Description
Ranch Walking Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, combining hearty ground beef simmered with spices, beans, and ranch seasoning, served directly in crunchy ranch-flavored tortilla chip bags. Topped with shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, and drizzled with ranch dressing, these walking tacos make for a perfect casual meal or party snack.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 lb. ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tbsp. chili powder, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
Tomato and Beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and chiles (such as Ro-Tel)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Thickener
- 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour) or regular cornmeal
For Serving
- 8 (1-ounce) bags ranch flavored tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup bottled ranch dressing
- Hot sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, chopped garlic, and ranch seasoning mix. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with chiles. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beans and continue simmering: Stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans. Cover again and simmer for an additional 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Thicken the mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the masa harina with ½ cup of warm water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the chili thickens.
- Assemble walking tacos: Carefully open the tops of each ranch-flavored tortilla chip bag and fold them down. Spoon the chili mixture evenly into the bags. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the chili. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Drizzle each with bottled ranch dressing and serve with hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chili powder and hot sauce for spiciness to suit your taste.
- Masa harina thickens the chili while adding a subtle corn flavor, but regular cornmeal can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein or beans only.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the chip bags.
- Using ranch-flavored tortilla chips adds an extra layer of flavor and complements the ranch seasoning in the chili.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American