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Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

Last Updated: Sep 12, 2022 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Taco Toppings

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Pin collage image with text showing 4 different taco toppings.

These taco toppings are quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for adding some variety and customization to an amazing taco bar! There are over 15 recipes that are sure to make your menu truly unique. In fact, these dishes are exactly what you need for an authentic and extremely flavorful taco bar lineup!

Best Taco Toppings

This roundup of tasty taco toppings is more than just your average lettuce and tomatoes. It is a list of 15+ delicious condiments and toppings that will take your tacos to the next level!

First things first, you have to start your taco bar out with a fantastic base of some homemade flour tortillas for everyone to add their favorite toppings! Trust me, using homemade tortillas instead of store-bought ones will make a huge difference!

Square collage image showing 4 different taco toppings.
Jump to:
  • Best Taco Toppings
  • 1. Ground Beef Taco Meat
  • 2. Carne Asada
  • 3. Pico de Gallo
  • 4. Salsa Verde
  • 5. Refried Black Beans
  • 6. Roasted Peppers And Onions
  • 7. Roasted Salsa Roja
  • 8. Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Beef
  • 9. Taco Bell Creamy Baja Sauce
  • 10. Sauteed Onions
  • 11. Hatch Chili Guacamole
  • 12. Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
  • 13. Taco Bell Creamy Avocado Ranch Sauce
  • 14. Grilled Corn
  • 15. Turkey Carnitas
  • 🥬 Additional Taco Toppings
  • 🌮 Best Taco Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Taco Toppings: Carne Asada (+Other Taco Bar Ideas)
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

If you love tacos as much as I do, make sure to check out my collection of taco recipes! Plus, if you need some side dish items for your taco bar, take a look at my post about what to serve with tacos for ideas!

1. Ground Beef Taco Meat

Taco meat is probably the most important topping there is! This simple recipe uses some ground beef for a classic Tex-Mex dish.

Any other toppings will taste fantastic pile high on top of this perfectly seasoned beef! It is an ideal way to start out any taco!

Ground Beef Taco Meat
I can't think of anyone that doesn't love tacos loaded with this easy skillet-cooked, seasoned ground beef taco meat! Perfectly seasoned taco meat makes your family's taco nights so much tastier!
Check out this recipe
Square image of taco meat in a cast iron pan with a lime wedge.

2. Carne Asada

If you're wanting something authentic and flavorful, this carne asada is perfect! It uses an amazing marinade to really bring out the flavor and make the meat astonishingly tender.

I recommend making this meat in advance so that it has plenty of time to really be able to soak up all the flavor from the marinade!

Carne Asada
This carne asada is so incredibly flavorful and tender that it’s perfect for tacos, fajitas, burritos, or just enjoy it by itself! A delicious, oil-based marinade creates a citrus infused and extra tender piece of beef that is then charred to perfection on a hot grill. This dish is bursting with that classic, authentic Mexican flavor!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing carne asada with sliced limes on a white serving platter.

3. Pico de Gallo

This classic topping consists of onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, lime, and cilantro! Make this pico de Gallo the night before for convenience (and maximum flavor)!

It is super easy to make as it doesn't even require cooking!

Pico De Gallo (Salsa Fresca)
This family-favorite pico de gallo recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors. It features just the right amount of heat from the jalapeno, complementing the freshness of the ingredients without overpowering them. Made with crisp onions, ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and fragrant cilantro, it's all mixed in ideal proportions to create an amazing homemade salsa. Simple to make, this is the best homemade salsa to pair with your beloved Mexican dishes and chips!
Check out this recipe
wide sideview image of pico de gallo with chips and fresh vegetables.

4. Salsa Verde

This vibrantly green salsa is made using tomatillos instead of standard tomatoes (which is why it is green). You can easily adjust the heat level of this salsa by adding more (or less) jalapenos!

Plus, you can choose to use roasted or raw veggies and it is delicious either way!

