Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos offer a fun and interactive way to enjoy this beloved dish at any gathering. With their portable nature, they’re perfect for parties, picnics, or game nights. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings, making each taco unique to individual tastes. Plus, they require minimal cleanup, allowing you to focus on having a great time with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The simple steps make it quick to throw together, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable: With a variety of toppings available, everyone can create their own unique taco experience.
• Portable Fun: Serve them in bags for a mess-free way to enjoy tacos on the go—ideal for outdoor events!
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned meat and fresh toppings creates a delicious meal that pleases all palates.
• Perfect for Sharing: Easily scale the recipe up or down depending on your crowd size, making them ideal for gatherings of any size.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Walking Tacos, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Serving utensils

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Ideal for cooking ground meat evenly and quickly while allowing enough space for stirring.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently without making a mess in your kitchen.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when preparing ingredients, helping you save time during prep.
• Serving utensils: Perfect for scooping out ingredients and serving up individual portions directly from the bags.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 pound Ground beef or Turkey
– 1 package Taco Seasoning (The Doritos have a lot of seasoning so cut the amount of seasoning in half to avoid over seasoning)
– 4 1.75 Bags Large single serving bags of Doritos
– 1 Tomato
– 1 Green pepper
– 3 cups Lettuce (shredded)
– 1 jar Salsa
– 8 ounces Sour Cream
– 1 package Shredded Cheese
– 1 box Spanish rice

How to Make Walking Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Meat

Start by cooking the ground beef or turkey according to the directions on the taco seasoning package. Remember to use only about half of the seasoning packet to avoid overpowering flavors. While it’s cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions and chop all the vegetables.

Step 2: Open Your Bags

Once everything is cooked and prepped, take each bag of Doritos and cut along one side instead of opening at the top. This makes it easier to fill them with your delicious ingredients.

Step 3: Fill Your Taco Bags

Now comes the fun part! Add your choice of ingredients into each bag. Start with a layer of seasoned meat followed by rice, then top it off with fresh veggies like chopped tomatoes and green peppers. Don’t forget salsa, cheese, and sour cream!

Step 4: Dig In and Enjoy!

Grab a fork and enjoy your Walking Tacos right from the bag! It’s an easy way to serve dinner that everyone will love—perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests.

How to Serve Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos are a fun and interactive way to enjoy a classic dish. Perfect for parties or casual dinners, they allow everyone to customize their own meal right in a bag.

Individual Bags

• Use individual bags of Doritos as serving vessels. Each person can create their own unique mix of ingredients.

Taco Bar Style

• Set up a taco bar with various toppings. Guests can choose from ground beef, shredded chicken, cheese, and fresh vegetables to personalize their Walking Tacos.

Family Style

• Serve all ingredients in bowls on the table. This allows families to gather around and build their tacos together, making it a communal experience.

Picnic Ready

• Pack Walking Tacos for picnics or outdoor events. They are portable and easy to eat while enjoying the outdoors without messy cleanup.

How to Perfect Walking Tacos

To ensure your Walking Tacos are a hit at any gathering, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat enhance flavor and texture.
• Control Seasoning: Use only half of the taco seasoning packet to prevent overpowering the flavors.
• Incorporate Variety: Offer diverse toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, or olives for added excitement.
• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and cook rice in advance to save time during serving.
• Keep it Cool: If serving outdoors, keep sour cream and salsa chilled until ready to use for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Walking Tacos

Complement your Walking Tacos with delicious side dishes that elevate the meal experience. Here are some great ideas:

1. Spanish Rice: A classic side with flavorful spices that pairs perfectly with tacos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and richness; serve them warm for best flavor.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, bell peppers, and lime juice adds a sweet crunch.
4. Chips and Salsa: Simple yet satisfying; provide different salsa options for variety.
5. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip enhances flavors; serve with tortilla chips or veggies.
6. Fruit Salad: A light dessert option that balances out the savory flavors of tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Walking Tacos, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and fun factor. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind.

• Overseasoning the Meat: Adding too much taco seasoning can overwhelm the dish. Use only half of the seasoning packet to balance flavors.
• Using the Wrong Bag Size: Choosing smaller bags of chips may limit your filling options. Stick with large single-serving bags for ample space to customize.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Neglecting fresh toppings like tomatoes and peppers can make your tacos bland. Always include fresh veggies for added flavor and crunch.
• Not Preparing Enough Rice: Running short on rice can leave your guests wanting more. Make sure to cook a full box of Spanish rice for ample servings.
• Ignoring Storage Tips: Failing to store leftovers properly can lead to soggy ingredients. Keep components separate until ready to serve for the best texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Keep ingredients like meat, cheese, and salsa separate from chips to maintain crispness.

Freezing Walking Tacos

• Freeze cooked ground meat in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Do not freeze chips; they won’t retain their crunch.

Reheating Walking Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place meat in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat meat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm meat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Walking Tacos?

Walking Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos served in a bag of chips, allowing you to enjoy a customizable meal on-the-go.

Can I use different meats for Walking Tacos?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well if you prefer a lighter option, while ground beef adds richness.

How do I customize my Walking Tacos?

You can customize Walking Tacos with toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, or different types of cheese based on your taste preferences.

How long does it take to prepare Walking Tacos?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with another 10 minutes for cooking, making it a quick option for any gathering.

Conclusion

Walking Tacos are a delightful and versatile dish that brings fun to any meal. With endless customization options, you can tailor them to suit any taste or occasion. Try this easy recipe at your next gathering and let everyone enjoy their perfect taco creation!