Change up your Taco Tuesday routine with these walking tacos. Seasoned ground beef filling, fresh veggies and your favorite condiments, like sour cream and salsa, are prepared and eaten straight out of a bag of Doritos! Eating them this way means less dishes and less mess.
Read on to learn how to make taco in a bag (walking tacos), step by step.
Taco in a bag is very popular in the city where I live and is a common party food for after a night out or a quick and easy dinner. I love to make them at home and enjoy them with my family. They are also great for camping.
I also make these fun mini taco cups that you might like!
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What Are Walking Tacos?
‘Walking tacos’ also known as ‘taco in a bag’ are literally tacos prepared in a single serving size bag of tortilla chips. They are called walking tacos because they are portable; you can hold the bag and eat as you are walking around or standing.
Ingredients
- lean ground beef - If you use regular ground beef just make sure to drain the grease after cooking.
- taco seasoning - I use taco spices in this recipe without cornstarch/flour. If you use the premade taco packets such as Old El Paso Taco seasoning or McCormick, you might need to add more water because the added starch thickens the mixture up. Adjust to your liking.
- small bags of Doritos tortilla chips - A single serving size of tortilla chips is 2.75 ounces/80 grams).
- salt - To season the ground meat filling, to taste.
- toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, sliced red onions, fresh cilantro, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, etc.
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
Variations
You can use any taco meat for taco in a bag. Try:
- ground chicken, turkey or pork
- veggie ground
- grilled strips of steak
- diced blackened chicken breast
- shredded chicken
- pulled pork
Take your pick! I also make kimchi tacos and bison meat tacos for something a little different. As for toppings, you can use my suggested toppings or use your favorite if I’ve missed any. Instead of Doritos, you can use any brand of tortilla chips. Frito bags are also quite popular.
If you’re serving a crowd, you can set up a taco bar and let your guests put together their own tacos.
Instructions
Step 1. Cook the ground beef. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and crumble it with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Add seasoning & water. Once the beef is cooked, add the taco seasoning and water and mix well. Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat. Season with some salt, if needed.
Step 4: Crush the tortilla chips. Gently crush the tortilla chips in the bags with your hands.
Chef's Note: You can crush the chip bags before or after cutting the top off. It doesn't make a huge difference.
Step 5: Cut the bags open. Cut each Doritos bag open with scissors across the length of the bag.
Step 6: Add taco meat. Spoon some taco meat on top of the crushed tortilla chips in each bag.
Step 7: Add toppings. Add the cheese, lettuce, red onion, fresh cilantro, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce and/or whatever toppings you love for tacos.
Pro Tip: I like to cut only the amount of lettuce I am using at serving time because cut lettuce browns very quickly.
Chef's Note: I also love to add hot Tobasco sauce. It's a must for me! Feel free to leave it out if you don't like the spice level. You can also try a more mild green tomatillo hot sauce.
Step 8: Serve! Serve the taco bags with forks!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- You can store leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days but the tortilla chips and lettuce do get soggy over time so taco in a bag is best served immediately.
- If you plan on eating them later, it is best to prep the ingredients and store them separately. The ground meat and toppings can be stored in separate airtight containers, in the fridge, for up to 3 to 4 days. Assemble the walking tacos when you are ready to eat.
- Do not reheat the tacos in the bags. Make sure you transfer them to a separate microwaveable container if using the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
You will need approximately ¼ pound (114 grams) serving size of ground meat per person so plan accordingly.
Taco in a bag is a complete meal with protein, carbs and veggies which is another reason it's a quick and easy dish. However, if you feel you need more, try grilled corn on the cob, guacamole, refried beans or seasoned rice.
❤️More Mexican Recipes You Will Love
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📋Recipe
Walking Tacos (aka Taco in a Bag)
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
- 4 small bags Doritos tortilla chips - single serving size: 2.75 ounces/80 grams
- salt - to taste
Toppings
- cheddar cheese - shredded
- lettuce - shredded
- red onion - sliced
- fresh cilantro - chopped
- salsa
- sour cream
- hot sauce
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and crumble it with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain any grease, if needed.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the taco seasoning and water and mix well. Bring to a boil.2 tablespoons taco seasoning, ¼ cup water
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat. Season with some salt, if needed.
- Gently crush the tortilla chips in the bags with your hands.
- Cut each Doritos bag open with scissors across the length of the bag.
- Spoon some taco meat on top of the crushed tortilla chips.
- Add toppings as desired. Serve the taco bags with forks!
Equipment
Notes
- Nutrition information doesn't include the toppings as this will be different for each serving.
- You will need approximately ¼ pound (114 grams) of ground meat per person so plan accordingly.
- I use taco spices in this recipe without cornstarch/flour. If you use the premade taco packets such as Old El Paso Taco seasoning or McCormick, you might need to add more water because the added starch thickens the mixture up. Adjust to your liking.
- You can store leftover taco in a bag in a covered container for up to 3 days but the tortilla chips and lettuce do get soggy over time so taco in a bag is best served immediately. The ground meat and toppings, if stored separately, should last up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge, covered well.
- If you plan on eating them later, it is best to prep the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble the walking tacos when you are ready to eat.
- Do not reheat the tacos in the bags. Make sure you transfer them to a separate microwaveable container if using the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Angelina says
I just love these! Thank you.
Joss D says
Thank you Angelina!