Salsa Verde
This salsa verde is loaded up with fresh tomatillos for an authentic homemade salsa that is so much better than the kind from the store! It is such a light and fresh salsa with just the right amount of lime that compliments the cilantro flavor and the heat of the jalapeno, just perfect! Pair it with chips, add it to dip, or use it to top off some of your favorite burritos, tacos, and more!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of salsa verde in a jar with tortilla chips.

5. Refried Black Beans

Of course, refried beans are commonly served alongside tacos (and other Mexican entrees) as a tasty side dish. However, they are also extremely satisfying on top of your tacos!

Add on a little (or a lot) of these refried beans for a burrito-taco hybrid that you won't forget!

Refried Black Beans
These refried black beans are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish to complement any of your favorite Mexican dishes! Regardless of whether you are looking to keep your calories low, eating around dietary restrictions, or just want to enjoy some tasty refried black beans...you will love how flavorful they are! In just 20 minutes, you'll have the most delicious refried beans and will want to make them over and over again!
Check out this recipe
White bowl of refried black beans with garnishes on top.

6. Roasted Peppers And Onions

Roasted peppers and onions are commonly seen served alongside fajitas! However, they taste just as great on tacos!

I love how roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, making them truly addicting.

Roasted Peppers and Onions
I enjoy making my roasted peppers and onions for a versatile and flavorful side dish. They are roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a deliciously caramelized texture. This easy recipe is perfect for adding to sandwiches, salads, or serving alongside your favorite main courses.
Check out this recipe
Easy, flavorful roasted peppers and onions served with fresh thyme as garnish.

7. Roasted Salsa Roja

Salsa is a classic accompaniment to any Mexican or Tex-Mex dish! You simply could not have a taco bar without it!

You can customize the consistency to suit your preferred taste. This salsa is better than anything from a jar!

Roasted Salsa Roja
This salsa roja is an incredibly delicious homemade treat that only takes a few minutes to roast the vegetables and prepare! Leave it coarse or blend it to a smooth consistency, whichever way you like it! I like to finish my salsa in a cast iron skillet for an amazing flavor boost to this better than restaurant quality salsa!
Check out this recipe
Square image of salsa roja.

8. Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Beef

If you are wanting to mix up your beef topping options, this chipotle barbacoa beef is the answer! It is made in the Instant Pot for an extra easy dish, plus it tastes amazing!

Adjust the heat by adding or reducing the amount of chipotle peppers you include.

Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Cheeks
I love these Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Cheeks for how super easy they are, while still being packed with amazing flavors! They're a great way to cook up your beef cheeks (or brisket, or even a roast works - rump or chuck!) for the ease and convenience we all know and expect from our instant pots or pressure cookers!
Check out this recipe
Super easy Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Cheeks make the best beef tacos ever!!

9. Taco Bell Creamy Baja Sauce

Baja sauce and tacos are a match made in heaven! This slightly spicy sauce features jalapenos, bell pepper, onion, mayo, and some spices and herbs!

It is incredibly addicting! Not only will you be using it on your tacos, but you'll want to dip everything in it as well!

Taco Bell Creamy Baja Sauce
My Taco Bell creamy Baja sauce copycat recipe will satisfy your Taco Bell cravings without you ever having to leave the house! This dupe of their signature Baja sauce is just as good as the real thing. With a tiny bit of heat from the jalapeno and the perfect blend of herbs and spices, this delicious condiment tastes great on chips, quesadillas, burritos, and more!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing tacos and Taco Bell creamy Baja sauce.

10. Sauteed Onions

I love adding sauteed onions to pretty much everything! They only use 3 ingredients and are naturally sweet and delicious!

Make sure to include them in your taco bar for an extra special treat!

