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–+ servings

Walking Tacos

These walking tacos are proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be good. The ground beef is saucy and packed with flavor, and everyone gets to build their own bag just how they like it. It’s my kind of low-effort, high-reward meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Yields6 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings6 servings

Ingredients

GROUND BEEF

  • 1 pound ground beef, 90/10
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup beef broth

FOR ASSEMBLY

  • 6 small bags of chips, flavor of choice
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Red onion or green onion, finely chopped
  • Cilantro, finely chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Hot sauce
  • Avocado or guacamole

Instructions 

THE GROUND BEEF:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
  2. Cook the beef until no longer pink and lightly browned, continuing to break it up so the pieces stay small and even.
  3. Sprinkle in the onion powder, black pepper, salt, coriander, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, and cornstarch. Stir well so the spices evenly coat the beef.
  4. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is juicy, saucy, and slightly thickened.

ASSEMBLY:

  1. Carefully open each small bag of chips, leaving the chips whole.
  2. Spoon the warm ground beef directly into each bag.
  3. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, chopped red or green onion, cilantro, sour cream, hot sauce, and avocado or guacamole. Feel free to pick whatever toppings you like and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Q: What chips work best for walking tacos?
A: Single-serve corn chips like nacho cheese or chili cheese are classic, but tortilla chips or flavored chips work great too. Choose something sturdy so it holds up to the warm beef and toppings.
Q: Can I make the ground beef ahead of time?
A: Yes. The beef can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Q: How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
A: Let the beef cool slightly before adding it to the bags and don’t overfill. Adding lettuce first can also help create a little barrier.
Q: Can I customize the toppings?
A: Absolutely. Use whatever taco toppings you love, like shredded cheese, corn, or black olives, and adjust the heat with mild or spicy hot sauce.
Q: Any tips to make walking tacos easier to eat?
A: Yes! After opening the chip bag, you can cut the top off and trim the sides slightly so it’s wider and easier to reach in with a fork. It makes eating way more comfortable and less messy.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!