There’s nothing better than a batch of homemade chilli beef tacos—quick to make, full of flavour, and perfect for any night of the week. These tacos are loaded with spiced beef, melted cheese, and fresh coriander, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. They come together in no time and can be easily customised with your favourite toppings.
What Goes in My Chilli Beef Tacos?
The beauty of these tacos is their bold, smoky beef filling paired with melted cheese and fresh toppings. Here’s a breakdown of what makes them so good:
The Beef Filling
The key to a flavourful taco is well-seasoned beef. I use a mix of chilli powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano to give it a deep, smoky spice. The tomato paste adds richness, while diced tomatoes create a saucy texture that clings to the meat.
The Tortillas
I prefer medium-sized flour tortillas for these tacos—they hold the filling well and crisp up nicely in the oven. If you love extra crunch, you can use small corn tortillas and toast them slightly before baking.
The Cheese
A Mexican cheese blend melts nicely in the oven, creating a golden, bubbly topping. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.
Fresh Toppings
To balance the rich beef, I add fresh coriander. For extra creaminess, try sour cream or avocado, and for a tangy contrast, a squeeze of lime or pickled onions works well.
Extra Add-Ins for the Beef Filling
Want to switch things up? Consider adding:
Black beans or refried beans for extra texture and protein.
Jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love my Chilli Beef Tacos
Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with Flavour – The beef is seasoned with a mix of chilli, cumin, and paprika for a rich, smoky taste.
Perfect for Entertaining – Set up a taco bar and let everyone build their own!
How to make Chilli Beef Tacos
These tacos are packed with flavour and super easy to put together—perfect for any taco night!
- Cook the Aromatics – Start by sautéing onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Brown the Beef – Add beef mince to the pan and cook until it’s browned and crumbly.
- Add the Spices – Stir in chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to give the beef a rich, smoky kick.
- Make It Saucy – Add a spoonful of tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes, letting everything simmer together to create a savoury filling.
- Assemble the Tacos – Spoon the beef mixture onto your tortillas, top with cheese and fresh coriander, and fold them up. Then, brush the outside of each tortilla with olive oil and sprinkle more cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection – Place the tacos in the oven, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve with your favourite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or a squeeze of lime
Macro Breakdown for one Chilli Beef Taco
Calories: 444 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 24g
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on portion size and ingredients used. For personalised advice, please consult a qualified nutritionist or healthcare professional.
Chilli Beef Tacos
6
servings5
minutes25
minutesIngredients
- Beef Filling:
1/2 brown onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
500g lean beef mince
1/2 tsp chilli powder (more or less, depending on your spice tolerance)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp tomato paste
200g canned diced tomatoes
- To Serve:
6 medium tortillas
1 cup Mexican cheese blend
3 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Sour cream (optional)
Directions
- Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Move the beef mixture to the side of the pan, then add the tomato paste directly onto the pan’s surface. Let it cook for 30 seconds before mixing it into the beef.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with cheese and coriander. Fold the tortillas in half to close.
- Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle extra cheese over them.
- Place the tacos on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (fan-forced) for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and serve with sour cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- Line the baking tray with baking paper (parchment paper) to prevent the tacos from sticking to the bottom
This dish is great. I found it really versatile too. Made a double batch and the following night had the chill beef on its own topped with avocado and sour cream and corn chips to scoop. Was equally as tasty on its own/ the next day.
Hi Vanessa, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed these chilli beef tacos. I also like serving them over rice and making a deconstructed burrito bowl 🙂
– Trac