If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to spice up taco night, these chili beef tacos are your new best friend. Picture this: savory ground beef cooked with a kick of chili seasoning, topped with your favorite taco fixings, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Trust me, these tacos are a game-changer—simple yet satisfying, with just the right balance of heat and comfort. You’ll want to make these again and again.
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Why You’ll Love Chili Beef Tacos
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re hosting taco night with friends, enjoying a cozy dinner with the family, or treating yourself to a flavorful meal, these chili beef tacos are the perfect fit. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Taco night just got easier. These tacos are great for a casual family meal, a fun gathering with friends, or even meal prepping for the week. You can make as many or as few as you want—everyone can assemble their own tacos just the way they like.
Budget-Friendly: With a few simple ingredients, these tacos come together beautifully without breaking the bank. Plus, you’ll likely already have the spices in your pantry, making it even easier to whip up.
Quick and Easy: These tacos come together in a snap! You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to pull this one off. It’s all about browning the beef, adding those bold chili flavors, and piling on your favorite toppings.
Customizable: Spice it up with a little extra chili powder or add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy balance. Prefer a milder version? Just tweak the heat level to suit your taste. These tacos are all about you!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s kids, adults, or anyone in between, these chili beef tacos are sure to impress. They’re always a hit at dinner tables, and you’ll find everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these flavorful tacos:
Ground Beef: The heart and soul of the tacos. Tender, juicy ground beef soaks up all those delicious spices, creating the perfect base for your chili tacos.
Chili Seasoning: This is where the magic happens. A blend of spices that adds that bold, smoky flavor we all love in chili.
Taco Shells: Soft tortillas or crispy taco shells—whichever you prefer. Both are great for holding in all the tasty goodness.
Shredded Cheese: Because tacos without cheese are like a party without music. Cheddar or a Mexican blend works wonderfully.
Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Onions: These fresh veggies add a nice crunch and balance the richness of the beef.
Sour Cream or Salsa: Top off your tacos with a dollop of creamy sour cream or a scoop of fresh salsa for that extra zing.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these taco masterpieces:
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This is where you build that rich base flavor.
Add the Chili Seasoning: Once the beef is browned, add your chili seasoning and a splash of water. Stir until the seasoning is well distributed and everything is nicely coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow all the flavors to come together.
Prepare Your Taco Shells: While the beef is simmering, heat your taco shells according to the package instructions. If you’re using soft tortillas, you can quickly warm them up in a skillet for a few seconds on each side.
Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the chili beef mixture into each taco shell. Top with your desired toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
Serve and Enjoy: Your tacos are ready to serve! Grab a plate, pile them high with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite.
How to Serve Chili Beef Tacos
These tacos are perfect for pairing with various sides to complete your meal. Here are some great options:
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the hearty chili beef.
Mexican Rice: Add a side of fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Guacamole: You can’t go wrong with creamy guacamole. Serve it alongside for dipping or top your tacos with a spoonful for extra richness.
Extra Toppings: Don’t forget your favorite taco toppings! Try adding pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or a squeeze of lime for an extra kick.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make your chili beef tacos even more delicious:
Meal Prep: The chili beef filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
Spice Level: Want to turn up the heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your taco filling.
Dietary Adjustments: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef filling for up to 3 months—perfect for a quick meal later on.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat work wonderfully as alternatives. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the beef filling can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the leftover chili beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Q4: Can I freeze the chili beef filling?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cooked beef filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the filling?
A5: Reheat the beef filling in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Doubling the recipe is a great idea if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week.
Q7: How can I make these tacos spicier?
A7: Add diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your chili beef for extra heat.
Q8: Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
A8: Absolutely! If you prefer homemade taco seasoning, feel free to use your own blend. It’s a great way to personalize the flavors.
Q9: Can I use a different type of taco shell?
A9: Definitely! Soft tortillas, hard taco shells, or even lettuce wraps can be used to make these tacos.
Q10: Are these tacos gluten-free?
A10: Yes, if you use gluten-free taco shells or lettuce wraps, these tacos can easily be made gluten-free.
Conclusion
These chili beef tacos are an easy, flavorful way to bring some excitement to taco night. With tender beef, bold seasoning, and endless topping options, they’re bound to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every single bite—trust me, these tacos will leave everyone asking for more!
Print
Chili Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Chilli Beef Tacos are packed with flavor and heat, featuring a seasoned beef filling that’s perfectly complemented by melted cheese and fresh coriander. The crispy, oven-baked tacos are a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings. Serve with sour cream for an extra creamy touch!
Ingredients
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For the beef filling:
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1/2 brown onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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500g lean beef mince
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1/2 tsp chilli powder (more or less, depending on your spice tolerance)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1/4 tsp pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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200g canned diced tomatoes
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To serve:
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6 medium tortillas
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1 cup Mexican cheese blend
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3 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
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2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
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Sour cream (optional)
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Instructions
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Cook the Beef Filling:
Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Move the beef mixture to the side of the pan, then add the tomato paste directly onto the pan’s surface. Let it cook for 30 seconds before mixing it into the beef.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Assemble the Tacos:
Spoon the beef mixture onto half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with cheese and coriander. Fold the tortillas in half to close. -
Bake the Tacos:
Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle extra cheese over them.
Place the tacos on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (fan-forced) for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
Slice the tacos and serve with a dollop of sour cream (optional). Enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more chilli powder or even fresh chilies into the beef mixture. You can also customize your toppings with lettuce, guacamole, or salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg