Walking Tacos with Matt Hussey
Walking Tacos with Matt Hussey is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Blackstone Griddles on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 33 min
Cost: $14.98 total, $3.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chuck (80/20) (Provides juicy, flavorful taco meat)
- 2 tbsp Street Taco Seasoning Mix (Store‑bought taco seasoning blend)
- 2 cups Doritos (Red and Blue) (Crushed lightly; use both colors for visual contrast)
- 1 cup Lettuce (Shredded; iceberg or romaine works well)
- 1 medium Tomato (Diced, seeds removed)
- 0.5 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (Shredded)
- 0.5 cup Cheddar Cheese (Sharp, shredded)
- 0.25 cup Pickled Jalapeños (Sliced)
- 0.5 cup Guacamole (Store‑bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (Full‑fat)
- 0.5 cup Salsa Verde (Herde's) (Store‑bought green salsa)
Instructions
Prep Toppings
Wash and dry lettuce, shred it; dice the tomato and remove seeds; slice pickled jalapeños; shred Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses; place guacamole, sour cream, and salsa verde in small bowls.
Time: PT10M
Crush Doritos
Place the red and blue Doritos in a zip‑top bag and gently crush with your hands or a rolling pin until they are bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Griddle
Turn the Blackstone griddle to medium‑high heat and let it reach about 400°F.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 400°F
Cook Ground Beef
Add the 1 lb of ground chuck to the hot griddle. Break it up with the spatula, sprinkle the 2 tbsp taco seasoning evenly, and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat into a bowl.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 400°F
Transfer Beef
Move the cooked seasoned beef to a serving bowl and keep it warm.
Time: PT1M
Assemble Walking Tacos
In each serving bag or small bowl, start with a layer of crushed Doritos, add a generous scoop of beef, then sprinkle both cheeses, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, and finish with dollops of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa verde.
Time: PT4M
Serve
Serve the walking tacos immediately while the beef is still warm and the Doritos stay crisp.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains beef, Contains dairy, Contains gluten (from Doritos), Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chuck (80/20): Ground beef 85/15, Ground turkey
- Instead of Street Taco Seasoning Mix: Homemade taco seasoning (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt)
- Instead of Doritos (Red and Blue): Tortilla chips, Nacho chips
- Instead of Lettuce: Cabbage
- Instead of Tomato: Pico de gallo
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: Mozzarella
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Colby cheese
- Instead of Pickled Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños
- Instead of Guacamole: Mashed avocado
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Salsa Verde (Herde's): Homemade salsa verde
Equipment Needed
- Blackstone Griddle
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowls (for toppings)
- Zip‑Top Bag
- Measuring Spoons
- Serving Tray or Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the griddle to the proper temperature (≈400°F).
- Cook the ground beef until fully browned and season evenly.
- Assemble the tacos just before serving to preserve Doritos crunch.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the seasoned beef just before removing from the griddle.
- Mix equal parts Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar for a balanced melt and flavor.
- If you like heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the taco seasoning.
Troubleshooting
Beef turns out dry.
Use 80/20 ground chuck for extra fat, and avoid over‑cooking. Drain excess fat only after the meat is fully browned.
Doritos become soggy.
Assemble the tacos right before serving and keep the crushed chips separate until the last minute.
Toppings release too much liquid.
Pat diced tomato and shredded lettuce with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate in sealed containers.
Freezer: Cooked beef can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Assembled walking tacos should be eaten within 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the seasoned beef a few hours ahead and keep it warm in a low oven (200°F).
- Crush Doritos just before assembly to maintain crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of walking tacos in American tailgate and backyard party culture?
Walking tacos originated as a convenient, handheld version of traditional Mexican tacos, popularized in the United States during the 1990s as a portable snack for sports events and outdoor gatherings. They combine the flavors of a taco with the crunch of snack chips, making them ideal for casual, on‑the‑go eating.
What are the traditional regional variations of walking tacos within Tex‑Mex cuisine?
While the basic concept stays the same, some regions swap Doritos for plain tortilla chips, add refried beans, or use different cheese blends like pepper jack. In the Southwest, you might find a spicy salsa roja instead of salsa verde, and in some areas a drizzle of hot sauce is customary.
How is a walking taco traditionally served at tailgate parties in the United States?
At tailgate parties, walking tacos are usually assembled in individual snack bags or small disposable bowls, allowing guests to eat while standing or walking. The toppings are kept in separate containers so each person can customize their taco on the spot.
What occasions or celebrations is the walking taco associated with in American party culture?
Walking tacos are a staple at sports games, tailgating before football or baseball matches, backyard barbecues, and casual summer gatherings. Their handheld nature makes them perfect for events where people are moving around and want a quick, satisfying bite.
How does the walking taco fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?
The walking taco captures the core flavors of Tex‑Mex—seasoned beef, cheese, fresh vegetables, and salsa—while adapting them to a snack‑friendly format. It reflects the Tex‑Mex spirit of bold, accessible flavors that can be enjoyed in informal settings.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a walking taco versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa verde, all served over crushed corn chips like Doritos. Substitutes can be ground turkey for the meat, mozzarella for cheese, or plain tortilla chips instead of Doritos.
What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with walking tacos at a backyard party?
Walking tacos pair nicely with classic sides such as Mexican street corn (elote), guacamole and chips, bean dip, and a fresh citrusy agua fresca. For a heartier spread, add grilled chicken fajitas or carne asada.
What makes the walking taco special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of crunchy snack chips with traditional taco toppings, creating a handheld, mess‑controlled snack that delivers the full taco flavor profile without the need for a tortilla.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making walking tacos on a Blackstone griddle?
Common mistakes include over‑cooking the beef, which makes it dry, and crushing the Doritos too finely, causing them to become soggy. Also, assembling the tacos too early lets the chips absorb moisture from the toppings.
Why does this walking taco recipe use a Blackstone griddle instead of a regular skillet?
A Blackstone griddle provides a large, evenly heated surface that allows you to cook the ground beef quickly and keep it warm while you prep toppings, making it ideal for outdoor, high‑volume cooking like tailgate parties.
What does the YouTube channel Blackstone Griddles specialize in?
The YouTube channel Blackstone Griddles specializes in outdoor cooking tutorials that showcase the versatility of the Blackstone flat‑top griddle, offering recipes for everything from breakfast classics to party snacks and full meals.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
