Description
These Chilli Beef Tacos are a flavorful, easy-to-make Mexican-inspired main course featuring ground beef cooked with aromatic spices and tomato paste. Served in warm taco shells and topped with fresh ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and avocado slices, they make a perfect taco night meal that’s both satisfying and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 8 small taco shells or tortillas
Toppings (optional)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there is excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it off for a leaner filling.
- Season and simmer: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors. Add the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce and stir well to combine. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Warm taco shells: While the filling simmers, warm the taco shells or tortillas following the package instructions to make them soft and pliable, ready to hold the filling.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the chili beef mixture evenly into each taco shell. Top with your choice of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture to stretch the filling and introduce extra texture.
- These tacos are perfect for taco night gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
