Walking Tacos
A fun, portable meal perfect for parties, tailgates, or a quick weeknight dinner. Seasoned taco meat and your favorite toppings are served right inside a bag of corn chips for easy cleanup!
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook for 5-7 minutes, until fully browned. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- f.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pan.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Taco Meat
- b.Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute until they become very fragrant.
- c.Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine everything and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, uncovered, for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare Bags and Assemble
- b.While the meat simmers, prepare the chip bags. Gently crush the chips inside each bag to break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- c.Using scissors, carefully cut open the top of each bag and then cut down one of the long sides to create a boat or bowl shape.
- d.Spoon a generous amount of the warm taco meat mixture directly into each bag, on top of the crushed chips.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Toppings and Serve
- b.Layer your desired toppings over the meat. Start with shredded cheese so it melts slightly, followed by lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and pickled jalapeños.
- c.Serve immediately with a fork for easy eating. Enjoy your portable taco!
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For less mess, use a lean ground beef (90/10) which will produce less grease to drain.
- 2Set up a 'taco bar' with all the toppings in separate bowls so everyone can customize their own walking taco.
- 3Use scissors to open the chip bags cleanly along the long side for the best 'bowl' shape.
- 4Don't over-crush the chips; you want some texture and crunch, not dust.
- 5This recipe is great for using up leftover chili as well.
- 6For a creamier meat mixture, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of simmering.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based crumble for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, use a mixture of black beans and lentils.
Chip VarietyChip Variety
Experiment with different types of chips. Nacho cheese Doritos, Cool Ranch Doritos, or even spicy corn chips add an extra layer of flavor.
Topping IdeasTopping Ideas
Get creative with toppings! Add black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Provides Energy
The corn chips are a source of carbohydrates, which the body uses as its primary fuel source for energy to get through your day or a fun event.
Contains Lycopene
The tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Walking Taco, as prepared in this recipe, contains approximately 600-750 calories per serving, depending on the specific brand of chips and the amount of toppings like cheese and sour cream used.