This Taco Chili is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s packed with ground beef, beans, and all the taco seasonings you love. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
I like to top mine with some cheese and sour cream for extra yumminess. Perfect for cozy nights when you just want something warm and tasty! 🌮🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice, but you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat if you prefer a lighter dish or need a meat-free option.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans add great texture and protein. If you’re in a pinch, pinto beans work well too. Canned beans are super convenient, just remember to rinse them!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key for flavor. If you want to change it up, taco seasoning works as a great substitution! You can adjust the heat with more or less cayenne pepper based on your taste.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create the base. Fresh tomatoes are fine too, just chop them up and simmer longer to get the right texture.
How Can I Get My Chili to Have Great Flavor?
Getting that deep, rich flavor in your Taco Chili involves a couple of key techniques. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by sautéing the onions and then garlic until they’re nice and fragrant. This creates a solid flavor base.
- When you add your spices, let them cook for a minute before adding the liquids. This toasts the spices and releases their flavors!
- Simmer the chili uncovered; this allows it to thicken and deepens the flavors as it cooks.
Taste your chili before serving and feel free to adjust the seasoning. This will ensure it’s exactly how you like it!
How to Make Delicious Taco Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 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 heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For Garnish:
- Tortilla chips or Fritos, crushed
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Taco Chili takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook and crumble it as it browns, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat after cooking, feel free to drain it off.
3. Add the Spices:
Next, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Cook everything together for about 1 minute to allow the spices to toast and become fragrant.
4. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Incorporate the Beans and Corn:
Add the drained black beans, kidney beans, and corn to the pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle your Taco Chili into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or Fritos, fresh cilantro, and shredded cheese if you’d like. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Feel free to get creative with toppings and make it your own. This Taco Chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings or game days! 🌶️🍲
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will work great in this recipe. It may have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a combination of lentils, tofu, or additional beans. You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth as well.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can definitely add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them with the onions at the beginning.