This Taco Chili is a warm and hearty dish packed with delicious flavors! With ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a bit of spice, it’s a perfect one-pot meal for cozy nights.
Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just throw everything into a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy! I like to top mine with cheese and chips—it adds the perfect crunch. Yum! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the chili its hearty base. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of beans instead.
Beans: Kidney and black beans are staples here, but feel free to mix in pinto beans or chickpeas. Canned beans make it easy, but you can cook dried beans ahead of time if you like.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add both flavor and texture. If you’re out, you can use fresh tomatoes, just chop them up and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key for flavor, but you can adjust their amounts based on your spice preference. For more heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is great, but you can swap it for Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free option if needed.
How Do I Get the Best Flavors in Taco Chili?
Getting the flavors just right is all about how you cook the ingredients. Start by sautéing onions and garlic because it builds a sweet foundation for your chili.
- Cook them until soft, then add the ground beef. Brown it well to develop deeper flavors.
- Don’t rush the spices; let them cook with the beef for a minute! This helps their flavors bloom.
- Simmering is key—allowing your chili to cook for at least 30 minutes lets all those tasty ingredients meld together. If you have the time, let it go longer for an even richer dish!
Tips: Taste as you cook; adjusting seasoning is essential. Enjoy your delicious Taco Chili!
How to Make Taco Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Taco Chili recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-60 minutes to cook, depending on how long you choose to let it simmer. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Onion:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft.
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Browning the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart while cooking. Stir it well and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Mixing in Spices:
Now, sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the pot. Mix well and let the spices cook with the beef for about a minute. This helps the flavors to develop.
5. Adding the Rest of the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Simmering the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you have more time, let it simmer for up to 1 hour for richer flavors!
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
8. Serving Your Chili:
Dish the Taco Chili into bowls while it’s hot. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Enjoy your wonderfully hearty Taco Chili!
This meal is perfect for cozy dinners or any game day gathering—everyone will love it!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just follow the same cooking instructions as you would with ground beef for a healthier option.
Can I Make Taco Chili in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s a fantastic option for meal prepping!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Taco Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for additional flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions for the best results.
