This Easy 30-Minute Beef Taco Chili is the perfect dish for when you want something hearty, comforting, and quick. It combines the best flavors of taco seasonings, beans, corn, and ground beef into a chili that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy, delicious meal, ideal for busy weeknights and especially loved by taco fans.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional based on beef fat content)

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90-95% lean)

• 1 medium/large yellow onion, diced small

• 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

• 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning (reduced sodium, medium heat)

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes (no-salt added)

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles (hot, fire-roasted preferred)

• 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)

• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth

• Kosher salt, to taste

• 3 to 4 bay leaves

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, finely minced

• Pinch of sugar (optional)

• Lime/lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (if needed) and cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir intermittently.

2. Add the garlic, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, salt, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and let the chili simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro, sugar (if using), and lime/lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves.

5. Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, cheese, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 193 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Protein: 21g

• Fat: 8g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

• Sodium: 121mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

Why Choose Easy 30-Minute Beef Taco Chili?

This beef taco chili is a perfect one-pot meal that combines the savory flavors of tacos with the richness of a chili. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that delivers on flavor in no time, ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting without a lot of effort.

The taco seasoning and chili spices, like cumin and chili powder, bring a familiar and savory warmth, while the beans and corn add heartiness and texture. The addition of fresh cilantro and a touch of lime or lemon juice brightens the dish, making it a well-rounded, flavorful meal that’s perfect for taco fans.

The Ingredients That Make It Irresistible

This beef taco chili uses easy-to-find ingredients, making it a practical dish to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it so tasty:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (90-95% lean) is the primary protein source in this chili. It provides a rich, meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. You can also substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken if preferred for a lighter version.

• Onion and Garlic: The diced onion adds sweetness and depth, while the garlic provides aromatic flavors that permeate the entire chili.

• Taco Seasoning and Spices: A packet of taco seasoning gives this chili its signature taco flavor, while cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper add warmth and complexity.

• Beans and Corn: Black beans and red kidney beans add protein, fiber, and heartiness to the chili, making it more filling. The addition of corn provides a slight sweetness and texture, balancing the savory ingredients.

• Tomatoes and Green Chiles: Petite diced tomatoes and green chiles are the base of the chili, adding acidity, freshness, and a touch of heat.

• Chicken Broth: The low-sodium chicken broth helps to create a flavorful, slightly soupy texture for the chili, without being too watery or heavy.

• Cilantro and Lime: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness to the chili, while lime or lemon juice enhances the flavors with a tangy kick.

• Optional Add-ins: The optional sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while the cayenne pepper adds extra heat for those who like their chili spicier.

How to Make Easy 30-Minute Beef Taco Chili

This beef taco chili is incredibly easy to make, and it comes together in just a few steps.

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating the olive oil (if needed) in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 7 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Spices

Once the beef and onions are cooked, add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. This step helps to toast the spices and bring out their full flavor.

Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, salt, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once the chili has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro, and if desired, a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the bay leaves from the chili and ladle it into bowls. Serve immediately, topped with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Easy 30-Minute Beef Taco Chili

This hearty chili provides a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. At approximately 193 calories per serving, it’s a filling yet relatively light option for a meal. Each serving contains 21 grams of protein, which comes primarily from the lean ground beef and beans. The 11 grams of fat provide richness, with only 2 grams coming from saturated fat, making it a relatively heart-healthy option.

The chili is also rich in fiber (2g), which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. The combination of beans and corn helps boost the fiber content, and the tomatoes provide a good amount of vitamins and antioxidants. The sodium content is moderate at 1210mg per serving, but you can reduce this by using low-sodium broth and adjusting the added salt to your taste.

Customizing Your Chili

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are several ways to customize it to suit your taste:

• Spice Level: If you like your chili spicier, add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of green chiles. You can also top your chili with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with more beans or plant-based protein options, such as crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

• More Veggies: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the chili for added nutrients and texture. You can sauté them with the onions and garlic to enhance the flavors.

• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings. Consider adding diced red onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Easy 30-Minute Beef Taco Chili

This chili is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with various sides:

• Tacos or Tortillas: Serve the chili with soft tortillas or taco shells to make it a complete taco-inspired meal. You can even serve it as a chili filling for tacos.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chili over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

• Salads: A simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and avocado pairs perfectly with the chili’s richness.

• Cornbread: A warm, fluffy cornbread is another great side to serve with chili, helping to soak up the flavorful broth.

Conclusion

Easy 30-Minute Beef Taco Chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, hearty, and full of flavor. Packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, and rich in the flavors of taco seasonings, this chili is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings, this chili is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious chili in just 30 minutes!