Calculate your taco bar
Taco bar quantities chart
Assumes 3 tacos per adult with ground beef as the main meal. For chicken, use the same weight. Raw meat weights shown.
| Guests | Raw meat | Tortillas | Cheese | Lettuce | Salsa | Sour cream |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 3.5 lb | 30 | 0.75 lb | 0.75 lb | 2.5 cups | 2 cups |
| 20 | 6.5 lb | 60 | 1.5 lb | 1.5 lb | 5 cups | 3.5 cups |
| 30 | 10 lb | 90 | 2.25 lb | 2.25 lb | 7.5 cups | 5 cups |
| 50 | 16.5 lb | 150 | 3.75 lb | 3.75 lb | 12.5 cups | 8.5 cups |
| 100 | 33 lb | 300 | 7.5 lb | 7.5 lb | 25 cups | 17 cups |
A taco bar pairs well with the BBQ sides calculator for beans, corn and slaw, or check meat per person for pulled pork and brisket versions. Don't forget drinks with the party drink calculator.
More free party calculators
Taco bar questions
How much taco meat per person?
Plan about 1/3 pound of cooked taco meat per person, which is roughly 1/2 pound of raw ground beef since meat loses about 25% when cooked. For light eaters at a buffet with lots of sides, 1/4 pound cooked is enough.
How many tacos per person at a party?
Adults typically eat 2 to 3 tacos at a taco bar. Plan 3 per adult when tacos are the main meal, and 2 per person if there are heavy sides like rice, beans and chips.
How much ground beef for tacos for 20 people?
For 20 adults at 3 tacos each, plan 6.5 to 7 lb of raw ground beef (about 5 lb cooked). For a lighter spread with rice and beans, 5 lb raw is enough.
How much taco meat for 50 people?
For 50 guests, plan 16 to 17 lb of raw ground beef, which cooks down to about 12 to 13 lb of seasoned taco meat. You will also need roughly 150 tortillas, 5 lb of shredded lettuce, 5 lb of cheese and 3 to 4 lb each of tomatoes, salsa and sour cream.
How many tortillas per person for a taco bar?
Plan 3 tortillas per adult. Offer a mix of soft flour tortillas and crunchy hard shells, about 60% soft and 40% hard. For 20 people you need about 60 tortillas total.
What toppings go on a taco bar?
Standard toppings: shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, onions, cilantro, jalapenos and lime wedges. Plan about 1/4 lb of cheese, 1/4 lb of lettuce and 1/4 cup of salsa per person, spread across the bar.