Walking Tacos Recipe

Alright, fam, get ready to level up your snack game with these Walking Tacos—because sometimes the best meals come in portable, crispy bags ready for your next adventure! 🌮🔥

The convenience of Walking Tacos is something I love. They are a fun and lively version of the traditional taco, requiring no plates, and are served in a bag.

You simply crunch up the Corn Chips, add a hefty portion of well-seasoned (and nearly runny with grease) taco meat (for which I use ground beef but could easily see a mix of other meats working as well), then top with all the customary fixin’s (for which I also have a problem: too many fixin’s, or at least too many types of fixin’s).

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and iron, provides hearty flavor.
• Taco Seasoning Mix: Adds savory, spicy zest with cumin and chili powder.
• Shredded Lettuce: Offers crunch, low in calories, and rich in fiber.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers creamy, tangy richness and calcium.
• Corn Chips: Crunchy base, offers carbohydrates for energy.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy freshness, supplies vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Sour Cream: Creamy texture, adds tangy richness and calories.
• Jalapeño Slices: Adds spicy heat and vitamin C boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup water
• 6 small bags of corn chips (such as Fritos or Doritos)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup jalapeño slices (optional)
• Salsa (optional)

How to Make this

1. In a big skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. In a skillet with beef that has been cooked, add taco seasoning mix and water. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for around 5 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened somewhat.

3. As the beef mixture is simmering, get the toppings ready: shred the lettuce, chop the tomatoes, and dice the onions. Also, if you’re using them, slice the black olives and jalapeños.

4. Unzip each corn chip bag and crush the chips inside a little, keeping the bags mostly sealed.

5. Distribute the flavorful beef combo among the bags of corn chips, doling it directly into each bag.

6. Shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and diced onions are to be placed on top of each bag.

7. Put a spoonful of sour cream in every bag.

8. For more flavor and heat, you can add slices of black olives and jalapeños.

9. If desired, drizzle salsa over the toppings in each bag.

10. Lightly shake or stir the contents of each bag so that all ingredients combine, then eat the Walking Tacos directly from the bag with a fork.

Equipment Needed

1. Skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cup
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon (for sour cream and salsa)
8. Forks (for serving and eating)

FAQ

• Can I use a different meat besides ground beef?Certainly, ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative can take the place of this ingredient.
• Are there any low-carb chip options for Walking Tacos?If you’re looking for a satisfying crunch, you shouldn’t have to settle for anything less than delicious, perfectly cooked tortilla chips. While traditional corn chips are high in carbs, you can try low-carb tortilla chips available in some stores or make your own using these low-carb tortillas.
• How can I make this dish spicier?Extra jalapeño slices, a spicier taco seasoning, or hot salsa all work well for ramping up the heat on this dish.
• Is it necessary to cook the onions?No, you should use fresh diced onions for the extra crunch and flavor, but you can sauté them if that is your preference.
• Can I make Walking Tacos ahead of time?The filling for the tacos can be made beforehand and simply reheated. Assemble all the components just before serving so that the chips stay nice and crunchy.
• What other toppings can I add?Additional toppings can include guacamole, diced avocado, pico de gallo, or fresh cilantro.
• How should I serve Walking Tacos at a party?Present guests with single-serving bags of corn chips along with a taco bar, replete with all the toppings, so they can construct their own walking taco.

Walking Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Replace ground turkey with ground beef to reduce calories and fat in the protein. Ground turkey has a lower caloric count per serving and less fat than ground beef.
Instead of using a packet, try a homemade taco seasoning mix. The taste will be fresher, and you can adjust what goes into the mix for your personal preferences.
Use chopped spinach instead of shredded lettuce for a nutrition boost.
Experiment with crumbled feta or cotija cheese in place of cheddar to achieve a different flavor profile.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Taco Seasoning: Before mixing the taco seasoning with the cooked beef and water, briefly toast it in the skillet for about 1 minute. This can enhance the flavor by releasing the aromatic oils in the spices.