Description
These Chilli Beef Tacos are a flavorful and quick meal featuring ground beef simmered in a blend of chili spices and tomatoes, served in warm taco shells with fresh toppings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines spicy, savory beef with crunchy and creamy accompaniments for a satisfying Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 soft taco shells or hard taco shells
Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook for about 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with all the spices.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the beef broth or water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Filling: Let the mixture cook gently for 10-12 minutes to meld flavors and reduce the liquid, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm the Taco Shells: While the beef simmers, warm the taco shells according to package instructions, either by heating them in an oven, skillet, or microwave.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the prepared beef filling evenly into each warmed taco shell.
- Add Toppings: Top the tacos with your choice of shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa or pico de gallo, and optional fresh cilantro or jalapeño slices.
- Serve: Serve the Chilli Beef Tacos immediately with sides such as rice, guacamole, or tortilla chips for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious tacos!
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness of the beef filling.
- Use either soft flour or hard corn taco shells based on preference.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that the taco shells and spices used are certified gluten-free.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
