Craving a delicious and unique twist on game day classics or a fun weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Italian Beef Walking Taco recipe! We're taking the beloved Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich and giving it a fun, portable makeover. Imagine juicy, tender Italian beef, slow-simmered in a rich au jus, nestled inside a crispy taco shell, topped with all the fixings you crave. Forget messy plates – this handheld delight is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a casual night in. The combination of savory beef, zesty peppers, and creamy cheese offers a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
This recipe perfectly balances the classic flavors of an Italian beef with the convenient portability of a walking taco. Get ready to elevate your taco game with this exciting fusion. Ready to dive into the delicious step-by-step instructions and create your own batch of these irresistible Italian Beef Walking Tacos? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Taco bag/shells
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Basil
- Chicago style giardiniera
- Celery
- Red onion
- Red bell pepper
- Salt
- Pepper
- Provolone cheese
- Fritos corn chips (or other chips)
- Lettuce
- Jalapeño
- Marinated onions
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Italian Beef Filling
- Remove the casing from the Italian sausage. A helpful tip is to use the sausage meat to make meatballs!
- Sauté the Italian sausage and ground beef together.
- Add celery, red onion, and red bell pepper to the meat mixture.
- Stir in garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and Chicago style giardiniera.
- Cook everything down, adding a little water to create a nice sauce. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 2. Assemble the Walking Taco
- Open your taco bag/shell. You can use Fritos, other corn chips, or potato chips.
- Add the Italian beef mixture to the bag/shell.
Step 3. Melt the Cheese and Add Toppings
- Top with provolone cheese and let it melt.
- Add giardiniera, lettuce, jalapeño, and marinated onions.
Step 4. Optional: Smash and Serve
- Smash the taco to make it easier to eat.
Read more: Crispy Sicilian Panelle: Chickpea Fritter Recipe
Tips
- Use Italian sausage meat to make quick and easy meatballs!
- This recipe is quick, taking about 10 minutes to make the beef filling, unlike a more time-consuming sloppy joe.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chips!
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 40-55g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked Italian beef?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked Italian beef will save you time. Just be sure to heat it through gently before adding it to your tacos.
2. What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Shredded provolone or mozzarella are classic choices, but you can experiment with other cheeses you enjoy, like a blend of Italian cheeses.
This Italian Beef Walking Taco recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic Chicago favorite. The perfect blend of savory beef, tangy au jus, and crunchy taco shell makes for an unforgettable taste experience. Enjoy this unique and satisfying meal – perfect for any occasion!