Walking Tacos with Matt Hussey
Walking Tacos with Matt Hussey is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Blackstone Griddles on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $36.90 total, $9.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chuck Beef (80% lean, trimmed of excess fat)
- 2 Tbsp Blackstone Street Taco Seasoning (Store‑bought taco seasoning blend)
- 1 large bag Doritos (Nacho cheese flavor, opened and lightly crushed)
- 1 cup Cheddar Jack Cheese (Shredded)
- 1 medium Tomato (Diced, about 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup Lettuce (Shredded iceberg or romaine)
- 2 Tbsp Pickled Jalapeños (Sliced)
- 1/2 cup Guacamole (Store‑bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream (Full‑fat)
- 2 Tbsp Verde Sauce (Green tomatillo salsa, optional for extra heat)
Instructions
Preheat Griddle
Turn the Blackstone griddle to medium‑high heat (about 350°F) and let it preheat for 3–4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Brown the Ground Beef
Place 1 lb of ground chuck on the hot griddle. Break it up with a spatula into small pieces, sprinkle 2 Tbsp of Blackstone Street Taco seasoning, and stir continuously until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Transfer Meat to Bowl
Using a spatula, scoop the cooked meat into a mixing bowl, breaking up any clumps. Set aside while you prep the toppings.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Chip Vessel
Open a large bag of Doritos, pour the chips into a large bowl, and gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin—just enough to create bite‑size pieces without turning them into dust.
Time: PT2M
Prep Toppings
While the meat rests, shred 1 cup of Cheddar Jack cheese, dice the tomato, shred the lettuce, slice the pickled jalapeños, and have guacamole, sour cream, and verde sauce ready in small bowls.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Walking Taco
In each serving cup or directly in the Doritos bowl, layer a generous handful of crushed Doritos, top with seasoned ground beef, sprinkle shredded cheese, add diced tomato, lettuce, pickled jalapeños, a dollop of guacamole, a swirl of sour cream, and finish with a drizzle of verde sauce.
Time: PT5M
Serve and Enjoy
Hand out the assembled walking tacos on the griddle’s side or place them on a serving tray. Encourage guests to eat with forks or sturdy spoons.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 26 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with corn chips., Can be made dairy‑free using vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives.
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (in Doritos), Soy (possible in seasoning)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chuck Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Blackstone Street Taco Seasoning: Generic taco seasoning, Homemade chili powder, cumin, garlic powder mix
- Instead of Doritos: Fritos, Tortilla chips, Doritos Cool Ranch
- Instead of Cheddar Jack Cheese: Shredded mozzarella, Vegan shredded cheese
- Instead of Tomato: Pico de gallo, Canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- Instead of Lettuce: Shredded cabbage, Coleslaw mix
- Instead of Pickled Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños (pickled at home), Pickled banana peppers
- Instead of Guacamole: Mashed avocado with lime, Avocado salsa
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, Vegan sour cream
- Instead of Verde Sauce: Salsa verde, Pico de gallo
Equipment Needed
- Blackstone Griddle
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving Bowls
- Small Spoon or Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef with proper seasoning on a hot griddle.
- Lightly crushing Doritos to maintain crunch while allowing toppings to stick.
- Assembling the taco quickly so chips stay crisp.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the guacamole right before serving.
- Toast the Doritos lightly on the griddle for 30 seconds to enhance their crunch.
- Use a squeeze bottle for the verde sauce to drizzle evenly.
Troubleshooting
The chips become soggy quickly.
Assemble the tacos just before serving and keep the meat warm but not sitting on the chips for more than a few minutes.
Ground beef turns out dry.
Do not overcook; remove from heat when no longer pink and keep a small amount of drippings in the bowl for moisture.
Seasoning is too salty.
Use half the amount of pre‑made seasoning or make a homemade blend with reduced salt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate; cheese, guacamole, and sour cream last 2–3 days.
Freezer: Cooked meat can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer‑safe bag. Defrost before reheating.
Room temperature: Assembled walking tacos should be eaten within 1 hour at room temperature; otherwise chips will become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and season the ground beef a day ahead; reheat on the griddle or microwave before assembly.
