Chili Tacos
A hearty and flavorful chili taco filling with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and beans, perfect for tacos, dips, or pita sandwiches. Great for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup refried beans ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1 (5.8 oz.) can corn or 10 oz. frozen corn ⓘ
- 2 to 3 drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender, then drain off excess fat and liquid.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin seed, celery seed, corn, hot pepper sauce, tomato sauce, and refried beans.
- Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times.
- Serve the chili mixture with chips as a dip or fill pita pockets to make sandwiches.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños. You can also substitute the refried beans with black beans for a different texture. To save time, use canned corn instead of frozen.
Serving Suggestions
These chili tacos can be served in soft or hard taco shells for a fun twist. For a complete meal, serve with a side of warm tortilla chips or a fresh salad, such as a Warm Taco Salad. You can also top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor and creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring to ensure even warming, similar to how you would reheat Microwave Chili Con Carne.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Tacos contains roughly 448 calories, with 20g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (180% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 667mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste. It’s perfect for meal prepping or hosting gatherings.
What can I serve with chili tacos?
Chili tacos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with Mexican rice or a side of black beans for a hearty meal. For something lighter, a simple green salad or corn salad can balance the richness of the tacos. Don't forget the tortilla chips for dipping!
Can I freeze the chili mixture?
Absolutely! The chili mixture freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).