Walking Taco
A fun and portable way to enjoy tacos! Seasoned ground beef and your favorite toppings are served right inside a bag of corn chips for an easy, no-mess meal. Perfect for parties, tailgating, or a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Meat and Onion
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- d.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spoon to break it into small crumbles, until it is no longer pink.
- e.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Season and Simmer the Taco Meat
- b.Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- c.Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- d.Pour in the water and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- e.Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Chip Bags and Toppings
- b.While the meat is simmering, prepare your chip bags. Gently crush the chips inside each bag with your hands to break them up slightly.
- c.Using scissors, carefully cut each bag open lengthwise down the middle to create a 'bowl'.
- d.Arrange all your toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream) in small bowls for easy assembly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Once the meat is ready, spoon a generous amount into each prepared chip bag, directly on top of the crushed chips.
- c.Layer with shredded cheese, followed by the shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
- d.Finish with a dollop of sour cream and any other desired toppings.
- e.Serve immediately with a fork for each person to eat directly from the bag.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To avoid soggy chips, add the warm meat to the bag first, followed by the cheese (to help it melt), and then the cold toppings like lettuce and sour cream.
- 2Set up a 'toppings bar' so everyone can customize their own Walking Taco. Include options like salsa, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, and black olives.
- 3For easier eating, gently roll down the top edges of the chip bag after cutting it open to create a sturdier 'bowl'.
- 4If you don't have individual spice powders, you can substitute them with one standard 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning.
- 5To make the meat go further or add extra fiber, mix in a can of drained pinto or kidney beans during the last few minutes of simmering.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Swap the ground beef for 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained, or use your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute.
SpicySpicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture along with the other spices for an extra kick.
BBQ ChickenBBQ Chicken
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef. Warm it with 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and a pinch of smoked paprika. Top with cheese, red onion, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein for Muscle Maintenance
Ground beef is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids needed for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting overall body function.
Energy Boost from B Vitamins
This meal contains several B vitamins, particularly B12 from the beef, which are crucial for converting food into energy and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Customizable with Fresh Veggies
The toppings add nutritional value. Tomatoes provide Vitamin C and lycopene, while lettuce adds fiber and hydration. You can add even more nutrients with toppings like avocado and bell peppers.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Walking Taco contains approximately 650-750 calories, but this can vary widely based on the type of chips used and the amount and variety of toppings.