Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe Iowa TaproomTaco Bar Recipe

Taco Bar Recipe

Inspired by The Iowa Taproom
Time1h
Serves6

Everything you need to build your own tacos or nachos, including beef, chicken, tortillas, chips, herbed corn salad, rice, salsa, guacamole, queso, and toppings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins

Base

Salad

Rice

Salsas and Dips

Method

Proteins

  1. 1

    Prepare Ground Beef

    In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Prepare Chicken

    In a separate skillet, add the boneless chicken breasts with a little oil. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove from heat, shred the chicken, and season with salt and pepper.

Base

  1. 3

    Warm Tortillas

    In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable. Keep warm covered with a kitchen towel.

  2. 4

    Prepare Tortilla Chips

    Place tortilla chips in a serving bowl or platter, ready for dipping.

Salad

  1. 5

    Make Herbed Corn Salad

    In a large bowl, combine corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.

Rice

  1. 6

    Cook Rice

    In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Salsas and Dips

  1. 7

    Prepare Salsas and Dips

    Set out the salsa, guacamole, and queso in individual serving bowls for easy access.

Toppings

  1. 8

    Prepare Toppings

    Arrange shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños in small bowls for easy access.

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