Description
These Chili Beef Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican classic, featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with aromatic spices and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or taco night gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 8 small taco shells or tortillas
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned evenly. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Season the beef: Add the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the beef with the spices for a rich and well-rounded flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in the beef broth or water and reduce the heat slightly. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Warm taco shells: While the beef is simmering, warm the taco shells or tortillas as per the package instructions to make them pliable and ready for filling.
- Assemble the tacos: Spoon the chili beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top to add a fresh citrusy zing.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños while cooking the beef.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Use gluten-free taco shells to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
