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Walking Tacos with Chipotle Beef Chili

by

Michael Symon

Michael Symon transforms the nostalgic fairground favorite into something you can make at home, layering smoky chipotle-spiced beef chili into individual bags of Doritos. Top with cheddar, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime for a hands-on meal that's as fun to eat as it is satisfying.

Prep Time:

20 Minutes

Cook Time

1 Hour + 10 Minutes

Serves:

4 Servings

Level:

Beginner

Ingredients

CHIPOTLE BEEF CHILI

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper

  • 1 yellow onion, diced, plus more for serving (optional)

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 teaspoons ground chipotle

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

  • 4 ounces tomato paste

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1½ cups beef stock


FOR SERVING

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2 jalapeños, chopped

  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced 1 lime, cut into quarters

  • 4 individual snack-size bags of Doritos (Cool Ranch, Nacho Cheese, or your favorite flavor)

Instructions

STEP 1: Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 4–5 minutes.

STEP 2: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. STEP 3 Stir in the ground chipotle, paprika, cumin, oregano, and ground cloves. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.

STEP 4: Add the tomato paste and flour, stirring until a smooth paste forms and coats the meat and vegetables.

STEP 5: Pour in the beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.

STEP 6: Cover and cook over medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the chili is thick and the flavors have developed.

STEP 7: Open each individual bag of Doritos and gently crush the chips slightly, if desired. STEP 8: Spoon the hot chili directly into each bag. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Serving & Finishing Touches

Serve immediately with a fork and enjoy straight from the bag.

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