Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos are a delightful and interactive way to enjoy tacos without the mess! Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or casual dinners, they allow everyone to customize their meal in a fun and portable manner. Just grab a bag of Doritos, fill it with your favorite ingredients, and you’re ready to dig in. This unique approach not only makes serving easy but also adds an element of excitement to any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable Delight: Each person can personalize their Walking Taco with their favorite toppings, making it a hit for family gatherings or parties.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Portable Fun: Served in a bag, these tacos are easy to handle and great for on-the-go eating during outdoor events or movie nights.
• Flavorful Layers: The combination of seasoned ground beef or turkey with fresh veggies and creamy toppings creates a delicious explosion of flavors in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a group, Walking Tacos are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect Walking Tacos, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your preparation process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Serving spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows you to cook the ground meat evenly while providing enough room for stirring, which is vital for flavor distribution.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for safely chopping vegetables without damaging your countertops.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting tomatoes and peppers quick and effortless, saving you valuable prep time.

Ingredients

To make delicious Walking Tacos, gather the following ingredients:

Protein Base

• 1 pound Ground beef or Turkey

Seasoning & Chips

• 1 package Taco Seasoning (reduce seasoning amount due to the Doritos)
• 4 1.75 Bags Large single serving bags of Doritos

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 Tomato
• 1 Green pepper
• 3 cups Lettuce (shredded)

Toppings

• 1 jar Salsa
• 8 ounces Sour Cream
• 1 package Shredded Cheese

Side Dish

• 1 box Spanish rice

How to Make Walking Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

First, prepare the ground meat according to the directions on the taco seasoning package. Remember to use only about half of the seasoning packet since the Doritos already have a lot of flavor. While that cooks:
1. Cook the Spanish rice as per package instructions.
2. Chop the tomato and green pepper into small pieces.

Step 2: Get Your Bags Ready

Next, take each bag of Doritos:
1. Cut along one side of each bag instead of opening at the top.
2. This will create an easy-to-fill pocket for your taco ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble Your Tacos

Now it’s time to fill your bags!
1. Start by adding a scoop of seasoned ground meat.
2. Layer on some cooked Spanish rice.
3. Top with chopped vegetables like tomatoes and green peppers.
4. Add shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese as desired.

Step 4: Dig In!

Grab a fork and enjoy your tasty Walking Tacos right from the bag! Customize each bite with whatever toppings you love most for an unforgettable meal experience.

How to Serve Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos are a fun and interactive way to enjoy a classic dish. They allow everyone to customize their own meal, making them perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

Creative Serving Suggestions

• Personalized Bags – Each guest can choose their favorite flavor of Doritos to create a unique taco experience.
• Toppings Bar – Set up a table with various toppings like salsa, cheese, and veggies so guests can mix and match.
• Themed Tacos – Offer different types of proteins, such as ground turkey or seasoned chicken, for diverse flavors that cater to different tastes.
• Mini Taco Stations – Create small stations with different bases (like Doritos or tortilla chips) and toppings for a buffet-style setup.

Fun Presentation Ideas

• Colorful Bowls – Use clear bowls for toppings to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.
• Eco-Friendly Options – Consider using compostable utensils and serving ware for an environmentally friendly touch.

How to Perfect Walking Tacos

To create the best Walking Tacos, keep these simple tips in mind. They can elevate your taco experience and ensure satisfaction for all.

• Bold Flavoring – Use half the taco seasoning to prevent overpowering the other delicious ingredients in your bag.
• Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes for added crunch and flavor.
• Warm Ingredients – Serve warm ground meat and rice to enhance the overall taste of your Walking Tacos.
• Layering Matters – Start with the meat at the bottom of the bag, then add rice, veggies, and top with cheese and salsa for balanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip that adds richness; serve with tortilla chips.
2. Mexican Corn Salad – A refreshing mix of corn, lime juice, and cilantro that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
3. Refried Beans – A hearty side that can be served warm or at room temperature; great for scooping!
4. Chips and Salsa – Classic combo that enhances the taco experience; choose various salsas for added variety.
5. Spanish Rice – Flavored rice that pairs perfectly with tacos; consider adding black beans for extra protein.
6. Fruit Salad – A light dessert option to balance out the savory tacos; use seasonal fruits for freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Walking Tacos, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to be aware of.

• Using too much seasoning – Using the entire packet of taco seasoning can overpower the dish. Remember to use only half since the Doritos add flavor, too.
• Not preparing ingredients in advance – Failing to chop vegetables and cook rice prior can slow down your assembly process. Prep everything beforehand for a smooth experience.
• Opening the bag incorrectly – Cutting the bag at the top may lead to spills. Instead, cut it along the side for easier filling and less mess.
• Skipping customization – Sticking strictly to a recipe limits creativity. Feel free to add your own twists, like beans or jalapeños, to enhance flavors.
• Neglecting portion control – Overfilling bags may make them hard to eat. Be mindful of portion sizes so everyone can enjoy their Walking Tacos without mess.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Walking Tacos

• Freeze individual components separately for best results.
• Frozen meat and prepared toppings can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Walking Tacos

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat assembled tacos on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through; avoid overheating the Doritos.
• Stovetop – Warm individual components over medium heat until heated through; then assemble.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Walking Tacos?

Walking Tacos are a fun way to serve tacos in single-serving bags, allowing for easy customization with various toppings.

Can I make Walking Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components in advance and assemble them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What toppings go well with Walking Tacos?

You can use shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, guacamole, or any of your favorite taco toppings!

How do I customize my Walking Tacos?

Feel free to include additional ingredients like black beans, corn, or spicy peppers based on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Walking Tacos are not only simple but also incredibly versatile. They allow you to customize each serving according to personal tastes, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Try this recipe today and explore different variations!