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Chilli Beef Tacos

Chilli Beef Tacos

Chilli Beef Tacos are a quick, spicy, and satisfying meal featuring tender ground beef seasoned with bold chilli spices, complemented by fresh vegetables and vibrant toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos deliver a flavorful punch with easy-to-find ingredients that can be easily customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chilli powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • 6 soft tortillas (flour or corn)

Garnishes and Extras

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: shredded cheddar or crumbled queso fresco
  • Optional: diced red onion
  • Optional: sliced avocado
  • Optional: sour cream

Optional Variations

  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat
  • Substitute ground beef with black beans or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian option
  • Chopped radishes or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch
  • Use lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative to tortillas

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely dice the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. Measure out all spices to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until it begins to brown. Drain excess fat if necessary, then add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle in chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Add the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors.
  4. Simmer and Finish: Pour in a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the mixture. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the beef and all components to heat through.
  5. Warm Tortillas and Assemble: Heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable. Spoon generous portions of the spicy beef mixture into each tortilla and top with your choice of garnishes such as cilantro, lime juice, cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor impact.
  • Do not overcook the beef to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Toast tortillas in a skillet before serving to enhance flavor and prevent tearing.
  • Adjust the amount of chilli powder to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Add a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors and complement the smoky spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: chilli beef, tacos, spicy beef tacos, quick dinner, Mexican recipe, weeknight meal, taco recipe