Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
easy football tailgate walking tacos - featured image

Easy Football Tailgate Walking Tacos


  • Author: Isabel
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A portable, crunchy, and customizable tailgate meal where ingredients are layered inside individual bags of tortilla chips to keep them crisp until the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 12 small bags (6 oz each) tortilla chips
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat into small crumbles. Cook for 5-6 minutes until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft.
  2. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
  3. Add drained black beans and half a cup of water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow spices to penetrate. Drain any excess liquid so the mixture is moist but not soupy.
  4. Remove skillet from heat and let the meat cool for 2-3 minutes so it is warm, not scalding.
  5. Open a bag of chips. Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese to the bottom of the bag first.
  6. Add a generous scoop of the meat mixture on top of the cheese.
  7. Top with sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, or other favorites. Eat immediately to maintain chip crispness.

Notes

The key to keeping chips crisp is the ‘cheese barrier’: place cheese at the bottom of the bag before adding the meat. Ensure beans are thoroughly drained and patted dry to prevent sogginess. Let the meat cool slightly before assembling to avoid steaming the chips. Do not assemble tacos ahead of time; eat immediately.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bag of chips with
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 6
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: tailgate food, walking tacos, football snacks, easy dinner, crowd pleaser, portable meals, game day food, ground beef tacos