Fun, handheld and full of flavor, these easy walking tacos are made right in a bag of chips. Load them up with taco meat and your favorite toppings for a no-fuss meal!

Walking taco cut open and served on a white plate.

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Easy Walking Taco Recipe

These are a fun and delicious spin on your classic beef tacos. Instead of serving them in corn tortilla or my flour tortilla recipe, the meat and toppings are served in a bag of Fritos or Doritos. They have the best flavor and crunch just like a Frito pie but in an individualized bag!

Walking tacos are fun to make for a grab and go dinner, summer get together, tailgating party or campfire dinners. Taco in a bag is super easy to make ahead of time and are a crowd pleaser. There’s also very little clean up, which makes these great for gatherings.

Ingredient Notes

Walking taco ingredients on the counter including taco meat, Fritos, Doritos, cheese, salsa, sour cream and lettuce.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Taco meat: Made with ground beef, onion, taco seasoning, salsa, and a splash of water.
  • Mini chip bags: Use 6 individual (1–2 ounce) bags of Fritos or Doritos.

Favorite Toppings

These walking tacos are super easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Below are some of my top picks:

  • Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness.
  • Diced tomatoes: I set these out if I don’t have any salsa.
  • Restaurant style salsa: or your favorite salsa!
  • Sliced olives: A briny flavor that is tasty but optional.
  • Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend.
  • Sour cream: Adds a cool and creamy tangy.
  • Guacamole: Sliced avocados are also great.
  • Cilantro: Adds a pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Walking Tacos

  • Brown the meat. Cook the meat and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain off any extra grease.
  • Add seasonings. Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa (or tomato sauce) and water and bring to a light simmer.
  • Assemble the tacos. Pour the taco meat into the bag of Fritos or Doritos. I like to crush the chips first, then add the meat. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy with a fork.
A hand holding a walking taco served in a Doritos bag.

Tips for Serving a Crowd

  • Add in ranch style beans or pinto beans with the meat. This will help bulk up the meat if you’re serving for a crowd.
  • Make the meat ahead of time, then keep warm in the crockpot until serving.
  • Set up a walking taco bar so that guests can easily assemble their own walking tacos.
  • Don’t forget to set out utensils and napkins for serving. I always include some extra plates as well, in case some guests would rather enjoy on a plate instead of right out of the bag.
Walking taco in a Frito bag on a plate with a fork.

More fun Mexican inspired taco recipes include this taco braid, taco pockets and crescent roll taco bake!

More Easy Mexican Recipes

walking taco in a dorito bag

Walking Taco Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Fun, handheld and full of flavor, these easy walking tacos are made right in a bag of chips. Load them up with taco meat and your favorite toppings for a no-fuss meal!
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Ingredients 

Ground beef

  • 1 pound ground beef , 80-90% lean
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1-2 Tablespoons taco seasoning , more to taste
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ¼ cup water , more as needed

S&P to taste

For serving: 6 (1 or 2 ounce) bags of Fritos or Doritos, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, guacamole and sour cream

Instructions

  • Brown ground beef with onion. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until browned, stirring occasionally breaking up any large pieces. 
  • Add seasonings to meat. Once browned, drain off any extra grease. Then add in the taco seasoning, salsa or tomato sauce and water. Bring to a light simmer. Add more water as desired. 
  • Assemble. Add meat into the bag of Fritos or Doritos. Feel free to crush the chips first if desired. You could also serve meat over a bed of lettuce and add crushed chips on top to make a salad.
  • Serve. Add your favorite toppings on top and enjoy with a fork.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Nutrition info: Chip bags and toppings are not included in the nutritional value. Add in accordingly for what you use. 

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 53mg, Sodium: 271mg, Potassium: 285mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 180IU, Vitamin C: 1.7mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 1.6mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Substitutions and Variations

  • You can cut the bag along the side and serve on a plate if you prefer.
  • Use ground turkey or a combo of turkey and beef to lighten it up a little.
  • Use kalua pork or salsa chicken in place of taco meat if preferred.
  • You can also add in vegetables such as bell peppers or corn.

FAQs

Why is it called a walking taco?

It’s named for how easy it is to eat on the go! Instead of serving the taco in a shell, the meat and toppings are added right into a small chip bag, making it perfect for parties, fairs, or campouts. Some people call it Frito pie, though that version typically uses chili instead of taco meat.

Can I make walking tacos ahead of time ?

Yes! You can cook the taco meat a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving and set out toppings so everyone can build their own.

What kind of chips work best?

Fritos and Nacho Cheese Doritos are the most popular, but Cool Ranch, Chili Cheese, or even plain tortilla chips work too. Just make sure the bags are snack-sized.