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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Main Course

    Updated: May 16, 2024 · Published: Sep 21, 2022 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How to Make Walking Tacos (aka Taco in a Bag)

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    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.

    Tacos in small, open Doritos bags and toppings on the side.

    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!

    Jump to:
    • What Are Walking Tacos?
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • Instructions
    • Storage & Reheating Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️More Mexican Recipes You Will Love
    • 📋Recipe

    What Are Walking Tacos?

    Taco in a bag with forks and toppings in the background.

    ‘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

    Taco in a bag/walking taco ingredients prepped and labeled.
    • 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

    Ground beef in a pan.

    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.

    Ground meat in pan with taco seasoning.

    Step 2: Add seasoning & water. Once the beef is cooked, add the taco seasoning and water and mix well. Bring to a boil.

    Cooked ground beef in a pan with a wooden spoon.

    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.

    A small bag of Doritos in woman's hands.

    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.

    A small bag of Doritos with scissors.

    Step 5: Cut the bags open. Cut each Doritos bag open with scissors across the length of the bag.

    Taco meat on a spoon and 2 small Dorito bags.

    Step 6: Add taco meat. Spoon some taco meat on top of the crushed tortilla chips in each bag.

    Open Dorito bags with taco filling and a small bowl of pickled red onions.

    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.

    Cutting lettuce into taco in a bag/walking tacos.

    Pro Tip: I like to cut only the amount of lettuce I am using at serving time because cut lettuce browns very quickly.

    Open Dorito bags with taco filling and a bottle of hot sauce.

    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.

    Taco in a bag with a fork on white background.

    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

    How much ground meat do you need per person?

    You will need approximately ¼ pound (114 grams) serving size of ground meat per person so plan accordingly.

    What do you serve with taco in a bag?

    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.

    Taco in a bag with forks.

    ❤️More Mexican Recipes You Will Love

    • Creamy burrito casserole in white casserole dish.
      Creamy Burrito Casserole
    • Mexican soup in black bowls.
      Slow Cooker Mexican Soup
    • Chorizo and eggs on plate with fork.
      Mexican Chorizo and Eggs
    • Strawberry slushy margarita with mint leaves.
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    If you tried this Walking Tacos (aka Taco in a Bag) Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Taco in a bag with forks and toppings on the side.

    Walking Tacos (aka Taco in a Bag)

    Joss Dyckson
    Check out how to make walking tacos/taco in a bag, with seasoned ground beef filling, fresh veggies and your favorite condiments, like sour cream and salsa. They are prepared and eaten straight out of a bag of Doritos!
    5 from 4 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Mexican
    Servings 4
    Calories 526 kcal

    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
      Ground beef in a pan.
    • Add the taco seasoning and water and mix well. Bring to a boil.
      2 tablespoons taco seasoning, ¼ cup water
      Ground beef in a pan with taco seasoning on a spoon.
    • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat. Season with some salt, if needed.
      Cooked ground beef in a pan with a wooden spoon.
    • Gently crush the tortilla chips in the bags with your hands.
      A small bag of Doritos in woman's hands.
    • Cut each Doritos bag open with scissors across the length of the bag.
      A small bag of Doritos with scissors.
    • Spoon some taco meat on top of the crushed tortilla chips.
      Taco meat on a spoon and 2 small Dorito bags.
    • Add toppings as desired. Serve the taco bags with forks!
      Taco in a bag with forks and toppings in the background.

    Equipment

    • Medium Frying Pan

    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

    Calories: 526kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 433mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 4mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

    Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

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    Comments

      5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Angelina says

      January 23, 2023 at 7:09 pm

      I just love these! Thank you.

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        January 24, 2023 at 9:23 am

        Thank you Angelina!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Joss!

    I am the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!

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