Walking Tacos Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Walking Tacos—the ultimate portable, mess-free Mexican-inspired treat! This easy baking recipe transforms simple corn chip bags into individual serving vessels filled with perfectly seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for parties, game days, or family fun.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

8 walking tacos

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 individual bags (28-30g each) corn chips (such as Doritos or Fritos)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g lean ground beef</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g taco seasoning mix (or homemade blend)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g grated cheddar cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium tomatoes, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red onion, finely diced (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml sour cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large avocado, diced or mashed to guacamole</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml salsa</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh cilantro, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wedges for serving</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large skillet or frying pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Wooden spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Serving tray or board</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small bowls for toppings</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if you plan to warm the corn chip bags before assembling. While not essential, this step helps ensure the chips stay crisp once topped with hot beef.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Properly browning the meat creates a deeper, more savory flavor base for your walking tacos.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat the meat thoroughly with spices, allowing the flavors to bloom in the residual heat for about 30 seconds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour in the water, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5-8 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed but the meat remains moist. The sauce should cling to the meat rather than pool at the bottom of the pan.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the beef mixture simmers, prepare all your toppings and arrange them in small bowls on a serving tray. Having a taco "bar" setup allows everyone to customize their walking tacos to their liking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>If warming the chips, place the unopened bags on a baking sheet and heat in the preheated oven for about 3-5 minutes. This step is optional but helps maintain the crunch once the hot filling is added.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>To serve, gently crush each bag of corn chips while still sealed to break the chips into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to eat with the toppings. Carefully cut or tear open each bag along the side (rather than the top)—this creates a wider opening that makes it easier to add toppings and eat from.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Set up your walking taco assembly line. Start by spooning about 60g of the hot taco meat directly into each chip bag. Immediately add a generous pinch of grated cheese on top of the hot meat so it begins to melt. The contrast between the warm meat and cool toppings is part of what makes walking tacos so delicious.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Let everyone finish customizing their walking tacos with their choice of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The beauty of walking tacos is that each person can make theirs exactly as they like it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve immediately with forks inserted directly into the bags. The corn chips at the bottom will soak up the savory meat juices while staying partially crunchy, creating a delightful textural experience that's part nachos, part taco salad, and completely delicious!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Walking Tacos Recipe?

Walking Tacos use individual bags of corn chips, lean ground beef, taco seasoning, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and optional toppings like diced avocado, salsa, red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a complete handheld Mexican-inspired meal.

How to cook Walking Tacos Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Walking Tacos Recipe by browning ground beef with onions, adding taco seasoning and water, then simmering until the sauce thickens. Gently crush individual bags of corn chips, cut them open along the side, then layer in the hot beef mixture, cheese, and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream for an easy, portable meal.

Can I make a vegetarian version of these portable taco bags?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with plant-based mince, seasoned black beans, or a mixture of sautéed vegetables with taco seasoning. The rest of the assembly remains the same—add your veggie filling to the corn chip bags and top with cheese (dairy or vegan) and all your favourite toppings.

What's the best way to serve these handheld tacos at a large gathering?

Create a taco bar setup with the hot beef mixture in a slow cooker to keep warm, and arrange individual chip bags, cheese, and all toppings in separate bowls. Let guests build their own by opening their chip bag and adding preferred toppings, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they like.

Why are they called "walking tacos" and when were they invented?

They're called "walking tacos" because you can easily eat them while walking around—perfect for fairs, sporting events, and outdoor gatherings. They originated in the American Midwest in the 1970s-1980s and gained popularity at school fundraisers and fairgrounds for their convenience and minimal mess.

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