Walking tacos are a flavorful, grab-and-go meal that’s simple to prepare and easy to serve to a crowd. No-fuss, customizable, and perfect for parties or busy weeknights.
Pair them with Spanish rice, pinto beans, or other finger foods like chicken flautas for a complete spread.
We Love Easy!
A walking taco is a taco you eat right from the chip bag — essentially a taco salad in a bag. It’s a family favorite for good reason.
Why we love them:
- Easy to make. Simple to prepare and quick to clean up — a classic easy dinner.
- Easy to eat. Great for busy nights or outdoor gatherings when you want portable, no-plate food.
- Feeds a crowd. Scale the recipe up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.
- Fully customizable. Everyone can top their bag exactly how they like it.
Walking Taco Ingredients
- Ground beef — or swap for ground chicken or turkey.
- Taco seasoning mix — one 1-ounce packet (about 3 tbsp), or make a homemade blend with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Water — to simmer the seasoned meat.
- Individual bags of corn chips — 1-ounce snack-size bags work well; Nacho Cheese Doritos or Fritos are family favorites.
- Toppings — lettuce, shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream, guacamole, cherry tomatoes, and any other favorites.
How to Make Walking Tacos
- Cook the beef. In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Season and simmer. Stir in water and the taco seasoning. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Prep toppings. While the meat simmers, prepare toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Assemble. Open each chip bag, spoon in seasoned meat, add desired toppings, and serve immediately.
Taco Topping Suggestions
Beyond the basics of lettuce, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and tomatoes, try these additions to bring more flavor and texture:
- Jalapeños or chopped bell peppers
- Green onions
- Beans or refried beans
- Sliced olives
- Salsa or salsa verde
- Fresh avocado slices
Recipe Tips
Walking tacos are quick to prepare and make cleanup a breeze.
- Easy cleanup. Serve directly in the snack bags, and keep a stack of paper bowls on hand for anyone who prefers to build theirs that way.
- Feed the masses. Plan on most people eating one to two servings. Offer both 1-ounce and 2-ounce bags so guests can choose portion size.
Storing Info
- Make ahead. Cook the taco meat ahead of time and refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Many toppings can be prepped a day in advance and stored separately.
- Store leftovers. Keep any unused ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For More Mexican Dishes:
Taco Bowl
40 mins
Cheese Quesadilla
10 mins
Easy Homemade Tostadas
20 mins
Best Taco Salad Recipe
20 mins
5 from 8 votes
Walking Tacos Recipe
By: Kristyn Merkley
Walking tacos are a simple, no-mess meal full of flavor — ideal for large gatherings or easy family dinners.
Servings: 6
Prep: 8
Cook: 20
Total: 28
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
- ¾ cup water
- 6 (1-ounce) packages corn chips Fritos, Chili Cheese Fritos, Doritos
- Toppings: lettuce, shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream, guacamole, cherry tomatoes
Instructions
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Cook beef and crumble in a large skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat.
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Add water and taco seasoning, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
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Once the meat is done, open chip bags, add toppings, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 677mg, Potassium: 242mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.