties and family reunions. I usually drain all of the meat and put in a bowl and have bowls of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, lettuce and cheese and every one builds their own tacos/burritos. Salsa and hot sauce are a nice finishing touch. Hope this helps ! Have Fun! MB

Thank You: Thanks MB, Ginger and Jo! (nt)

Ellen