Beef Chili Tacos

Two fan-favorites, melded into one phenomenal dinner. Hearty beef chili, with all the seasonings, speckled with black beans, and swimming in a luxurious tomato sauce. That would be delicious enough. But spoon that chili into crunchy tacos (blue corn, spinach and red bell pepper) and you have a colorful, crunchy, wholesome meal that will knock everyone's socks off. 

Who needs socks anyway? Seriously, prepare to be amazed. And, I almost called these "rainbow tacos", because of the colorful taco shells. I bought them on a whim - I loved the color AND the added nutrition from the blue corn, spinach and red bell pepper. But, you don't NEED these flavorful shells to make the meal complete. Any taco shell will suffice. Even soft tortillas work... 

Beef Chili Tacos

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 tablespoon chili powder 
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 ounces tomato sauce (from a carton or can)
15-ounce can seasoned chili beans or seasoned black beans, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon hot sauce of choice 
Taco shells of choice
Optional fillings: 
Shredded lettuce
Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
Crumbled cotija cheese 
Salsa
Avocado
Fresh cilantro leaves
Chopped green onions
Sour cream

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft and golden. Add the beef and garlic and cook until the beef is browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, salt, and pepper and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, until the herbs and spices are fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, black beans, broth, and hot sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, until the chili thickens, stirring occasionally.
Warm the taco shells according to the package directions. 
Serve the beef chili mixture in the warm shells with desired fillings on the side. 
Serves 4