Corn Chip Tacos
These flavorful corn chip tacos feature seasoned ground beef topped with fresh vegetables, cheese, and olives, perfect for a casual, crowd-pleasing meal with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package corn chips ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 avocado, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded ⓘ
- 3 tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced black olives or pimiento-stuffed olives ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and one chopped large onion in a Dutch oven until the meat is browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, sugar (if using), garlic powder, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water to the beef mixture.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Arrange corn chips on a serving plate.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the chips.
- Layer with chopped onion, green pepper, avocado, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced black or pimiento-stuffed olives.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Serve with taco or picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a mix of black beans and lentils. You can also adjust the spices to your taste; feel free to add more chili powder or cumin for a bolder flavor. This dish can be easily customized by adding your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
These Corn Chip Tacos make a great centerpiece for a casual gathering. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or some Mexican-style rice for a complete meal. They pair nicely with a side of guacamole or a refreshing pico de gallo. For a fun twist, consider serving them as part of a taco bar where guests can customize their own plates.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The corn chips can become soggy if stored together, so keep them separate. To reheat the meat mixture, warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Serve with fresh corn chips to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corn Chip Tacos contains roughly 1278 calories, with 38g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1988mg per serving (86% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just make sure to store the corn chips separately to keep them crispy.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian option, use black beans and corn for a hearty filling. Adjust the spices accordingly, as some alternatives may have different flavor profiles.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with different chili powders to find the right heat level for your taste.
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).