Perfect On-the-Go Taco Bags

A Busy Night Saved by Taco Bags

My Favorite is On-the-Go Taco Bags and On nights when the schedule is packed and there’s barely time to breathe, I find solace in my On-the-Go Taco Bags. I remember one evening when the kids had back-to-back activities and I was running on empty. I needed a meal that was quick, satisfying, and didn’t involve a sink full of dishes. That’s when I turned to my trusty taco bags. They’ve become my secret weapon for those chaotic nights when time is of the essence.

Easy Prep with Big Flavor

Making these taco bags is a breeze. I start by browning ground beef with taco seasoning. The smell of that sizzling beef mixed with the spices always brings a comforting sense of home. Once the meat is ready, I crush the nacho cheese chips while still in their bags—an oddly satisfying task. The chips serve as a sturdy base for the taco toppings, and they stay crisp even with all the delicious fillings.

Assembly Made Fun

Assembling the taco bags is where the fun begins. I open each bag of crushed chips and layer in the seasoned beef. The hot meat helps melt the shredded cheese, making it gooey and irresistible. I top everything off with fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream. The kids love the interactive element of eating right from the bag, and it makes clean-up a snap.

A Family Favorite

These taco bags have quickly become a family favorite. They’re not only perfect for hectic nights but also great for picnics or game day snacks. With their easy prep and minimal clean-up, they’ve become my go-to solution for satisfying meals on the fly. It’s moments like these that remind me how simple recipes can make life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.

Chef’s Notes-On-the-Go Taco Bags

• Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes assembly even quicker on busy nights.
• Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the taco seasoning mix. This gives the meat a deeper, smoky flavor.
• When crushing the tortilla chips, do so gently. You want smaller pieces but not crumbs, as they will still need to hold the toppings without becoming too soggy.
• Serve the bags immediately after assembly to maintain the crispiness of the chips. Delaying can cause the chips to lose their crunch.
• Offer additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, black olives, or pickled onions on the side so each family member can personalize their taco bag.

On-the-Go Taco Bags

Course: Main Course, SnackCuisine: American, Tex-MexDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

bags

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

657

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

These On-the-Go Taco Bags are a lifesaver for busy families! Perfect for those hectic nights when you need a quick, delicious meal that kids will love. No cleanup required, and you can even eat them in the car on the way to soccer practice. Make the meat ahead of time, and you’re all set for a stress-free dinner. Inspired by the simplicity and flavor of street food, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

• Meat and Seasoning

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (1 ounce)

• Chips and Cheese

• 4 bags nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips (like Doritos®) (1.75 ounces each)

• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

• Fresh Toppings

• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

• 1 cup finely shredded iceberg lettuce

• 1 cup sour cream

Directions

• Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned and crumbly, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Without opening the bags of tortilla chips, gently crush them to break them into smaller pieces.
• Add a generous amount of diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce to each bag. Finish with a dollop of sour cream on top.
• Mix gently within the bag to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately with forks right out of the bags for a fun and easy meal.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• nonstick pan
• mixing bowls

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 657kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 99mg
• Sodium: 975mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 15IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 15mg

FAQ- On-the-Go Taco Bags

Can I make this recipe with a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning to taste as leaner meats might need a bit more flavor.

How can I keep the chips from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, serve the taco bags immediately after assembly. Make sure the meat isn’t too wet, and avoid adding too much liquid when cooking it.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can cook and season the meat ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to assemble the taco bags right before serving to keep the chips crispy.

Are there healthier alternatives for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, and opt for baked or gluten-free tortilla chips to reduce the calorie count.

What other toppings can I add to these taco bags?

You can get creative with toppings! Try adding black beans, corn, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A drizzle of hot sauce can also add a spicy kick.