Walking Tacos Recipe

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

Taco seasoning: A pre-mixed blend of spices that adds the classic taco flavor to the ground beef.

Corn chips: The base of the walking tacos, providing a crunchy and portable vessel for the toppings.

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

Diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy and tangy element to balance the richness of the beef.

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

Sour cream: Adds a cool and tangy contrast to the seasoned beef.

Salsa: Brings a burst of flavor and a bit of heat to the tacos.

To enhance the flavor of your ground beef, consider adding a small amount of beef broth or tomato paste while cooking. This will give the meat a richer taste and keep it moist. Additionally, when adding the taco seasoning, make sure to mix it thoroughly with the beef to ensure even distribution of flavors. For an extra crunch, lightly toast the corn chips in the oven for a few minutes before opening the bags. This will add a delightful texture to your walking tacos.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned similarly to ground beef for a similar taste and texture.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade seasoning mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano to create a similar flavor profile without any added preservatives.

• corn chips - Substitute with whole grain tortilla chips: Whole grain tortilla chips provide more fiber and nutrients while maintaining the crunchy texture needed for walking tacos.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage offers a crunchier texture and can hold up better against the moisture from other ingredients.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with salsa fresca: Salsa fresca adds a more robust flavor with the addition of onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled queso fresco: Queso fresco provides a mild, creamy texture that complements the other ingredients well.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency.

• salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo offers a fresh, chunky texture and vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Allow the cooked ground beef to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
• Transfer the cooled beef into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label it with the date for easy tracking.
• Store the beef in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer where it can last up to 3 months.
• For the taco seasoning, you can mix it with the beef before freezing, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Keep the corn chips in their original bags or transfer them to a resealable bag to maintain their crunch. Store them in a cool, dry place.
• Prepare the shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes fresh when you're ready to serve. These ingredients don't freeze well and can become watery or lose their texture.
• Shredded cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the cheese for up to 2 months.
• Sour cream should be kept in its original container and stored in the refrigerator. It typically lasts for about 1-2 weeks after opening.
• Salsa can be stored in the refrigerator in its original jar or an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. If you have a large batch, consider freezing it in small portions for up to 3 months.
• When ready to serve, reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble your walking tacos with fresh toppings for the best taste and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the ground beef mixture on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Meanwhile, keep your corn chips in a separate bowl to maintain their crunch.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the ground beef mixture 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. Be sure to keep the corn chips separate to avoid sogginess.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ground beef mixture in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through. Again, keep the corn chips aside to keep them crispy.

• For stovetop reheating, place the ground beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Keep the corn chips in a separate bowl to maintain their texture.

• To reheat the shredded cheese, you can sprinkle it over the hot ground beef mixture right before serving, allowing it to melt naturally. Alternatively, you can microwave the cheese separately for about 20-30 seconds until melted.

• The lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa should be kept fresh and added just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Skillet: Used to cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.

• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

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

• Can opener: If using canned salsa or other canned ingredients, this tool will be necessary.

• Knife: Essential for dicing tomatoes and shredding lettuce.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and dicing vegetables.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to mix the taco seasoning with the cooked ground beef if needed.

• Spoon: Useful for spooning the seasoned beef into each bag of chips.

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

• Small bags of corn chips: These serve as the base for the walking tacos and hold all the ingredients together.

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

Prep toppings ahead: Dice tomatoes, shred lettuce, and grate cheese the night before. Store in airtight containers.

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

Single-serve portions: Open and slightly crush the corn chips bags before your guests arrive.

Simplify seasoning: Use a taco seasoning packet to quickly flavor the ground beef without measuring individual spices.