Before we dive headfirst into the deliciousness of walking tacos, let’s chat about what you can enjoy alongside them. Imagine a sunny picnic or a weekend camping trip.
Your walking tacos could shine like stars next to some fresh guacamole and crispy tortilla chips. You might also lay out a colorful veggie tray with hummus for dipping. A simple fruit salad, perhaps with a splash of lime, could provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors in your tacos.
Ah, the magic of a casual gathering! Pair these delectable treats with a chilled drink – maybe a fizzy lemonade or even a fun mocktail. These additions not only complement but elevate your taco experience. Your friends will marvel at your culinary prowess. Trust me, pairings matter.
Why This Recipe is Great for You
Now, let’s get into why walking tacos are not just great but possibly your new go-to dish. Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re exhausted from work, and you still want something satisfying and easy. Walking tacos come to the rescue. They are quick to prepare and require minimal cleanup. Plus, they’re customizable! Everyone can pop open a bag of chips and fill it with their favorite toppings.
I created this recipe because I believe food should be fun and convenient. There’s something inherently joyful about holding a meal in your hands. When I first whipped these up for a family gathering, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. You’ll find that each bite bursts with flavor and crunch, a taco experience that’s enjoyable and effortlessly simple.
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Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to bring your walking tacos to life:
For the Taco Meat:
- ½ cup chunky tomato salsa
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness and thickness)
- 2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought taco seasoning (or one standard seasoning packet)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky richness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Serving:
- 8 individual-size bags of Doritos (choose your favorite flavor)
Suggested Toppings (Optional):
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- ½ cup finely diced red or white onion
- 1 cup finely shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños (adds zing and a hint of heat)
You can’t go wrong with these ingredients. They mix well and pack a punch of flavor that your taste buds will thank you for.
How to Make Walking Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil. Once hot, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want to brown it nicely. This takes about 7-10 minutes.
While the beef is cooking, gather the salsa, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika. As the beef turns brown and emits that mouthwatering aroma, stir in the salsa, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
While your taco meat simmers, it’s time to prepare the toppings. Grab your favorite toppings from the list. Chop the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and dice the onion. If jalapeños are your thing, slice those too. The fun part about walking tacos is everyone can choose what to put on their own!
Step 3: Assemble Your Walking Tacos
Now for the grand assembly! Grab a bag of Doritos. Open it carefully to avoid spilling. Scoop a generous amount of that delicious taco meat into the bag. Then come the toppings! Add cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lettuce. Be creative; this is your meal!
Step 4: Mix and Enjoy
Now that everything is in the bag, give it a gentle mix right inside. Enjoy your walking taco directly from the bag. It’s portable, it’s fun, and it’s incredibly tasty!
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean is the way to go. It keeps the dish healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- Salsa: Choose a chunky variety for added texture. If you like heat, go for a spicy salsa.
- Taco Seasoning: If you prefer homemade seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Doritos: You can select any flavor you love—think nacho cheese, cool ranch, or even spicy sweet chili.
Recipe Variations
Walking tacos can transform based on your mood or pantry:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for black beans or lentils. Cook them with the same spices for a delicious vegetarian-friendly walking taco.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chips or even lettuce wraps instead of Doritos.
- Spicy: Add some cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or use hot salsa for an extra kick.
- Additional Toppings: Consider adding avocado slices, corn, or even some crushed taco shells for crunch.
Conclusion
Walking tacos are a delightful twist on a classic dish. They are easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for gatherings. I’ve shared this recipe after many family dinners where everyone dug into their own personalized bags. The joy of crafting your own taco means every bite can be a little different, keeping the experience fresh.
Now, it’s your turn. Get creative in the kitchen, gather your family or friends, and whip up these delightful walking tacos. I promise you will create memories filled with laughter and flavor. Enjoy the process, and remember to make it your own! Happy cooking!
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Walking Tacos – Comfort Food Meals
Description
Before we dive headfirst into the deliciousness of walking tacos, let’s chat about what you can enjoy alongside them. Imagine a sunny picnic or a weekend camping trip.
Your walking tacos could shine like stars next to some fresh guacamole and crispy tortilla chips. You might also lay out a colorful veggie tray with hummus for dipping. A simple fruit salad, perhaps with a splash of lime, could provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors in your tacos.
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat:
For Serving:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat
-
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil. Once hot, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want to brown it nicely. This takes about 7-10 minutes.
-
While the beef is cooking, gather the salsa, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika. As the beef turns brown and emits that mouthwatering aroma, stir in the salsa, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
-
While your taco meat simmers, it’s time to prepare the toppings. Grab your favorite toppings from the list. Chop the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and dice the onion. If jalapeños are your thing, slice those too. The fun part about walking tacos is everyone can choose what to put on their own!
Step 3: Assemble Your Walking Tacos
-
Now for the grand assembly! Grab a bag of Doritos. Open it carefully to avoid spilling. Scoop a generous amount of that delicious taco meat into the bag. Then come the toppings! Add cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lettuce. Be creative; this is your meal!
Step 4: Mix and Enjoy
-
Now that everything is in the bag, give it a gentle mix right inside. Enjoy your walking taco directly from the bag. It’s portable, it’s fun, and it’s incredibly tasty!
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 392kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22.4g35%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 135mg45%
- Sodium 403mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Ground Beef: Lean is the way to go. It keeps the dish healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- Salsa: Choose a chunky variety for added texture. If you like heat, go for a spicy salsa.
- Taco Seasoning: If you prefer homemade seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Doritos: You can select any flavor you love—think nacho cheese, cool ranch, or even spicy sweet chili.
