Taco Party--rice & meat questions.

[nicolewi]

So, I am having the taco party tomorrow (referenced in an earlier post about what to make).

What do I actually do with the meat to keep it hot? I'm only doing ground beef. I love shredded chicken or pork but I've got enough to do already for this party and DH is working all the time. I'd like to cook it a couple hours prior to the party. People are coming at 5:00. Once I make it, I was planning to dump it in the crock pot and turn it on low until dinner (around 6, so it would potentially be in there for 3 hours or so). Is it going to be an over-cooked dried-out mess? Should I add extra water or beef broth or something?

I could do it as late as 4. I am always, always rushing at the last minute and never quite ready so I am trying to do as much as I can prior to the last hour before the guests arrive.

Next question. I was thinking of making this recipe, maybe? Do you think I can double this? What does that do to an Instant Pot recipe?
www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/15-minute-instant-pot-mexican-rice/

TIA!

[icedcoffee]

Just something to consider....

I find shredded chicken to be the absolute easiest. Put a bunch of chicken breasts into a slow cooker with a can of salsa. Just before serving take 2 forks and shred it. Keep it in the crockpot to stay warm. It won't dry out.

Ground beef might dry out in the crockpot. It might not though. Just keep some extra grease in it (don't drain it all).

[jennistarr1]

I actually don't think the ground beef will dry out in crockpot. I would put it in extra moist and greasy but I think it will be fine.

I think you are fine to double that recipe assuming it doesn't exceed the capacity of your instapot

[mccallister84]

I did turkey meat in a chafing dish and it was fine (I had something g else in my crockpot - non taco related).

[tacokick]

Does it have a “warm” setting or just “low”? I’ve had things on “warm” for like 6 hrs without it drying out.

[pooh8402]

I would do ground beef in the crockpot on warm. I also dont think it will dry out. I would not be happy with shredded chicken.

[pinotgrig]

I’ve done two taco parties and used the crockpot for chicken and beef with no issues either time. Just use the low or keep warm like pp suggested and you should be ok.

[Deleted]

Brown and drain the meat. Put in the slow cooker with taco seasoning and water or stock on low. When it’s around the desired thickness, switch to warm. I do this frequently. Works great. If it starts to get dry, just throw another 1/4 cup of water in.

[redheadk]

That skinny taste recipe above is GREAT. I make mine in the instant pot, just reduce the water. I have made it ahead in the IP and left it on warm with no issues.

[lilac05]

Your rice recipe looks similar to my go-to rice recipe:
gingercasa.com/15-minute-instant-pot-mexican-rice/
As with anything Instant Pot, it takes more than the suggested time, but it’s quick, easy, and the most forgiving rice recipe I’ve ever made!

As others have said, meat on warm should be good!