Walking tacos are a fun, portable twist on the classic taco that are perfect for outdoor gatherings, parties, or a quick weeknight meal. This unique recipe serves taco ingredients right in a bag of chips, making them easy to eat on the go without all the mess. You can customize your walking tacos with all your favorite toppings, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
10 individual bags of nacho cheese or chili cheese tortilla chips
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
Jalapeño slices (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Directions
In a skillet, I cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. I break it up into small crumbles and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. I drain any excess fat.
I stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
While the meat is cooking, I prepare the bags of chips by opening them slightly to expose the chips and then gently crushing them.
Once the meat mixture is ready, I spoon it into each bag of chips.
I top each taco with my favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, and green onions.
I mix everything together in the bag, and my walking tacos are ready to enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Variations
Ground Meat Options: You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken for a lighter option.
Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add guacamole, olives, or black beans to switch things up.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat with a meat substitute, like lentils or seasoned tofu, for a delicious vegetarian version.
Different Chips: While nacho cheese chips are the classic choice, I’ve also tried using BBQ or plain chips for a fun flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
Walking tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, I recommend storing the meat mixture separately from the chips. The chips can get soggy if stored with the meat. I store the cooked meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it up in the skillet or microwave. If you have leftover toppings, store those separately in small containers, too.
FAQs
Can I make walking tacos ahead of time?
I recommend making the meat mixture ahead of time and storing it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just warm it up and assemble the tacos.
What type of chips should I use for walking tacos?
I usually use nacho cheese or chili cheese chips for that extra flavor, but you can use plain tortilla chips, BBQ chips, or any type you prefer.
Can I make walking tacos vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make walking tacos vegetarian by using a meat substitute like seasoned tofu or lentils instead of ground meat.
How can I make walking tacos spicier?
If I want my walking tacos to be spicier, I add extra jalapeños, hot salsa, or even some diced chili peppers to the mix.
Can I freeze the taco meat for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked taco meat in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Walking tacos are a simple and fun way to enjoy taco night with a portable twist. They’re great for gatherings, busy weeknights, or just a casual meal. With endless topping possibilities and the ability to customize to your liking, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in my household.
Recipe:
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Walking Tacos
Walking tacos are a fun and portable twist on traditional taco night! This easy recipe serves taco ingredients in a bag of chips, making them perfect for outdoor parties, tailgates, or quick weeknight meals. Customize with your favorite toppings for a delicious and mess-free meal!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
10 individual bags of nacho cheese or chili cheese tortilla chips
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
Jalapeño slices (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Open the bags of chips slightly to expose the chips, and gently crush them.
- Spoon the taco meat mixture into each bag of chips.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, and green onions.
- Mix everything together in the bag and enjoy your walking tacos!
Notes
Storage: Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep chips and toppings separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing: Taco meat can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Party Food, Snack
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal (per serving, varies based on toppings)
