Mexican Maindish for a Crowd - Ideas?

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Discussion Overview

The thread focuses on ideas for preparing a Mexican main dish suitable for a large potluck event, with participants sharing various personal recipes and suggestions for feeding a crowd.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions considering a Tamale Round-About but notes it doesn't serve enough people.
  • Another participant suggests Taco Salad served in a Trifle Bowl as a viable option.
  • One participant shares a personal recipe for a chicken and rice dish that is designed to serve many, detailing the preparation process.
  • Another participant proposes tortilla soup, acknowledging it may not be a main dish but highlights its ability to feed a large number inexpensively.
  • One participant describes Mexican Lasagna, which substitutes traditional lasagna ingredients with Mexican flavors and emphasizes its capacity for large servings.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the ideas shared and mentions time constraints due to starting a new job.
  • Another participant offers a personal note to someone in the thread, indicating a more personal communication outside the forum.
  • One participant reminds others to consider using their EAD (Essentially Additive Dairy) when adding sour cream to dishes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

No clear consensus emerges, as participants share a variety of distinct ideas and recipes without indicating agreement on a single best option.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and preferences regarding cooking for large gatherings, with an emphasis on practicality and creativity in recipe selection.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for inspiration on preparing large quantities of Mexican cuisine for events may find the shared ideas beneficial.

Bexamo
Messages
104
I have a pot luck supper Wednesday. There will be 150 - 200 people, and I have to bring a Mexican cuisine main dish. I thought about the Tamale Round-About, but it doesn't serve that many. Any ideas?? (Naturally, the ulterior motive AS ALWAYS is to drum up business while I'm at it...)
 
Taco Salad in the Trifle Bowl!
 
I make this chicken & rice dish for pot-lucks tha tgoes really far. It's my own recipe so bear with me. I serve it in the large dots bowl.

Cube up several boneless skinless ckn breast and season heavily with SW Seasoning.
Dice an onion or two. Saute the onions and chicken together in some olive oil in the 12" skillet over M-H heat.
When done - leave that stuff in the pan, then follow tthe directions (in same pan) for a family size ba gof Vigo yellow rice (ie add water, oil & butter, bring to boil, add rice & flavor packet and cook as directed.)
When the rice is done, fork-fluff it and toss in one or two DRAINED cans of red kidney beans.
Dump into the SA Dots L Bowl.
Place a whole lot of with shredded cheddar on the top center (only in teh center) and toss in the oven at 250-300 just til the cheese melts.
 
tortilla soup in our big stock pot!! I know it's not a main dish but you can make a large quantity to feed a lot of people pretty inexpensively or
enchiladas
 
I like Mexican Lasagna. It's like regular lasagna, but you use flour tortillas instead of noodles, taco meat instead of plain ground beef, salsa instead of pasta sauce, cheddar instead of mozzarella. Serve with sour cream. You can make a boatload in the rosting pan.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks!The ideas you all came up with are great!! I'll have to decide on Monday... I start a new job Monday so my time to cook before the potluck is seriously short!! Thanks again, and if anyone else has great ideas to share - gimme!! :D
 
Rebecca,

I sent you an email in response to your note. (Just an FYI in case you end up here before you check your email.) Sorry it's convoluted. I don't use a real recipe for it, although I have one at home someplace.
 
These sound great. Remember if you need to "add" sour cream to anything to use your EAD.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy Mexican main dish ideas for a large gathering?

Some easy Mexican main dish ideas for a large gathering include enchiladas, tacos, and a taco bar, where guests can customize their own tacos. Other options are chiles rellenos, tamales, or a large pot of pozole. You can also consider making a Mexican casserole or a layered bean dip for a crowd-pleasing option.

How can I prepare Mexican food ahead of time for a crowd?

To prepare Mexican food ahead of time, consider making dishes that can be frozen or stored in the refrigerator. Enchiladas and casseroles can be assembled a day in advance and baked just before serving. Salsas and guacamole can be made a few hours ahead, and toppings for tacos can be prepped in advance and stored in airtight containers.

What are some vegetarian Mexican main dish options for a crowd?

Vegetarian Mexican main dish options for a crowd include stuffed peppers, vegetable enchiladas, or a hearty bean and cheese burrito. You can also serve a large platter of quesadillas filled with cheese and vegetables, or a Mexican rice and bean bowl topped with avocado and salsa.

How can I make a Mexican main dish more kid-friendly for a crowd?

To make a Mexican main dish more kid-friendly, consider simplifying flavors and ingredients. Offer plain cheese quesadillas, soft tacos with mild fillings, or a taco bar with familiar toppings like cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. You can also serve a mild salsa and provide options for customizing spice levels.

What drinks pair well with Mexican main dishes for a crowd?

Drinks that pair well with Mexican main dishes include classic options like margaritas, horchata, and Mexican sodas. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving agua fresca or iced tea with lime. Beer, especially light lagers or Mexican beers, also complements the flavors of Mexican cuisine well.

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