have u ever tried a Walking Taco?
have u ever tried a WALKING TACO?! 🌮 is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Carrie Berk on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $11.40 total, $2.85 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (store‑bought (approx. 2 oz) or homemade blend)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for browning the meat)
- 2 cup Shredded Lettuce (iceberg or romaine, washed and dried)
- 1 medium Tomato (diced small)
- 0.25 cup Onion (finely diced, white or yellow)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup Guacamole (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 cup Tortilla Chips (plain corn chips, lightly salted)
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
Cook Seasoned Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5‑6 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for another 2‑3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Prepare Fresh Toppings
While the meat cooks, wash and dry the lettuce, then shred or chop it. Dice the tomato and onion into small pieces. Shred the cheese if not pre‑shredded. Place each topping in separate sections of a mixing bowl for easy assembly.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Walking Taco
Open a zip‑lock bag (or small paper bag) and add the tortilla chips as the base. Layer the cooked seasoned beef, then lettuce, tomato, onion, shredded cheese, guacamole, and sour cream if using. Do not overfill; leave room to seal the bag.
Time: PT5M
Mix and Serve
Close the bag and gently shake or massage it to distribute the toppings evenly. Eat directly from the bag or pour into a plate if preferred. Enjoy immediately while the chips stay crunchy.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (if chips contain wheat), Egg (if using certain chip brands)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Plant‑based ground meat
- Instead of Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco spice mix
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Shredded Lettuce: Shredded Cabbage
- Instead of Tomato: Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Instead of Onion: Red onion, Green onion
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack
- Instead of Guacamole: Mashed avocado with lime
- Instead of Tortilla Chips: Crushed corn chips, Baked tortilla strips
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, Mexican crema
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Zip‑Lock Bag or Small Paper Bag
- Serving Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the ground beef fully and season it properly.
- Layer the wet toppings (guacamole, sour cream) after the chips to avoid sogginess.
- Seal the bag tightly before shaking to prevent spills.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the tortilla chips lightly in the oven for extra crunch.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the guacamole for brightness.
- Mix a little chopped cilantro into the lettuce for extra flavor.
Troubleshooting
Chips become soggy after mixing.
Add guacamole and sour cream after shaking, or keep them in a separate small container and add just before eating.
Ground beef is undercooked.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and no pink remains.
Bag leaks during shaking.
Seal the zip‑lock bag tightly, press out excess air, and use a sturdy bag designed for food.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked meat, cheese, guacamole, and fresh veggies in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked seasoned beef in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw before use.
Room temperature: Assembled walking taco should be eaten within 2 hours; otherwise keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and season the beef a day ahead; reheat gently before assembling.
- Prep all veggies and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Use pre‑shredded cheese to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Walking Taco in American snack culture?
The Walking Taco originated in the United States as a convenient, handheld version of traditional tacos, popularized at fairs, sports events, and school cafeterias. It reflects the American love for portable, mess‑free foods and the fusion of Mexican flavors with snack‑food convenience.
What regional variations of Walking Taco exist within Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Some regions swap plain tortilla chips for flavored chips, add jalapeño slices for heat, or replace guacamole with salsa. In the Southwest, black beans and corn are common additions, while in the Midwest you might find a drizzle of ranch dressing.
How is a Walking Taco traditionally served at parties or outdoor events in the United States?
It is typically assembled in individual zip‑lock or paper bags, allowing guests to walk around and eat without plates. The bag is often sealed and shaken to mix the toppings, making it a mess‑free, grab‑and‑go snack.
What occasions or celebrations is the Walking Taco commonly associated with in American culture?
Walking Tacos are popular at fairs, school fundraisers, tailgate parties, and casual backyard gatherings because they are easy to serve to large groups and require minimal cleanup.
What authentic ingredients are traditionally used in a Walking Taco versus common substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include seasoned ground beef, plain corn tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, and guacamole. Common substitutes are ground turkey or plant‑based meat, shredded cabbage instead of lettuce, and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Walking Taco at home?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the wet toppings with the chips, which makes them soggy, and undercooking the ground beef. Also, failing to seal the bag properly can cause spills while shaking.
Can I make Walking Taco ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the seasoned beef and prep all toppings ahead of time. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the bag just before serving to keep the chips crunchy.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Walking Taco is done?
The chips should remain crisp, the meat should be fully browned and coated with a thin taco sauce, and the fresh toppings should be bright and evenly distributed. The bag should look colorful but not soggy.
What does the YouTube channel Carrie Berk specialize in?
The YouTube channel Carrie Berk focuses on fun, family‑friendly cooking tutorials, quick snack ideas, and creative twists on classic comfort foods that are easy for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Carrie Berk's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Carrie Berk emphasizes simplicity, minimal equipment, and portable presentations like the Walking Taco, often using everyday pantry items and encouraging viewers to customize recipes for personal taste, unlike many channels that focus on elaborate plating.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
