Grilled Walking Tacos in Foil Packets

Make your backyard cookouts more memorable with a walking taco bar: individual foil packets filled with lean protein, chips and fresh toppings that cook easily on the grill or over a campfire.

Disclosure: This recipe was sponsored by Reynolds Wrap®. All opinions are my own.

What is a walking taco?

A walking taco is a portable taco served in a chip bag or foil bowl instead of a fragile shell. Ingredients — seasoned meat, melted cheese, vegetables and toppings — are cooked and then spooned over tortilla or corn chips. You eat it with a fork or spoon, which keeps hands cleaner and eliminates the broken-shell mess. It’s ideal for outdoor events, festivals and casual backyard gatherings.

I first tried a walking taco at an international fair where seasoned ground beef was spooned into individual chip bags and topped with cheese, lettuce and tomato. The concept translates perfectly to a backyard or campsite when served in foil packets for easy grilling.

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Walking taco bar

Hosting a walking taco bar turns dinner into an interactive experience. Instead of the usual burgers and hot dogs, set out heavy-duty foil sheets and a selection of proteins, sauces, vegetables and toppings so each guest can assemble their own packet. Once sealed, packets go straight to the grill or campfire for about 15 minutes. The result is a customizable, hands-on meal that suits varied tastes and dietary needs.

Using heavy-duty foil helps ensure packets hold up on the grill and during transport. It’s also useful for shaping temporary foil bowls for serving the final walking taco over chips.

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Choose your ingredients, choose your adventure

Start by offering a variety of lean proteins. Ground beef works well, but lean pork, ground chicken or ground turkey are excellent alternatives and produce less grease. If you choose beef, opt for a higher-lean percentage (for example, 93% lean) to keep packets from becoming overly oily.

For sauce, canned enchilada sauce is a great option because it keeps the meat juicy while adding a balanced tomato-and-chile flavor. Offer red and green varieties and mild or hot options so guests can control heat level.

Add diced onions and peppers before sealing packets. Try jalapeños, poblanos or Anaheim peppers for varying spice and flavor. Finally, top with a cheese that melts well—mild cheddar, pepper jack or Oaxaca are all good choices.

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How to grill walking taco foil packets

Assemble packets by placing meat and a couple tablespoons of sauce in the center of a foil sheet, then add vegetables and cheese. Fold the long edges of the foil toward the center, then fold the short edges to seal the packet. This simple fold keeps juices contained while the packet cooks.

Place packets on a preheated grill over medium-high direct heat. Cook for approximately 15 minutes. The meat should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F and the vegetables will be tender while the cheese melts. When done, carefully open the packet and break up the meat with a fork before serving over chips.

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Time to eat

To serve, shape heavy-duty foil into individual bowls by draping sheets over an upside-down soup-size bowl and pressing to form a cavity, then roll up the edges for strength. Place a portion of corn chips in each foil bowl and spoon the cooked taco meat over the chips.

Provide a selection of fresh toppings for guests to customize their walking tacos: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, diced green onions, sour cream, guacamole and extra shredded cheese. Let everyone assemble their own finishing touches and enjoy a creative, casual meal that’s perfect for backyard parties or camping trips.

More foil packet recipes

• Chorizo Seafood Paella Foil Packets
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Foil Packets