Walking Tacos Recipe

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

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

Corn chips: Single-serve bags of crunchy chips that serve as the base for the walking tacos.

Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh and 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 and rich taste.

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.

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 beef cooks evenly and absorbs the taco seasoning more effectively. Additionally, slightly crushing the corn chips before adding the toppings helps to create a better mix of flavors and textures in each bite.

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

• ground beef - Substitute with black beans: For a vegetarian option, black beans provide a similar texture and are high in protein.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a DIY version.

• single-serve corn chips - Substitute with whole grain tortilla chips: Whole grain tortilla chips offer more fiber and nutrients.

• single-serve corn chips - Substitute with pita chips: Pita chips can provide a different texture and are often lower in fat.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach adds more vitamins and minerals compared to iceberg lettuce.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with kale: Kale is a nutrient-dense green that adds a different texture and flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can add more flavor and moisture to the dish.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese can mimic the texture and flavor of regular cheese.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a good source of B vitamins.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with more protein and less fat.

• sour cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream is a dairy-free option that mimics the creaminess of sour cream.

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

• salsa - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole adds creaminess and a rich flavor to the dish.

• Allow the ground beef mixture to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the corn chips soggy.
• Store the seasoned ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat fresh and flavorful.
• Keep the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa in separate containers. This ensures each ingredient maintains its texture and taste.
• For longer storage, freeze the cooked and seasoned ground beef. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw the frozen ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This gradual thawing process helps retain the meat's moisture and flavor.
• Reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This ensures the meat is evenly heated without drying out.
• Assemble the walking tacos just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the corn chips. This way, each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
• If you have leftover assembled walking tacos, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Consume within 1 day to enjoy the best taste and texture.
• For a quick meal prep, portion out the ground beef and toppings into individual containers. This makes it easy to assemble walking tacos on busy days.
• Always check the freshness of your vegetables and dairy products before using them. Fresh ingredients elevate the overall taste of your walking tacos.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the leftover ground beef on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Meanwhile, keep the corn chips in their bags to maintain their crunch.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place the ground beef in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Keep the corn chips separate to avoid sogginess.
• For a stovetop method, reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps retain the texture and flavor of the beef.
• To reheat the corn chips, spread them on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness.
• Once everything is reheated, assemble your walking tacos by adding the warmed ground beef to the corn chips, and topping with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ground beef evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool to stir and break up the ground beef while it cooks.

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

• Can opener: If your salsa comes in a can, this tool will be necessary to open it.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the tomatoes and shredding the lettuce.

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

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

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

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

• Fork: Provided to each person for eating their walking taco.

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 cheese beforehand. Store them in separate containers.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding your own.

Buy pre-diced tomatoes: Opt for pre-diced tomatoes from the store to cut down on prep time.

Single-serve sour cream: Use single-serve sour cream packets to avoid the need for spooning out portions.