These little tacos in a bag, often called walking tacos, are equally perfect for game day get togethers, busy school nights, or even camping... So simple and easy to make!
You might be wondering just exactly what are walking tacos, and I totally get your confusion. I was also puzzled the first time I heard the term... I mean, tacos seem pretty portable as is. Right?
But after learning that they're just typical taco fixings added to a snack size bag of Fritos (or Doritos, as commenters have suggested), I am totally in love with them. I mean they're easy to make and relatively mess-free -- what's NOT to love?
Walking tacos are not only perfect for quick meals before I have to get the kids to the sports practice of the day, they're also a fantastic option for game day get togethers and parties.
What Is In A Walking Taco?
The Crock-Pot Triple Dipper is the perfect way to serve walking tacos. The three 1-quart mini crocks hold the perfect amount for a small crowd!
I filled my crockpots up with the following:
- Seasoned ground beef: see recipe below.
- Simple Velveeta queso: 16 oz. Velveeta + 1 can Rotel.
- Spicy black beans: 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed + homemade taco seasoning to taste.
PRO TIP: A more budget-friendly way to feed a large group is to use this ground beef taco meat with beans instead of the seasoned ground beef. Adding canned black beans is an inexpensive to stretch the taco meat to feed more people!
Triple Crockpot Server
Unfortunately the Crock-Pot Triple Dipper shown has since been discontinued. However, I found a similar round triple crockpot at Bed Bath & Beyond. Or you might consider this Amazon Basics triple slow cooker buffet, especially for larger gatherings since it holds 2.5 quarts per crock!
Additional toppings I had available were chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Some fresh pico de gallo would be another excellent addition!
How To Make Walking Tacos
There really is no set-in-stone walking taco recipe. Just open a snack size bag of Fritos corn chips (or Doritos) and add your desired toppings. (I like a little of everything.) Eat it straight from the bag, and the entire thing can be tossed when you're finished -- so simple!
I will say that finding just the snack size bags of Fritos at the grocery store can be pretty difficult. They typically only come in a variety pack with other chips, meaning you only get a few bags of Fritos.
But I discovered you can pick up this box of 40 bags of snack size Fritos for as little as $0.43 per bag! And for those of you that prefer Doritos, you can find the snack size bags of Doritos on Amazon, too -- as low as $0.32 per bag!
Now if I can just keep my kids from taking them all in their lunches...
Easy Walking Tacos For A Crowd (Tacos In A Bag)
This walking tacos recipe makes enough for a crowd and is equally perfect for tailgating and beyond. Tacos in a bag are simple, convenient, and easy to make!
Ingredients
For the seasoned taco meat:
- 2-lb. ground beef
- 4 tablespoons mild taco seasoning
- ½ cup of water
For the walking tacos:
- 16 (1-oz.) snack size bags of Fritos corn chips
- toppings such as chopped lettuce, shredded Mexican cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and/or fresh tomato salsa
Instructions
- In a large skillet, crumble and brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top and pour in water; mix well. Heat through until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble walking tacos by spooning approximately ¼ cup of the seasoned ground beef over top of the Fritos chips in a snack size bag. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and/or salsa, as desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 92mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 17g
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Have you ever served walking tacos? I can see these being a big hit at birthday parties, too! Or what about for camping?! Check the comments for lots more suggestions.
Melanie Shelton says
You forgot the most important part (according to my family! Add all ingredients and shake before eating. Carefully.
Dris says
Our church sold these at the county fair back in the 80's, except as frito chili pie! Yummmmm!!
Lila says
We use Doritos and cut the bag on the side - makes it so much easier to eat out of the bag.
Melissa says
I love these with nacho cheese doritos.
Eva says
Sounds more like a frito pie but in a frito bag lol
Barb says
Since the Kentucky Derby is close to Cinco De Mayo I think I'll do these for our gathering to watch the Derby. Great idea!!
Kayla says
That's so weird! In Iowa, we always use Doritos. I'll have to try Fritos!
stephanie Hall says
@Kayla, I'm here in Des Moines IA and I'm gonna try the Fritos to this weekend.
Yolanda says
We call these Frito Pies here. They're made with red chile, pinto beans, cheese and onions.
Helen Blankenship Cook says
Also very good with Doritos
Sarah- the magical slow cooker says
We made these camping, if you buy bagged lettuce and cheese, you have no clean up except you pan you cooked your meat in and the crock pot. Love this recipe!
Christy Lucas says
Great recipe. When I was in high school, we made these for football games in the concession stands. Our only difference was we used Doritos instead of corn chips. Adds a little more flavor.
Jeannette says
I also run a stand for my daughters varsity basketball team. Wanted to try them this year. What did u sell them for?
Rhonda says
these are an awesome idea we also do them when we camp. you can also use nacho cheese doritos or chili cheese Fritos. we also do this at a.m. p.m. we get a bag of nacho cheese doritos or Fritos and add the chili and cheese for the nachos into the bag
Yvearl says
Absolutely genius! The possibilities are endless! And I love that crock pot! Walk on Unsophisticook, walk on!! Love it.
Cami says
These are really easy and kids love them. I use cheese doritos for the walking tacos and make another version with the fritos using chili, cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos as toppings. So yummy and always a big hit!
Laurel says
I absolutely love this! We are having a get together this weekend and will be trying this out :)
Char says
We call them 'taco in a bag' in Canada. I make the taco meat up ahead of time and then freeze in single serve bags, then just take the remaining ingredients along for quick lunches while camping.
Angie says
I've been wanting to try those walking tacos for a while. You've conviced me, I have to try next week!
Kristen says
We love walking tacos but always serve ours in Doritos bags! Will totally have to try the Fritos version!
Cindy Dickerson says
How very clever and can't wait to give these a try!! Sounds Yummy!
Nancy says
Love these! We serve them at KSU tailgates - they're perfect! Haven't seen a crock-pot like that one though; love it.
Kristen says
KSU as in K-State? (Manhattan KS?)
Nancy says
Yep...KSU Wildcats. Purple & Proud :)
Wendy says
Both of my sons play travel sports & going away to tournaments can be tough on the budget. So, a few parents started implementing a walking taco night at each tourney & it works out great. Everyone brings meat, taco fixings or a dessert to share. Such an inexpensive & easy version of a pot luck. The only cooking involved is for the person(s) that brings the meat. If anyone has family in the town we're in, they typically take the job of making the taco meat. Otherwise, people have cooked the hamburger with seasoning ahead of time, popped it in a cooler (later hotel fridge) until the day of the meal & then put it in the crock pot on low/keep warm setting until dinner time. I love this!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
What a great idea, Wendy!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
My kids love these, they are always a big hit at the concession stand for our school sporting events.
Colette Stanley says
We grew up with these at the pool in the summer, and they're called Frito Pie in Louisiana and Texas! Mmmmmm.
Aggie says
These are so fun! Love that crock pot!
CWil says
i help run a concession stand and we make these but use cheesy dorito chips..yummo!
Granny D says
Thanks for posting this idea! I received one of the triple Crock Pots as a gift from the Kansas Star Casino near me and I was trying to think of something to serve in it at our office Halloween party tomorrow.
Paula - bell'alimento says
Oh my goodness how have I never heard of these? I'm hosting a birthday party soon and these will be perfect : )
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
I am totally on board for walking tacos, and even more with that crock pot. What a great idea!