Experience the irresistible taste of homemade beef tacos, a classic Mexican delight perfect for any occasion. The juicy, seasoned ground chuck combined with the subtle heat of hatch chilies creates a flavor-packed filling that will satisfy your cravings and please any crowd.
Quick to prepare and customizable, these tacos are perfect for casual weeknight dinners or lively taco nights with family and friends. Top them with fresh pico de gallo and creamy guacamole for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
- Rich and savory beef filling enhanced with unique hatch chilies for authentic flavor.
- Quick preparation time, making it perfect for busy evenings or gatherings.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings for a personalized taco experience.
Ingredients
- Ground chuck (1 pound): High-quality beef with perfect fat content for juicy and flavorful taco filling.
- Refried beans (1/2 can): Creamy beans add extra body, richness, and a smooth texture to the filling.
- White onion (1/2, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and crunch, balancing the meat’s robust flavor.
- Hatch chilies (4 oz can): Mildly spicy peppers that bring a smoky, tangy heat unique to Southwestern cooking.
- Flour or corn tortillas: Soft and warm, serving as the perfect vessel for all the tasty fillings.
- Shredded jack cheese: Melts beautifully adding creamy, mild flavor that complements the spicy beef.
- Homemade pico de gallo: Fresh mixture of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime for a zesty topping.
- Sour cream or guacamole: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy tacos.
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground chuck. Break it apart using a spatula and cook until fully browned, ensuring even cooking. Draining excess grease helps keep the tacos from becoming too oily and lets the spices shine.
- Sauté Onion and Add Spices
Add the diced white onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to release their sweetness, which balances the savory meat flavor perfectly.
- Incorporate Refried Beans and Hatch Chilies
Stir in the creamy refried beans and smoky hatch chilies, blending them well with the beef mixture. Cook for a few more minutes to meld the flavors and create a rich, hearty filling.
- Toast Tortillas and Add Cheese
Heat a cast iron skillet and lightly toast each tortilla until golden brown. Sprinkle shredded jack cheese on one side, then add a generous spoonful of the beef mixture. Fold and continue cooking until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese melts to perfection.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Top your crispy tacos with refreshing homemade pico de gallo. Serve alongside dollops of sour cream or creamy guacamole to add coolness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Using fresh hatch chilies elevates these tacos by adding authentic smoky heat you won’t get from standard chili peppers.
- Draining the beef fat ensures your tacos aren’t greasy while keeping the filling flavorful.
- Softening onions adds a natural sweetness that balances the spicy and savory elements.
Storage Tips
Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas separate wrapped in foil to maintain their texture, reheating just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. Add lime wedges for squeezing over and a cold cerveza or margarita for an authentic Mexican meal experience.
- Choose ground chuck with about 15-20% fat content for a juicy yet not overly greasy filling.
- Toast tortillas on medium heat for even crispiness without burning.
- Use homemade pico de gallo for the freshest, brightest topping that complements the rich beef perfectly.
FAQs
- Can I substitute ground chuck with another meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used but adjust cooking times and seasonings accordingly.
- Are hatch chilies spicy?
Hatch chilies offer mild to medium heat with a smoky flavor, perfect if you prefer a subtle spice in your tacos.
- How do I make homemade pico de gallo?
Combine finely diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt for a fresh and zesty topping.
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas bring an authentic taste and are naturally gluten-free, recommended for traditional tacos.
- What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
Use any heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan to toast tortillas, ensuring even heat distribution.
- How do I keep tacos from getting soggy?
Toast tortillas well and serve immediately after assembling. Adding creamy toppings last helps maintain crispiness.
Beef Tacos
Equipment
- 1 skillet for cooking beef and onions
- 1 cast iron skillet for toasting tortillas
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1/2 can refried beans
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 1 can 4 oz hatch chilies
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded jack cheese
- Homemade pico de gallo
- Sour cream or guacamole
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat, breaking apart until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and cooking spices, stirring and cooking 2-3 minutes until onions soften.
- Stir in refried beans and hatch chilies, cooking until ingredients are blended.
- Toast tortillas in a cast iron skillet until golden. Sprinkle cheese on one side, add beef mixture, fold, and cook until crispy.
- Top tacos with fresh pico de gallo and serve with sour cream or guacamole.
Notes
- Use either flour or corn tortillas based on preference.
- Customize toppings for added flavors.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 2 days.
