The Best Walking Tacos Recipe

1. Introduction to the Recipe

Walking tacos are the ultimate easy, portable, and customizable meal! Perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or casual weeknight dinners, these delicious taco bowls are served in individual bags of chips, making them as fun to eat as they are to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick dinner that’s sure to please everyone, walking tacos offer a unique twist on traditional tacos and allow guests to personalize their toppings to perfection.

The beauty of walking tacos lies in their simplicity. With just a few ingredients—ground beef, taco seasoning, chips, and a variety of toppings—you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in minutes. The individual bags of chips serve as the “bowl,” so you can load them up with all your favorite taco fillings without worrying about plates or clean-up.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile: swap the beef for chicken, add extra toppings, or make it vegetarian by using beans or grilled veggies. Walking tacos are as flexible as you want them to be, so everyone can build their perfect taco in a bag.

For more taco inspiration, check out these easy beef tacos or spicy chicken taco bowls.

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2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

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3. Advanced Techniques

1. Add a Layer of Refried Beans

For a heartier version of walking tacos, you can add a layer of refried beans along with the seasoned beef. This will give your tacos a creamy, rich texture and help balance the crunch of the chips. Simply heat up a can of refried beans and spread a spoonful in the bag before adding the beef.

2. Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

While store-bought taco seasoning is quick and convenient, making your own seasoning mix can elevate the flavor of your walking tacos. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for a bold, homemade seasoning. You can adjust the spices to your liking, making it as mild or spicy as you prefer.

3. Use Grilled Chicken or Ground Turkey

For a lighter twist, swap the ground beef for grilled chicken or ground turkey. Simply season the meat with the same taco seasoning and cook until golden brown. You can even grill the chicken with a smoky flavor that adds extra depth to the tacos.

4. Try Flavored Chips

To take your walking tacos to the next level, experiment with flavored chips like Cool Ranch Doritos, spicy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, or even BBQ chips. These variations can complement the toppings and add an extra burst of flavor to each bite.

5. Bake Your Walking Tacos

If you’re making a large batch of walking tacos, consider baking them! After assembling the beef and toppings in the bags, place the bags in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. This is a great way to keep things hot and cheesy for a crowd.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

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4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing Leftover Beef

If you have any leftover taco filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave, and it can be used for another round of walking tacos or in burritos, salads, or quesadillas.

2. Preparing Toppings Ahead of Time

You can prep the toppings ahead of time to make the assembly even faster. Chop the veggies, shred the cheese, and store them in separate containers in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is assemble.

3. Making Walking Tacos for a Crowd

If you’re preparing walking tacos for a large group, you can set up a taco bar. Lay out a variety of chips, taco fillings, and toppings, and let everyone build their own walking tacos. This is an interactive and fun way to serve the meal and ensure everyone gets exactly what they want.

4. Freezing Leftover Taco Filling

If you have leftover taco filling, you can freeze it for future use. Let the beef mixture cool down, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

5. Preventing Soggy Chips

To prevent the chips from becoming soggy, avoid adding too much liquid-heavy toppings like salsa or sour cream before serving. You can serve those on the side and let everyone add them right before eating to keep the chips crispy.

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5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Vegetarian Walking Tacos

For a meatless version, swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Add extra toppings like guacamole and shredded vegan cheese to keep the flavors fresh and delicious.

2. Gluten-Free Option

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free chips such as gluten-free Fritos or tortilla chips. Make sure to double-check the taco seasoning and other pre-made ingredients for any hidden gluten.

3. Dairy-Free Walking Tacos

To make the walking tacos dairy-free, skip the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives. You can find plant-based shredded cheese and sour cream at most grocery stores, or simply use guacamole for a creamy, dairy-free topping.

4. Low-Carb Walking Tacos

For a low-carb option, replace the chips with a low-carb alternative, such as shredded lettuce or cauliflower rice. This provides the same taco fillings but without the extra carbs from the chips.

5. Spicy Walking Tacos

For those who like heat, add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce directly on the beef before adding it to the chips. You can also use spicy salsa or a mix of chili powder and cayenne in the taco seasoning for extra kick.

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6. FAQs About the Recipe

1. Can I make walking tacos in advance?

Yes! You can prepare all the toppings and taco filling in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the taco filling and assemble the tacos in the chip bags.

2. Can I use any type of chips?

While Fritos and Doritos are the most common choices for walking tacos, you can use any type of chip you prefer. Tortilla chips, BBQ chips, or even kettle chips can make for an interesting twist.

3. How do I avoid crushing the chips?

To avoid crushing the chips while assembling, make sure to open the chip bags carefully. Gently press down on the chips as you add the fillings to prevent the bag from bursting.

4. Can I make walking tacos for a large crowd?

Yes! Walking tacos are perfect for large gatherings. Simply set up a taco bar with bags of chips and all the toppings, and let guests make their own creations. It’s a fun, interactive way to serve a crowd.

5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It’s leaner but still provides the same great texture and flavor when seasoned with taco seasoning.

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7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Walking tacos are the ultimate easy, customizable, and fun meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a picnic, or just need a quick dinner, they offer a delicious, hands-on experience that everyone will love. With all the tasty toppings and the ability to cater to any dietary preferences, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll be serving up walking tacos in no time. Grab your chips, and enjoy this tasty taco-in-a-bag experience!