Chili is a hearty, comforting dish enjoyed by people all over the world, and no two recipes are exactly alike. From Texas chili with no beans to vegetarian chili packed with veggies, there’s a chili out there for just about everyone.
This recipe for taco chili brings together the best of both worlds — the warmth and heartiness of chili combined with the zesty flavors of tacos.
Best of all, this taco chili recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What goes into taco chili?
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make a pot of taco chili:
Base
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 chopped sweet onion
Flavor and texture
- Two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
- One 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- One 8.75-ounce can of sweet corn, drained
- One 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies
Taco and chili seasoning
- One 8-ounce bottle of taco sauce
- 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get cooking!
Making the Taco Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the ground beef: In a big pot (a Dutch oven works great!), cook your ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to drain off any extra grease.
- Sauté the onion: Toss in your chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and see-through – should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine everything: Stir in those diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, green chilies, taco sauce, taco seasoning, and chili powder. Get it all mixed up nicely.
- Simmer: Bring the whole shebang to a simmer, then turn the heat down low. Let it cook for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better for a richer flavor. Don’t forget to stir it now and then so it doesn’t stick!
- Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and see what you think. Want more taco flavor? Add more taco seasoning. Need a little more kick? Throw in some extra chili powder. Make it your own!
Serving and garnishing taco chili
Once your taco chili is ready, ladle it into bowls while it’s piping hot. Here are some ideas for serving and garnishing.
Serving suggestions
Taco chili is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also delicious with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips.
Garnishing options
Here are some garnishes that can add to the flavor and visual appeal of your taco chili:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch
- Diced avocado for healthy fats and a creamy texture
Closing Thoughts
Taco Chili is a fun, flavorful twist on classic chili that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to customize to your own tastes.
Feel free to play around with the recipe – add more spice, different beans, or your favorite toppings. And be sure to share your creations with friends and family!
Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or the perfect game-day meal, Taco Chili is always a winner.