Walking Tacos Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the tacos, providing a rich and savory base.

Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the beef its classic taco flavor.

Corn chips: The crunchy base for the walking tacos, typically served in single-serving bags.

Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to the tacos.

Diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy and slightly acidic contrast to the seasoned beef.

Shredded cheese: Melts slightly over the warm beef, adding a creamy and savory element.

Sour cream: Adds a tangy and creamy finish to the tacos.

Salsa: Brings a burst of flavor and a bit of heat, depending on the variety you choose.

For a more flavorful dish, consider toasting the corn chips lightly in the oven before opening the bags. This adds an extra layer of crunch and enhances the overall texture of your walking tacos. Additionally, when cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the taco seasoning thoroughly.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with black beans: Black beans offer a vegetarian alternative with a good source of protein and fiber.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano for a fresh and customizable seasoning.

• corn chips - Substitute with tortilla chips: Tortilla chips provide a similar crunch and are widely available.

• corn chips - Substitute with pita chips: Pita chips offer a different texture and can add a unique flavor twist.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach provides more nutrients and a slightly different texture.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with kale: Kale adds a hearty texture and is packed with vitamins.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can add more flavor and moisture to the dish.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled feta: Feta adds a tangy flavor and a different texture.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added protein.

• sour cream - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole adds a creamy texture and a different flavor profile.

• salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo offers a fresh and chunky alternative to salsa.

• salsa - Substitute with hot sauce: Hot sauce can add a spicy kick and is easy to drizzle over the dish.

• Allow the ground beef mixture to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the corn chips soggy.

• Transfer the cooled ground beef into an airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Store the ground beef in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer, where it can last up to 2-3 months.

• For the toppings, keep them separate to maintain their freshness and texture. Store shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator.

• If freezing the ground beef, portion it into smaller servings before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need for a quick meal.

• When ready to serve, thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.

• To assemble, open a fresh bag of corn chips and slightly crush them. Spoon the reheated ground beef into the bag and add your favorite toppings.

• Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy corn chips and savory taco flavors.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover ground beef on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Meanwhile, keep your corn chips in their bags to maintain their crunch.
• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the ground beef in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the meat.
• If you have a stovetop, reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or salsa to keep the meat moist. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• To keep the corn chips crispy, avoid reheating them. Instead, open a fresh bag and add the reheated ground beef and toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa just before serving.
• If you prefer a more integrated reheating method, you can assemble the walking tacos in an oven-safe dish. Layer the corn chips, ground beef, and shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa after baking.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ground beef evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to stir and break up the ground beef while it cooks.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

• Colander: A bowl with holes used to drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

• Can opener: If your salsa comes in a can, this tool will be necessary to open it.

• Knife: Used to dice the tomatoes and shred the lettuce if not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: A surface used to safely dice the tomatoes and shred the lettuce.

• Mixing bowl: Optional, but useful if you want to mix the taco seasoning with the beef before adding it to the bags.

• Spoon: Used to spoon the seasoned beef into each bag of chips.

• Serving spoon: Useful for adding toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa to the bags.

• Tongs: Optional, but can be used to handle the bags of chips and distribute toppings more easily.

Pre-cook the beef: Cook the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat when ready to assemble.

Prep toppings in advance: Dice tomatoes, shred lettuce, and grate cheese the day before. Store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it yourself.

Simplify seasoning: Mix the taco seasoning with the beef while it’s cooking to save a step.

Serve buffet-style: Lay out all toppings and chips so everyone can assemble their own walking tacos.