Walking Tacos Recipe

Ground turkey: A lean protein option that can be substituted with ground beef if preferred.

Ground beef: A classic choice for tacos, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that adds the signature taco flavor to the meat.

Corn chips: Single-serve bags of crunchy chips that serve as the base for the walking tacos.

Lettuce: Fresh, shredded lettuce adds a crisp texture and freshness to the tacos.

Cheese: Shredded cheese melts slightly over the warm meat, adding a creamy and savory element.

Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide a juicy and tangy contrast to the other ingredients.

Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and creamy finish to the tacos.

Salsa: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy kick to the overall flavor profile.

When cooking the ground beef, ensure it is broken up into small, even pieces for consistent browning. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. This will help the taco seasoning distribute more evenly, enhancing the flavor of your walking tacos. Additionally, when adding the taco seasoning, mix it thoroughly with the beef and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to fully absorb the flavors.

• ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground pork: Ground pork provides a rich flavor and can be used similarly in taco recipes.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a DIY version.

• corn chips - Substitute with tortilla chips: Tortilla chips offer a similar crunch and are often used in Mexican dishes.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds a crunchy texture and holds up well in tacos.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled queso fresco: Queso fresco provides a mild, creamy flavor that complements tacos.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo adds a fresh, zesty flavor with additional ingredients like onions and cilantro.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture with added protein.

• salsa - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides a rich, creamy texture and a different flavor profile that pairs well with tacos.

• Allow the ground beef or ground turkey mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the corn chips soggy.
• Store the seasoned meat separately from the other ingredients. Place the cooled meat in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the seasoned meat. Transfer the cooled meat to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Keep the shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa in separate containers in the refrigerator. These toppings should be added fresh to maintain their texture and flavor.
• If you have leftover assembled walking tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that the corn chips may become soggy, so it's best to consume within a day.
• To refresh the corn chips, you can spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
• When reheating, avoid microwaving the entire assembled walking taco as it can make the corn chips soggy. Instead, reheat the meat separately and assemble the walking tacos just before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover ground beef on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Meanwhile, keep the corn chips in their bags or a separate container to maintain their crunch.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place the ground beef in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Keep the corn chips separate to avoid them becoming soggy.
• For a stovetop method, reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Again, keep the corn chips separate.
• To reheat the shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa, it’s best to serve them cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warm cheese, you can sprinkle it over the reheated ground beef and let it melt slightly before adding the other toppings.
• Assemble your walking tacos by adding the reheated ground beef to the corn chips, then top with your favorite cold toppings. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of warm and cool ingredients.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ground beef or turkey evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to stir and break up the ground meat as it cooks in the skillet.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the correct amount of water to add to the taco seasoning.

• Taco seasoning packet: Contains the spices and flavors needed to season the ground meat.

• Can opener: If your salsa or any other ingredient comes in a can, this tool will be necessary to open it.

• Knife: Used to dice the tomatoes and shred the lettuce if not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely chop and dice the tomatoes and lettuce.

• Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to mix the diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce together before adding to the bags.

• Spoon: Used to scoop the seasoned beef into the bags of corn chips.

• Single-serve bags of corn chips: The base of your walking tacos, where all the ingredients will be added.

• Fork: Used to eat the walking tacos directly from the bag.

Cook in advance: Prepare the ground beef or ground turkey ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Pre-chop toppings: Dice the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and cheese beforehand.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Single-serve bags: Use single-serve bags of corn chips to avoid portioning out chips.

Simplify seasoning: Opt for a taco seasoning packet to quickly season the meat.