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Flavorful Walking Taco Bar Recipe with Easy Homemade Toppings Guide

Flavorful Walking Taco Bar - featured image

A quick and easy walking taco bar featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy chips, and fresh homemade toppings, perfect for gatherings and casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
  • Individual-sized bags of sturdy corn chips or Fritos
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Shredded lettuce, finely chopped
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños or pickled peppers (optional)
  • Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
  • Homemade guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salsa verde or your favorite salsa
  • Optional extras: black beans, corn kernels, pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until browned all over, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for juiciness if preferred.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper over the meat. Stir well to coat evenly.
  6. Pour in beef broth or water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. While the meat simmers, prepare toppings: shred cheese, chop lettuce, dice tomatoes, slice jalapeños, and prepare guacamole and sour cream.
  8. Taste the meat and adjust seasoning if needed once most liquid has evaporated.
  9. Set up the walking taco bar: open individual chip bags, spoon in seasoned meat, and pile on desired toppings.
  10. Serve immediately to keep chips crunchy or cover with foil if waiting for guests.

Notes

Toast spices in the pan before adding meat to enhance flavor. Avoid overcooking ground beef to keep it juicy. Prep toppings close to serving time for freshness. Cook meat ahead and reheat gently with broth to maintain moisture. Serve chips in individual bags to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco, taco bar, ground beef tacos, easy taco recipe, party food, crowd-pleaser, homemade toppings