Description
Chilli Beef Tacos are a flavorful and spicy Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with aromatic spices and tomato paste, served in warm taco shells and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and zesty condiments. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 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
For Serving
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring it becomes fragrant without burning.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned thoroughly and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the filling lean.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in the beef broth or water and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Warm Taco Shells: Heat the taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions—this usually involves warming in the oven or on a dry skillet briefly until pliable and warm.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the chilli beef mixture evenly into each warm taco shell. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Adjust the level of chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid overly greasy filling.
- Use fresh toppings and juice lime wedges just before serving for the best flavor.
