Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos: The Ultimate Mess-Free Fiesta in a Bag!

Craving tacos but dreading the cleanup? Say hello to Walking Tacos, the ingenious meal that transforms your favorite snack chips into portable taco vessels! This fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos combines seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and the satisfying crunch of corn chips for a utensil-free dining experience that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or busy weeknights.

Imagine the joy on your guests’ faces as they customize their Walking Tacos with an array of colorful toppings. The best part? No plates or forks are required! Simply open a bag of chips, add your desired fillings, and dig in with a spoon or your fingers. It’s a hands-on meal that brings out the kid in everyone while satisfying grown-up taste buds.

Walking Tacos have their roots in Midwestern county fairs and school cafeterias, where they gained popularity for their convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor. This recipe elevates the classic by using homemade taco seasoning and offering a variety of fresh toppings. Pair your Walking Tacos with a cold Mexican beer or a fruity margarita for the ultimate fiesta experience!

Walking Tacos Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning (recipe below)

1/4 cup water

6 individual bags (1 oz each) of Fritos or tortilla chips

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the homemade taco seasoning. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the homemade taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the beef is fully cooked.

4. While the beef is cooking, prepare all the toppings and set them out in individual bowls.

5. To serve, carefully open each bag of chips along the side seam, creating a wider opening.

6. Layer the prepared toppings into each bag: start with a scoop of seasoned ground beef, then add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños if using.

7. Serve immediately, providing spoons for easy eating.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1-4 as above.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

3. Open the bags of chips and place them in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overfill.

4. Air fry for 2-3 minutes until the chips are warm and slightly crispy.

5. Remove the bags from the air fryer and add toppings as described in steps 6-7 above.

Notes:

• Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or plant-based ground meat.
• Try different chip flavors like nacho cheese or spicy for added variety.
• Set up a “Walking Taco Bar” for parties, allowing guests to assemble their own tacos.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 Walking Taco (1 oz bag of chips with toppings)

Calories: 350

Total Fat: 22g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 55mg

Sodium: 450mg

Total Carbohydrates: 23g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Protein: 18g

Other Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Equipment: Large skillet, mixing bowls, cutting board, knife

Estimated cost per serving: $2.50

Total cost for 6 servings: $15.00

In Conclusion, Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos are a fun and practical twist on traditional tacos that offer a portable, customizable meal perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe provides a delicious solution that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the convenience of handheld dining. Enjoy your fiesta in a bag!

Get more cheerful cheap meal ideas here.