Sauteed Onions
Sauteed onions have a flavor that is ever-so-slightly sweet when cooked correctly, and they can be used to elevate almost any main course! With just 3 ingredients, you can have delicious sauteed onions to top your burgers, for fajitas, as a side dish, and so much more! These are so easy to make, and they make a welcome addition to almost any dish!
Check out this recipe
Wide overhead image of the sauteed onions in white skillet.

11. Hatch Chili Guacamole

This extra flavorful guacamole features roasted hatch chili peppers! If you don't have any hatch chili peppers on hand, you can also try out some classic homemade guacamole or an extra creamy guacamole!

Either way, guacamole is a must-have topping for your taco bar!

Hatch Chile Guacamole
Hatch Chile Guacamole is super easy way to up your guacamole game! The roasted hatch chiles add just a bit more heat, and a subtle smoky roasted flavor that is out of this world delicious!! Try this fabulously tasty guacamole with your Cinco de Mayo foods, or with your game day appetizers for a crowd pleasing hit!
Check out this recipe
This super easy to make hatch chile guacamole takes wonderful flavor to another level!

12. Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a perfect pairing for any Mexican or Tex-Mex dish! I love this recipe because I prepare it in my Instant Pot!

It is practically effortless and is ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes!

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is an incredibly tasty rice side dish that is suitable for so many meals! From pairing with your Mexican food entrees to serving with seafood, or a Thai-inspired dish, this fragrant rice is sure to become a household staple! Once you see how easy it is, you'll want to make rice in your Instant Pot from here on out!
Check out this recipe
Overhead closeup of the instant pot cilantro lime rice in white bowl.

13. Taco Bell Creamy Avocado Ranch Sauce

My copycat recipe for some Taco Bell creamy avocado ranch sauce is a great addition to any taco! It is creamy, rich, and tastes better than the fast-food version!

Simply put a scoop on top of your taco and watch all of the flavors come alive!

Taco Bell Creamy Avocado Ranch Sauce
My copycat Taco Bell creamy avocado ranch sauce is a smooth and rich condiment that is even better than the original version! It tastes great with practically everything! Now you won’t even have to leave your house to get some of this amazing sauce!
Check out this recipe
Square image of Taco Bell avocado ranch sauce with tacos.

14. Grilled Corn

This grilled corn is super simple to make and extra delicious! Once you have it cooked, you can use a long knife to cut the kernels off of the cob for a delicious taco topping!

Grilled Corn On The Cob
This grilled corn on the cob is a sweet and smokey, easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any cookout. It is smothered in delicious melted garlic butter immediately before serving so that it is extra flavorful. It pairs great with any BBQ foods, so it will become one of your new favorite recipes!
Check out this recipe
Square image of grilled corn on the cob.

15. Turkey Carnitas

These turkey carnitas are a fantastic protein option if you don't enjoy beef. You can use up some leftover turkey or start completely from scratch with a raw bird. Plus, you can even make it in your slow cooker!

Leftover Turkey Carnitas
These super tasty Leftover Turkey Carnitas are my favorite way to use up leftover turkey meat! My turkey carnitas are the best use of your leftover turkey from holidays, hands down! Your family is sure to love these easy street style tacos any night of the week, and any time of the year!
Check out this recipe
square image showing a close up view of the turkey carnitas garnished and served with fresh homemade pico de gallo served on white corn tortillas on a white plate with light wood grain background

🥬 Additional Taco Toppings

These classic taco toppings are traditional items that you can grab from the grocery store and have minimal prep work. Add them to your taco bar alongside our awesome homemade options!

  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Diced Tomato
  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Cilantro
  • Jalapenos
  • Sliced Black Olives
  • Diced Red Onion
  • Lime Wedges
  • Avocado Chunks
  • Green Onions

These taco toppings are going to create an unforgettable taco bar that everyone will keep talking about! Leave a comment down below and let me know what your favorite taco topping is!