- Pre‑dice tomatoes and shred lettuce; store in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of walking tacos in American tailgate cuisine?
Walking tacos originated as a convenient, handheld version of the classic taco, perfect for outdoor events where plates and utensils are impractical. They became popular at sports stadiums and tailgate parties across the United States as a quick, mess‑free snack that combines the crunch of chips with the flavor of seasoned meat.
What regional variations of walking tacos exist within Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In Texas and the Southwest, walking tacos often use Fritos or Doritos as the base, while in California you might find them made with tortilla chips and topped with avocado crema. Some regions swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or pork al pastor, and the salsa can range from mild pico de gallo to fiery salsa verde.
How is a traditional walking taco traditionally served at a football tailgate in the Southern United States?
At a Southern tailgate, the walking taco is typically served in a single‑serve bag of Doritos or Fritos, layered with hot seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s eaten with a fork or sturdy spoon while standing or walking around the grill.
What occasions or celebrations is the walking taco associated with in American sports culture?
Walking tacos are a staple at football games, baseball tailgates, backyard barbecues, and even casual movie nights. Their handheld nature makes them ideal for events where guests are standing, moving, or cheering loudly.
How does the walking taco fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?
The walking taco captures the core Tex‑Mex elements—seasoned meat, cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce—while adapting them to a portable format. It reflects Tex‑Mex’s emphasis on bold flavors and convenience, bridging street food with home‑cooked comfort.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a walking taco versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef (or pork), a taco seasoning blend, Doritos or similar corn chips, shredded cheddar‑jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa verde. Substitutes can be ground turkey, corn tortilla chips, mozzarella cheese, fresh avocado instead of guacamole, or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with walking tacos at a tailgate?
Walking tacos pair nicely with grilled chicken wings, queso dip, fresh guacamole with tortilla chips, Mexican street corn (elote), and a cold cerveza or lime‑water margarita.
What makes the walking taco special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of crunchy chip “bowl” with fully seasoned meat and fresh toppings, creating a handheld, mess‑free taco that can be eaten while standing. It merges snack and meal concepts, making it ideal for on‑the‑go eating.
How has the walking taco evolved over time in American tailgate culture?
Originally a simple chip‑and‑meat combo, the walking taco has evolved to include gourmet toppings like avocado, specialty salsas, and artisanal cheeses. Social media and cooking channels like Blackstone Griddles have popularized variations with different chip bases and spice blends.
What are common misconceptions about walking tacos?
A common myth is that walking tacos must be made with Doritos; any sturdy corn chip works. Another misconception is that they’re unhealthy—by choosing lean meat, low‑fat cheese, and fresh veggies, they can be a balanced snack.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making walking tacos on a Blackstone griddle?
Avoid overcrowding the griddle, which prevents proper browning of the meat. Also, don’t crush the Doritos into powder; keep some larger pieces for crunch. Finally, assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the chips from getting soggy.
Why does this walking taco recipe use Blackstone Street Taco seasoning instead of a homemade blend?
The Blackstone Street Taco seasoning is formulated to deliver consistent flavor quickly on a hot griddle, saving time during a tailgate. It also contains a balanced mix of spices that complement the beef without needing additional ingredients.
Can I make the walking taco ahead of time and how should I store it before serving?
Yes—cook and season the ground beef a day ahead, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Keep the chips, cheese, and fresh toppings separate. Assemble the tacos just before guests arrive to maintain crunch.
What does the YouTube channel Blackstone Griddles specialize in?
The YouTube channel Blackstone Griddles specializes in outdoor cooking tutorials that showcase the versatility of Blackstone flat‑top griddles, offering recipes for tailgating, backyard parties, and everyday meals with a focus on quick, flavorful dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Blackstone Griddles' approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Blackstone Griddles emphasizes using the griddle as a multi‑purpose tool for high‑heat searing, quick seasoning, and one‑pan meals, whereas many other channels rely on stovetop pans or ovens. Their videos often highlight portable, crowd‑pleasing recipes perfect for outdoor events.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
