Making a Taco in a Bag, also known as Walking Tacos, is an easy and fun way to enjoy tacos on the go.
This portable snack is perfect for parties, camping trips, or any time you need a quick meal. All you need is a small bag of chips and your favorite taco toppings.
You start by cooking your ground beef until it’s fully browned, adding taco seasoning and water for that classic taco flavor.
Open a bag of chips, usually Fritos or Doritos, and lightly crush them to make space. Add your seasoned beef directly into the bag, then top it with whatever you like—cheese, lettuce, salsa, and more.
They allow everyone to make their own perfect taco with minimal clean-up needed.
Ingredients and Variations
When making walking tacos, you will need a few base ingredients typically found in tacos.
You can also vary the recipe by choosing different protein options, seasonings, and fresh toppings.
Base Ingredients
Start with individual-sized bags of chips. Fritos or Doritos are popular choices.
These provide a crunchy base for your walking tacos. You will also need taco seasoning to flavor your protein and taco toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Protein Choices
Walking tacos allow for flexibility with your protein.
Ground beef is the most traditional, but you can also use chicken, turkey, or pork.
For a vegetarian option, consider black beans or refried beans. Hummus also makes a creamy and delicious addition. You could even add a spicy twist with chili.
Taco Seasonings and Flavors
Taco seasoning is essential for the right flavor. You can buy pre-made packets or make your own with a mix of:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
If you like it spicy, add jalapenos or a spicy salsa. For mild versions, stick to ingredients like pico de gallo and sour cream.
Fresh Toppings and Additions
Toppings make your walking tacos delicious and colorful. Common choices include shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese.
You might also add ingredients like avocado or guacamole for creaminess, cilantro for freshness, and sour cream for a tangy finish.
Consider fresh jalapenos for a bit of heat and pico de gallo for zest.
Nutritional Information
Taco in a Bag, or Walking Tacos, provides a mix of essential nutrients, ranging from calories to vitamins and minerals.
Caloric Content
Walking Tacos typically range from 350 to 450 calories per serving. The caloric content depends on the toppings you choose and the portions you use.
For instance, if you use ground beef, cheese, and sour cream, the total calories will be higher.
Opting for lean meats and fresh veggies can reduce the caloric load.
Macronutrients
Walking Tacos offers a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates:
Proteins
- Ground beef provides about 20-25g of protein per serving.
- Using chicken or turkey can offer similar amounts.
Fats
- Each serving contains approximately 15-20g of fat, which includes saturated fat.
- Choosing low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute can lower the fat content.
Carbohydrates
- The base, usually tortilla chips or corn chips, adds about 30-40g of carbs.
- Adding beans can increase both carbs and fiber content.
Vitamins and Minerals
Walking Tacos include a variety of vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin A
- Present in cheese, beef, and veggies.
- A serving can provide about 10% of the daily recommended value.
Vitamin C
- Found in tomatoes, lettuce, and other toppings.
- It contributes to about 20% of the daily value per serving.
Calcium
- Cheese and yogurt add 15-20% of your daily calcium needs.
Iron
- Beef and beans are good sources, offering about 15% of the daily value.
Potassium
- Present in beans, tomatoes, and avocado, contributing to about 10% of the daily requirement.
Including a variety of toppings can enhance the vitamin and mineral content, making Walking Tacos not just tasty but also nutritious.
Preparation and Cooking
Creating walking tacos is straightforward and requires simple ingredients.
The main steps involve preparing the chip bags, cooking and seasoning the meat, assembling the tacos, and serving with your favorite toppings.
Preparation Steps
First, get all your ingredients ready.
This includes ground beef or ground chicken, taco seasoning, and various chip bags like:
- Cool Ranch Doritos
- Nacho Cheese Doritos
- Frito bags
You’ll need toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and diced onions.
Prepare the chip bags by carefully cutting off the tops and lightly crushing the chips.
This makes them sturdier and easier to handle. Gather all your toppings in small bowls, so they’re ready for assembly.
Seasoning the Meat
To make seasoned ground beef or chicken, start by cooking the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Use about 2 pounds of ground meat. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and crumbles easily, which takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
After cooking, drain any excess oil. Then, add taco seasoning and water. If you prefer homemade taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Assembling the Walking Tacos
Once your meat is ready, it’s time to assemble the walking tacos. Open a chip bag and fold down the edges to make it easier to fill.
Add 1/4 cup of the seasoned meat directly into the bag. Top the meat with your chosen toppings.
Here are some favorites:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Diced onions
- Black olives
- Sour cream
- Salsa
You can customize each bag per individual preference, making them perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Walking tacos are perfect for casual settings like picnics, family dinners, or parties. Serve them with a spoon or fork right out of the bag.
It makes cleaning up easier since there are no plates to wash. Keep extra toppings on the side so everyone can add more if they want.
Consider offering a variety of chip options like Cool Ranch Doritos, Nacho Cheese Doritos, or Frito bags to cater to different tastes.
Tips and Tricks
Here, you’ll find handy advice about storage and preparing walking tacos in advance, as well as insights into why they are great for events and gatherings.
Storage and Make-Ahead
You can easily prep ingredients in advance to save time.
Ground beef or carne asada can be cooked, seasoned, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Keep ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, and pico de gallo in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
For toppings, place shredded cheese, sour cream or crema, and salsa in small, sealable containers.
This makes it simple to pull out and organize a walking taco bar when you’re ready to serve.
Perfect for Events and Gatherings
Walking tacos are ideal for feeding a crowd at parties, game-day events, or family gatherings.
To serve, set up a self-serve walking taco bar with bowls of toppings and a large bowl or crock pot of pre-warmed meat.
Pre-cut the chip bags with scissors and lightly crush the corn chips for easy assembly. Each person can grab a chip bag, add taco toppings they prefer, and dig in with a fork.
Offering taco salad options can cater to those looking for a lighter option. Just layer ingredients in a dish rather than a chip bag and enjoy.