🌮 Best Taco Recipes

  • Shredded Chicken Tacos - This recipe is my absolute favorite for any time I'm wanting to use chicken in my tacos!
  • Ground Venison Tacos - If you have some venison from a hunting trip, make sure you try out these wonderful tacos!
  • Birria Tacos - These tacos are a traditional dish that features a wonderfully seasoned Mexican goat stew!
  • Tacos Dorados - These tacos have an irresistible, extra-crispy shell!
  • Leftover Prime Rib Tacos - If you happen to have some leftover prime rib, these tacos are the best way to use it!
  • Walking Taco Casserole - This taco bowl is super customizable to fit all of your needs!

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5 from 12 reviews

Taco Toppings: Carne Asada (+Other Taco Bar Ideas)

These taco toppings are quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for adding some variety and customization to an amazing taco bar! There are over 15 recipes that are sure to make your menu truly unique. In fact, these dishes are exactly what you need for an authentic and extremely flavorful taco bar lineup!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 312kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 15 minutes minutes
Marinade & Resting Time 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • ¼ cup lime juice (juice from 2 fresh limes)
  • 3 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice (juice from 1 fresh lemon)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 large jalapeno (minced, seeds removed for milder flavor if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced or crushed)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
  • 2 lbs flank steak (or skirt steak, flap, hanger steak, or London broil)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Hold open a gallon-sized Ziploc bag and pour in the lime juice, lemon juice, minced or crushed garlic, orange juice, fresh chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, cumin, extra virgin olive oil, diced jalapeno, and vinegar. Seal the bag and gently squish it around to combine everything.
  • Put the steak in the bag with the marinade ingredients and seal it securely. You want the marinade touching all parts of the steak, so squeeze the bag to spread it as needed. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours up to overnight. *See notes on marinade times.
  • When ready to cook, heat your grill to high heat. Meanwhile, remove your flank steak from the bag and discard any remaining marinade.
  • Place your carne asada on the grill and cook for 7-10 minutes per side depending on your desired doneness. *I typically cook for 8 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 7 minutes.
  • When the steak is ready, remove it from heat and set it aside on a tray, plate, or cutting board. Tent a piece of foil loosely over the top and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain when serving.

Notes

  • Brining containers, storage containers, and bowls also work for marinating the skirt steak. Just be sure to cover with the marinade, and turn to ensure even saturation.
  • A minimum of 30 minutes is desired for any marinated meat recipe, although the marinade flavor will not have enough of a chance to permeate your skirt steak in this amount of time. It will still add flavor.
  • 24 hours is the maximum amount of time that you want to marinate meat in a citrus or vinegar-based marinade. The marinade will break down the meat fibers over time and you may get an undesirable texture.
  • Both skirt and flank steaks are relatively thin. The key to getting a robust char on the outside while keeping a juicy pink center is to cook the steak quickly over a very HOT grill.
  • With thinner steaks like these, when both sides have a satisfactory char, the center is usually done as well. Don't play the guessing game, use a meat thermometer to check the center. You are aiming for 130°-140°F for medium-rare.
  • Never reuse marinade that has come in contact with raw meat. It can be full of harmful bacteria and should be thrown away after the meat is removed. 
  • To store: Place leftover carne asada in a shallow, airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze: Wrap the steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. 
  • To reheat: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and allow your leftover carne asada to come to room temperature. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Put the carne asada on top and bake on the middle of the center rack until the internal temperature reaches 110°F (43°C) (about 30 minutes depending on your steak thickness). For best results, give the leftovers a quick sear in a super hot pan to finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal (16%) | Carbohydrates: 6g (2%) | Protein: 33g (66%) | Fat: 17g (26%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 91mg (30%) | Sodium: 277mg (12%) | Potassium: 629mg (18%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 277IU (6%) | Vitamin C: 25mg (30%) | Calcium: 47mg (5%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Beef Dishes, Dinner Recipes, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
« Homemade Waffles
Pork Internal Temperatures »

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Pin collage image with text showing 4 different taco toppings.
Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

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