This easy taco chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, corn, green chiles, taco seasoning, and Ranch seasoning mix for a hearty one-pot dinner with a mild Mexican-inspired flavor.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this taco chili is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, game day gatherings, and freezing for later. Top it with cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for an easy family-friendly meal.
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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground beef: I usually use 93/7, but any ground beef works. Drain excess grease if using 80/20.
- Taco seasoning: Mild keeps the chili family-friendly. Use hot taco seasoning if you want more heat.
- Ranch dressing mix: This adds a lot of flavor and is what gives taco chili its classic taste.
- Green chiles: Mild green chiles add flavor without making the chili spicy.
Tips for the Best Taco Chili
- Drain the beef if using a higher-fat ground beef.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes so the flavors have time to blend.
- Top with cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips before serving.
Best Taco Chili Toppings
- Shredded cheddar
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Green onions
- Avocado
- Jalapeños
What Is the Difference Between Chili and Taco Chili?
Traditional chili relies on chili powder and cumin for flavor, while taco chili uses taco seasoning and often includes ingredients commonly found in tacos, such as corn, green chiles, and Ranch seasoning.
How to Make Taco Chili Spicier
- You can use ingredients that are hot, such as the taco seasoning, the diced tomatoes with green chiles, the chili beans, and the green chiles.
- You could also add a jalapeno or habanero pepper to kick it up a notch.
FAQs
Yes! Brown the ground beef in a skillet then add everything into the slow cooker and cook on low 6-7 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
Yes, taco chili freezes well. Let cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Taco Chili
Taco chili is hearty enough to serve on its own, but we love it with cornbread, biscuits, or muffins for an easy family dinner.
Try These Next
If you enjoy taco-inspired dinners and cozy chili recipes, these are a few reader favorites.
If you love easy comfort meals like this one, be sure to check out my 11 Easy 30-Minute Dinners for Busy Weeknights for more simple, family-friendly dinner ideas.
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Easy Taco Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning 1 ounce
- 1 packet Ranch dressing mix 1 ounce
- 1 can chili beans 16 ounces
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 15.25 ounces
- 1 can Mexican style corn, drained 15.25 ounces
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 can tomatoes with green chiles 10 ounces
- 1 can green chiles 4 ounces
Optional toppings:
- tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese, avocado
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until ground beef is brown and onions are translucent, about 8 – 10 minutes. If you don't use lean ground beef then drain fat.2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 medium onion
- Add the taco seasoning and Ranch seasoning mix. Stir until combined.1 packet taco seasoning, 1 packet Ranch dressing mix
- Add the chili beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.1 can chili beans, 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 can Mexican style corn, drained, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can tomatoes with green chiles, 1 can green chiles
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, or your favorite taco chili toppings.tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese, avocado
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Taste Of Home.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.