# A Walking Taco is Just What You Need This Summer
Walking tacos offer a fun and handy take on conventional tacos, ideal for summer parties, game days, camping excursions, or whenever you seek a quick and delightful meal. Merging the tastes of a hard shell taco into a mobile format, walking tacos are bound to be beloved by friends and family.
## What Are Walking Tacos?
Walking tacos are made up of Fritos corn chips topped with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, green onions, and a spoonful of sour cream, all served in a handy bag. Often called Frito pies, they capture the warm nostalgia of childhood meals, stirring memories of simpler times.
## How to Make Walking Tacos
Making walking tacos is just as straightforward as preparing regular hard shell tacos. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide:
1. **Prepare the Seasoned Ground Taco Meat**: Sauté chopped onions until tender, then incorporate your choice of ground meat and cook until browned. Season with taco seasoning and mix in a can of fire-roasted tomatoes. Allow it to simmer until slightly thickened.
2. **Prepare the Toppings**: While the meat cooks, chop lettuce, dice tomatoes, shred cheese, and slice green onions.
3. **Assemble**: Open a bag of Fritos, fold down the sides for easy access, and layer in the taco meat, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions.
4. **Enjoy**: You can either shake the bag to combine everything or scoop out with a fork as you wish.
## Walking Taco Ingredients
– **Fritos**: The quintessential corn chips that provide a crunchy foundation.
– **Onions**: Diced for sweetness and layers in the meat sauce.
– **Ground Meat**: Lean ground beef is typical, but options like turkey, chicken, or vegetarian choices such as beans are viable.
– **Taco Seasoning**: Homemade or store-bought, to enhance flavor.
– **Fire Roasted Tomatoes**: To add umami and moisture.
– **Lettuce**: Chopped or shredded for freshness.
– **Cheese**: Shredded cheddar or a taco blend.
– **Tomatoes**: Freshly diced for acidity and contrast.
– **Sour Cream**: Adds creaminess and zest.
– **Green Onions/Cilantro**: For embellishment.
## What Are Fritos?
Fritos, launched in 1932, are the original corn chips made with just corn, corn oil, and salt. They are thicker and crunchier than tortilla chips, making them suitable for supporting the hearty toppings of a walking taco.
## Corn Chips vs. Tortilla Chips
Corn chips like Fritos are usually saltier and more robust than tortilla chips, which are made from masa (cooked ground corn) and are often thinner and more fragile. This robustness makes corn chips ideal for a walking taco.
## What to Do If You Can’t Find Fritos
If Fritos are not available, you can replace them with other brands of corn chips or even tortilla chips. Doritos can also serve as a fun alternative.
## Walking Taco Variations
– **Vegetarian Walking Tacos**: Substitute the meat with black beans or your favorite legumes.
– **Doritos**: Use flavored Doritos for an exciting twist.
– **Upscale Version**: Use homemade tortilla chips and top with gourmet taco meats and fresh salsas.
– **Meal Prep**: Pack Fritos and toppings separately for a convenient lunch option.
Walking tacos are not just tasty but also versatile, making them an excellent choice for any summer event. Relish the ease of preparation and the pleasure of sharing this nostalgic treat with friends and family!