Walking Tacos bring a deliciously fun twist to traditional tacos by combining seasoned beef, beans, and toppings in a portable bag of corn chips. These tacos are as tasty as they are convenient, perfect for those busy nights or outdoor adventures. Simply open a bag, add your toppings, and enjoy your meal on the go! Whether it’s game night, a camping trip, or a family meal, Walking Tacos make it easy to enjoy the zesty flavors of a classic taco wherever you are. The customizable toppings make each serving unique, ensuring there’s a flavor combination everyone will love.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 envelope reduced-sodium chili seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (15 ounces) Ranch-style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce)
- 5 packages (1 ounce each) corn chips (like Fritos or tortilla chip bags)
- Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions
Directions:
- Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning & Simmer: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, pepper, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered until the mixture thickens, about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble Walking Tacos: Open the bags of corn chips. Spoon the beef mixture into each bag and top with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and green onions. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 530 per serving | Servings: 5
Background of Walking Tacos
The origin of Walking Tacos is rooted in the Midwest, especially at fairs, sports events, and food festivals where meals are often served in a way that’s easy to hold and walk around with. Walking Tacos offer all the delicious components of a taco but are reimagined in a more convenient form. The idea is simple yet genius: by layering taco toppings directly in a bag of chips, you have all the taste without the mess, combining traditional flavors with the practicality needed in high-energy environments.
The dish’s popularity surged as people realized how easy it was to prepare for large groups. Many community events now feature Walking Taco bars, where attendees can customize their bag with preferred toppings, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- Simplicity and Quick Preparation: Walking Tacos are incredibly straightforward to prepare, using basic ingredients like ground beef, chili seasoning, tomatoes, beans, and the crowd-favorite corn chips. This simplicity makes it accessible even to novice cooks, while the short prep and cook times ensure a fast turnaround from kitchen to table (or hand).
- Portability and Convenience: Unlike traditional tacos, Walking Tacos don’t require plates, making them ideal for outdoor events, sports gatherings, or nights when you need a quick meal with minimal cleanup.
- Fun and Customizable: One of the standout features of Walking Tacos is that they’re entirely customizable. You can set up a Walking Taco bar with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, diced jalapeños, lettuce, and salsa, allowing each person to create their own taco experience.
- Great for All Ages: Kids love Walking Tacos for their novelty, and adults appreciate the flavor and ease. The playful nature of this recipe makes it a hit with all ages, encouraging a relaxed, communal dining experience.
- Ideal for Group Settings: Whether you’re at a family reunion, block party, or hosting a game night, Walking Tacos simplify serving logistics. You can easily scale the recipe up, cooking a larger amount of the beef mixture while providing additional bags of chips and toppings, catering to a large group without much-added effort.
Benefits of Walking Tacos
- Nutritional Benefits: Walking Tacos are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, especially if you use beans as part of the filling. By adding toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or other vegetables, you increase the nutrient density, adding vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Customizable for Dietary Preferences: Walking Tacos can be easily modified to accommodate dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, swap the beef for black beans or a meat substitute. If you’re catering to a low-carb crowd, consider serving the fillings in a bowl with a handful of chips on top. Even gluten-free varieties can be made using certified gluten-free chips and seasoning.
- Efficient Meal Planning: Since the meat mixture can be made in advance, Walking Tacos are also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can cook and freeze the filling, making it easy to assemble a quick meal on busy weeknights. The meat mixture can be frozen for up to three months and thawed as needed.
Customization Options
The beauty of Walking Tacos lies in their adaptability. Here are some customization ideas to make this recipe uniquely yours:
- Alternative Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option. Vegetarians can opt for a mix of black beans, pinto beans, or a blend with refried beans for added flavor and texture.
- Variety of Chips: While classic corn chips like Fritos are traditional, you can also try flavored tortilla chips, multigrain chips, or even pita chips for a Mediterranean twist.
- Expanded Toppings: In addition to the standard toppings of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions, try adding diced avocados, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, olives, or pico de gallo. For an extra zing, drizzle on some hot sauce or squeeze of lime juice.
- Sauce Options: Salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of creamy queso sauce can add more texture and flavor. For a tangy twist, mix in some salsa verde or a touch of sour cream blended with lime juice.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Walking Tacos are incredibly versatile, fitting a variety of occasions:
- Game Days and Tailgates: Walking Tacos are ideal for sports fans, allowing them to enjoy a hearty snack without leaving their seats. Fans can mingle, cheer, and snack without worrying about balancing a plate.
- Family Fun Nights: Set up a Walking Taco bar at home for movie night, where everyone can make their own customized bag. It’s a meal and activity wrapped into one, keeping everyone engaged.
- Outdoor Gatherings: From backyard BBQs to camping trips, Walking Tacos are great for outdoor events since they don’t require plates and are easy to handle. They’re also less messy than traditional tacos, keeping hands and clothes clean.
- Lunch on the Go: Walking Tacos are also a great packed lunch idea. Simply portion the cooked meat mixture and toppings separately, and add to a bag of chips when ready to eat.
- Potluck-Friendly: At potlucks, Walking Tacos stand out as both a crowd-pleaser and an easy-to-eat option. Provide individual bags of chips and a large bowl of taco meat with toppings for a self-serve experience.
Tips for Making Walking Tacos Even Better
- Double the Flavor: Add extra spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder to the beef mixture for added depth.
- Crispy Chip Bags: Open the bags before adding the filling to release steam and avoid sogginess in the chips.
- Serving for Large Groups: Prepare extra portions of toppings and have a few spare bags of chips for those who might want seconds.
Conclusion
Walking Tacos are a delightful combination of practicality, flavor, and fun. They bring together the familiar, comforting flavors of tacos in a format that’s convenient and adaptable for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, feeding a crowd, or looking for a fun weeknight meal idea, Walking Tacos make a memorable meal that everyone can enjoy. With endless customization options and a universally appealing flavor profile, it’s no wonder they’ve become a favorite at events and family meals alike.
Print
Walking Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Walking Tacos bring a deliciously fun twist to traditional tacos by combining seasoned beef, beans, and toppings in a portable bag of corn chips. These tacos are as tasty as they are convenient, perfect for those busy nights or outdoor adventures. Simply open a bag, add your toppings, and enjoy your meal on the go! Whether it’s game night, a camping trip, or a family meal, Walking Tacos make it easy to enjoy the zesty flavors of a classic taco wherever you are. The customizable toppings make each serving unique, ensuring there’s a flavor combination everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 envelope reduced-sodium chili seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (15 ounces) Ranch-style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce)
- 5 packages (1 ounce each) corn chips (like Fritos or tortilla chip bags)
- Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning & Simmer: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, pepper, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered until the mixture thickens, about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble Walking Tacos: Open the bags of corn chips. Spoon the beef mixture into each bag and top with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and green onions. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 530 per serving
