Walking Tacos Recipe

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

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

Corn chips: Single-serving bags are used as the base and container for the walking tacos.

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

Diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy and tangy element to balance the flavors.

Shredded cheese: Melts slightly over the warm beef, adding a creamy richness.

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

Salsa: Brings a spicy and flavorful kick to the tacos.

When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and absorbs the taco seasoning more effectively. Additionally, for a richer flavor, consider browning the beef until it develops a slight crust before draining the excess fat. This caramelization adds depth to the overall taste of your walking tacos.

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

• ground beef - Substitute with black beans: For a vegetarian option, black beans offer a hearty texture and are rich in protein.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a customizable and preservative-free option.

• corn chips - Substitute with whole grain tortilla chips: Whole grain tortilla chips add extra fiber and nutrients while maintaining the crunch.

• corn chips - Substitute with pita chips: Pita chips offer a different texture and can be a healthier alternative.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach provides more vitamins and minerals and adds a slightly different flavor.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with kale: Kale is nutrient-dense and adds a robust texture to the dish.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with salsa fresca: Salsa fresca adds more flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall taste.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese provides a similar texture and flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with queso fresco: Queso fresco is a traditional Mexican cheese that adds authenticity and a mild flavor.

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

• sour cream - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats, adding a different but complementary flavor.

• salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo is a fresh, chunky salsa that adds a burst of flavor and texture.

• salsa - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole adds creaminess and a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

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

• Store the seasoned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• For longer storage, freeze the seasoned beef in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

• When ready to use, thaw the seasoned beef in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

• Keep the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa in separate containers in the refrigerator. This ensures they stay fresh and crisp.

• If you prefer, you can pre-portion the toppings into small containers or zip-top bags for easy assembly later. This is especially handy for quick meals or on-the-go snacking.

• Avoid freezing the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa as they do not freeze well and can lose their texture and flavor.

• When assembling the walking tacos, open fresh bags of corn chips to maintain their crunch. Add the reheated seasoned beef and your favorite toppings just before serving.

• If you have leftover assembled walking tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days. Note that the corn chips may become soggy over time.

• For a quick refresh, you can add a handful of fresh corn chips to the leftovers before eating to restore some crunch.

• 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. While the beef is reheating, you can also place the corn chips on a separate baking sheet and warm them for 5 minutes to regain their crunch.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the ground beef in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the beef tough.

• For a stovetop method, add the ground beef to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the beef's texture and flavor.

• To reheat the corn chips, you can use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the chips on a baking sheet. Heat for 3-5 minutes until they are crispy again.

• For the toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa, it's best to keep them fresh and add them to the reheated beef and chips just before serving. If you must reheat the shredded cheese, you can sprinkle it over the beef in the last few minutes of reheating to melt it slightly.

• 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 any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

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

• Knife: Essential for dicing the tomatoes and shredding the lettuce if not pre-shredded.

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

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

• Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to mix the taco seasoning with the beef if you prefer not to do it directly in the skillet.

• Can opener: If your salsa comes in a can, you'll need this to open it.

• Serving tongs: Useful for adding shredded lettuce and other toppings to the bags of chips.

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 the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and cheese beforehand. Store them in separate containers.

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

Buy pre-diced tomatoes: Opt for pre-diced tomatoes available in the produce section to cut down on prep time.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all the corn chips bags and add the seasoned beef and toppings assembly-line style.