Nachos in a Bag
I am a traditionalist when it comes to nachos, and my gold star goes to the walking taco. I'm talking about the old-school, cafeteria hot lunch-style walking taco. Individual bags of chips filled with grated cheddar cheese, taco meat, sour cream, chopped onion, pickled jalapeno, canned black olives, tomatoes and whatever else you could find at the salad bar. I was known to top it all off with a little ranch dressing and buttery corn. You roll the top of the paper bag closed, shake it, then dig in with a plastic spork. The chips are evenly coated, every bite drenched, your knuckles kissed by the flavors as you dig for that last bite in the bottom corner. When I was a kid, it was fun. As an adult, it's fuel for nights of too many drinks and filthy one-night stands. And a plastic spork will make it taste better, I promise.
I am a traditionalist when it comes to nachos, and my gold star goes to the walking taco. I'm talking about the old-school, cafeteria hot lunch-style walking taco. Individual bags of chips filled with grated cheddar cheese, taco meat, sour cream, chopped onion, pickled jalapeno, canned black olives, tomatoes and whatever else you could find at the salad bar. I was known to top it all off with a little ranch dressing and buttery corn. You roll the top of the paper bag closed, shake it, then dig in with a plastic spork. The chips are evenly coated, every bite drenched, your knuckles kissed by the flavors as you dig for that last bite in the bottom corner. When I was a kid, it was fun. As an adult, it's fuel for nights of too many drinks and filthy one-night stands. And a plastic spork will make it taste better, I promise.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chile powder
- 8 to 10 ounces tortilla chips (1 medium bag)
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapenìƒo slices
- 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1 large tomato cored and diced
- 1/4 cup bottled ranch dressing
- Carbohydrate 7.88840355269811 g
- Cholesterol 120.170077907109 mg
- Fat 32.6503600492279 g
- Fiber 1.81708618043735 g
- Protein 31.1134728720654 g
- Saturated Fat 15.515826908002 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (250g)
- Sodium 460.145987940098 mg
- Sugar 6.07131737226076 g
- Trans Fat 3.275598149259 g
- Calories 449 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and cook, stirring and breaking the meat up with a spoon, until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the spices and tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Add the water, bring to a simmer and cook until the meat has absorbed the liquid, about 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice.
- Set aside.
- Divide the chips among 4 brown-paper lunch bags or small chip bags. (You can also serve the nachos in 4 bowls.)
- Divide the meat, cheese, onion, jalapeno slices, corn, olives, tomato, sour cream and ranch dressing among the bags.
- Close and shake the bags well to distribute the ingredients.
- Serve with forks.
A Walking Taco Tale: Nostalgia, Sporks, and a Whole Lotta Flavor
Oh, the memories. The aroma of sizzling beef, the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips, the creamy tang of sour cream battling the fiery kick of jalapeños – all contained within the humble confines of a brown paper lunch bag. This isn't just any nacho recipe; it's a trip down memory lane, a nostalgic feast that evokes the carefree days of childhood cafeteria lunches and late-night, slightly questionable adult adventures. This is the story of the walking taco, a culinary masterpiece of simple ingredients and maximum flavor, and a personal favorite of mine.
I remember vividly those chaotic, glorious moments. The anticipation of that first shake, the satisfying whoosh of ingredients mingling, the thrill of the hunt for that last perfect bite nestled in the bottom corner of the bag. It was messy, it was fun, and it was undeniably delicious. The plastic spork, a utensil often relegated to the realm of cheap thrills, somehow elevated the experience. It was the perfect, perfectly imperfect tool for navigating this edible adventure.
The beauty of this walking taco recipe lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for culinary creativity. While the classic combination of seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a medley of toppings remains a steadfast favorite, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and an array of your favorite toppings. Perhaps some spicy chorizo, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese, or a generous dollop of guacamole could elevate your walking taco to new heights. The key is to let your tastebuds be your guide.
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the experience. It's about the shared laughter, the messy fingers, and the pure, unadulterated joy of eating something utterly delicious in the simplest, most satisfying way possible. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable meals aren't the fanciest or most elaborate, but rather the ones that evoke a sense of nostalgia, camaraderie, and pure, unbridled happiness. So gather your friends, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready for a walking taco adventure.
For me, the walking taco transcends mere sustenance; it's a symbol of simpler times, a reminder of the unexpected joys that can be found in the most unassuming of meals. It's a recipe that I've shared with countless friends and family members, each bite bringing with it a wave of shared memories and laughter. The beauty of this recipe is its ability to bring people together, to create lasting memories around a shared culinary experience that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
So, the next time you're craving a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal, reach for this recipe. It's more than just a collection of ingredients; it's a journey back in time, a celebration of flavor, and a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest ones. The crunchy chips, the savory meat, the creamy toppings—it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you back to simpler times, or perhaps inspire a new generation of walking taco enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned nacho aficionado or a curious newcomer, this walking taco recipe promises an unforgettable culinary experience. The ease of preparation, the customization options, and the sheer joy of eating it make it a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual gatherings or a satisfying solo meal. And yes, even a plastic spork enhances the experience!
Beyond the nostalgic charm, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Adjust the spice level to your preference, add your favorite vegetables, or experiment with different types of chips. The possibilities are truly limitless, ensuring that each walking taco is a unique and personalized culinary creation. It's a testament to the beauty of simple cooking, where a few well-chosen ingredients can create a symphony of flavors that will linger long after the last bite.
So go ahead, embrace the mess, savor the flavor, and let the walking taco transport you back to simpler times, filled with laughter, shared moments, and the delightful crunch of a perfectly seasoned chip. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable experiences come in the most unexpected packages – or rather, bags.
