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Easy Flavor-Packed Walking Tacos

easy flavor-packed walking tacos - featured image

A quick and tasty walking tacos recipe featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and fresh toppings, perfect for snacks or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
  • About 2 cups (60 g) crushed crunchy tortilla chips
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) diced tomatoes, fresh or canned, drained
  • ¼ cup (25 g) chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Dice tomatoes, chop green onions and cilantro. Set aside sour cream and lime wedges for serving.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a spatula. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the meat. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Drain excess fat from the pan to keep tacos juicy but not greasy.
  5. Crush tortilla chips gently inside their bag or in a bowl until bite-sized pieces form; avoid pulverizing.
  6. Open small chip bags or use cups and layer about ½ cup of cooked meat on top of crushed chips.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeños if using.
  8. Add dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
  10. Serve immediately to keep chips crunchy and meat warm.

Notes

Serve immediately after assembling to keep chips crunchy. If prepping ahead, keep meat and toppings separate and combine just before serving. Use certified gluten-free chips for gluten-free option. Adding a splash of water or broth while cooking meat keeps it juicy. Avoid overcooking spices to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking tacos, quick snack, ground beef tacos, easy tacos, party food, handheld tacos, taco recipe