Description
This taco chili recipe delivers comforting Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal on busy weeknights. It’s designed for maximum flavor in minimal time using everyday pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 (15 oz) can red beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2–3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown The Meat: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Build The Flavor Base: Stir in 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp cumin. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Simmer The Chili: Add 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (15 oz) can rinsed red beans, 1 (15 oz) can drained corn, and 2-3 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste And Adjust: Remove from heat and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Enhance your chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips. For dietary needs, consider plant-based ground for vegetarian/vegan, or omit corn for low-carb. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin. Boost flavor with hot sauce, extra cumin, or a squeeze of lime. Use fresh seasonal produce for best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360 g)
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: taco chili, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Tex-Mex, red beans, ground beef, corn, hearty, quick, family favorite