Walking Tacos Recipe (Taco in a Bag) (2024)

ByEmilieMay 15, 2010September 19, 2023September 19, 2023

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Walking Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos and work great for every day or entertaining! Any situation where clean up or sitting down to eat might be difficult is a great time for a walking taco. Because all of the ingredients are added to a bag of tortilla chips, only a fork is required to enjoy. Keep scrolling to learn more about this fun concept, including tips and topping ideas to make your own favorite walking taco recipe!

What is a Walking Taco?

A walking taco, otherwise known as a taco in a bag, is an individual serving of tacos that is portable. It is made by crushing an individual bag of chip such as Fritos or Doritos and then various taco toppings are added to the bag. Stick a fork in it and you’ve got an easy way to eat what is essentially a taco salad. It doesn’t require a plate or a table, making it literally a taco you can easily eat while walking. I’ve seen walking used for local sidewalk sales, camping and even Relay for Life. It is also a fun for kids to make their own! I often have left over taco ingredients and enjoy making them for lunch.

Walking Tacos Ingredients

There are so many different options! Whether you want a Fritos Walking Taco loaded with basic taco ingredients like ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and taco sauce or you want to switch things up and make a Doritos Walking Taco with shredded chicken, black beans, spanish rice, cheese and guacamole, it is all good! Like this taco soup, you can really tailor the toppings. If you love walking tacos, you must try walking taco casserole. It is very hearty and a family favorite!!

You choose the toppings to suit what you have on hand or love the most! It is entirely customizable. Here are just a few options:

• individual sized bags chips: Fritos, Doritos or other favorite type
• seasoned taco meat: ground beef, chicken, steak or pork
• beans: black beans, refried beans or pinto beans add extra protein
• rice: spanish rice or cilantro lime rice are great options
• shredded cheese: cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, Mexican blend or your favorite cheese
• lettuce: shredded iceburg is my favorite because of the crunch but chopped romaine or butter lettuce are other great options
• tomatoes: diced roma, beefsteak or cherry tomatoes add a ton of color and flavor
• sour cream: keeps the ingredients from being dry and adds to flavor
• taco sauce/salsa: kick up the heat with hot, keep it mild, or offer both options
• guacamole: adds a nice flavor creaminess to your walking taco
• sliced black olives: adds color and saltiness which brings out the flavor in other toppings
• sliced jalapeno or canned green chilis: for added spiciness
• sliced or chopped onion: green onions are my favorite but red onion or white onions can be substituted

How to Make a Walking Taco

Make your favorite taco meat, beans or rice. Lightly crush your bag of tortilla chips so that you have bite size pieces. Open the bag of chips and add your ingredients, just as you would to build a traditional taco.

I like to add something creamy like sour cream or guacamole and a condiment like salsa or taco sauce to keep it from being dry and make it more like a taco salad.

Add a fork and enjoy!

Simply throw the bag away when you are finished. How easy is that??

When to Serve Tacos in a Bag

Taco in a bag works great for anytime you have limited options for seating or cooking in general.

• Camping: Bring toppings and pre-made taco meat and let everyone assemble their own. You can also cook the taco meat in a skillet over a fire if desired. Sit around the fire and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner of tacos in a bag.
• Picnic: Bring the ingredients and set up on the picnic blanket to allow everyone to make a walking taco. Also could prepare them right before leaving and reseal the chip bag with tape. If you won’t be eating for a while, assembling at the picnic may be best to avoid soggy chips.
• Leftovers: Use up those leftovers from taco night! Grab a bag of chips and make your own taco salad with a Doritos Taco in a Bag for lunch or for an easy leftover night.
• Game Day: Tailgating at the stadium or enjoy the game at home? No problem! Tacos in a bag work well for both options and you won’t miss any of the action.
• Fundraiser/Sporting Events: Need a fundraiser for your next event or something to serve spectators at your sporting event? Cook taco meat and keep it warm in a crockpot. Offer various toppings and serve up Walking Tacos for sale. It is always a hit every time I’ve seen it!
• Walking Taco Cookout: Need a new entertaining idea beyond grilled meats? Have a Walking Taco cookout! Super easy to put together. Let guests mingle outdoors while munching on tacos!

Walking Taco Bar

Walking tacos are an easy way to entertain guests! Serve up a taco bar and provide bags of chips like Fritos or Doritos and let guests customize their taco in a bag! It works great because tacos are always a hit with crowds and with various toppings, you can satisfy a wide variety of tastes and potential diet restrictions.

Have you ever made Walking Tacos? When have they come in handy for you?

This post was updated September, 2022.