# Ultimate Comfort, Hearty, and Inviting: Taco Chili
If you’re a fan of taco flavors combined with the comforting nature of chili, taco chili will win your heart. This tasty dish is remarkably simple to prepare, and the flavor reward is significant. Taco chili is ideal for a swift weeknight meal, a leisurely weekend lunch, or as a hit at game day gatherings. It’s like a delightful offspring of tortilla soup and chili, merging the tastes of taco soup with the substance of chili. Indeed, it has become one of our preferred go-to dishes.
## How to Create Taco Chili
Making taco chili involves a simple procedure with three primary steps:
1. **Sauté**: Begin by browning the ground beef until crumbled. Add in diced onions, peppers, and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Once the aroma fills the air, mix in the taco and ranch seasoning.
2. **Simmer**: Let all the ingredients simmer together to enhance the flavors and thicken the chili. You can simmer it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or use an Instant Pot for pressure cooking.
3. **Top**: When the chili reaches a thick and satisfying texture, serve it with a scoop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Extra points if you toss in some Fritos for a delightful crunch!
## Taco Chili Ingredients
To concoct this appetizing taco chili, gather the following ingredients:
– **Ground Beef**: Use lean ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey according to your liking. We typically choose lean ground beef.
– **Aromatics**: A chopped onion, green bell pepper, and a generous amount of garlic enhance the flavor profile.
– **Seasoning**: The zestiness of taco and ranch seasoning gives the chili its kick. You can purchase packets or create your own blend at home.
– **Beans**: Two cans of beans boost the chili’s volume and add protein and nutrients. Refried beans provide a creamy consistency, while rinsed and drained pinto beans add some texture.
– **Diced Green Chilis**: These add a gentle and smoky depth to your chili. Select between mild and hot varieties based on your heat preference.
– **Tomatoes**: A combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and crushed tomatoes serves as the foundation of the chili, delivering a rich and substantial base.
## What Makes This Taco Chili Special?
This taco chili is distinguished by the inclusion of ranch seasoning and refried beans. The ranch seasoning imparts a zesty flavor that keeps you coming back for more, while the refried beans lend a creamy richness that makes this chili comforting and easy to enjoy.
## Cooking Methods
### Stovetop Taco Chili Directions
1. In a large, heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper, draining excess grease if needed.
2. Mix in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Incorporate taco and ranch seasoning.
3. Add in drained beans, green chilis, both cans of tomatoes, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until thickened. Mix in refried beans, taste, and adjust seasonings.
### Slow Cooker Taco Chili Directions
1. Brown the beef with onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
2. Mix in taco and ranch seasoning, beans, green chilis, and tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
### Instant Pot Taco Chili Directions
1. Sauté beef, onions, bell pepper, and garlic in the Instant Pot. Stir in taco and ranch seasoning.
2. Add beans, green chilis, and tomatoes. Close the lid, set to high pressure for 30 minutes, then quick release when finished.
## Chili Toppings
While taco chili is fantastic on its own, adding toppings can take it to another level. Consider creating a topping bar with options such as:
– Shredded cheese
– Sour cream
– Chopped cilantro
– Thin