Delicious quick chorizo beef tacos served with fresh toppings and a lime wedge.

Quick Chorizo Beef Tacos

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Quick Chorizo Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy meal that anyone can make. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The combination of spicy chorizo and beef creates great flavors, while fresh toppings like salsa and lettuce give it a nice crunch. Plus, tacos are super customizable, so everyone can build their own the way they like!

how to make Quick Chorizo Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 8 hard shell taco shells
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups finely sliced iceberg lettuce
  • Marion’s Kitchen Coconut Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce, to serve

Fresh tomato salsa:

  • 250g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 jalapeño chilli, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro)

Taco filling:

  • 2 fresh chorizo sausages
  • 300g (10.5 oz) beef mince
  • ½ can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp gochujang
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro)
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Sea salt

Sour cream ‘crema’:

  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 4 tbsp water

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180C/350F.
  2. Place a large frying pan over high heat. While the pan is heating, prepare the tomato salsa. Mix all salsa ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.
  3. Squeeze the chorizo from the sausage casings into the hot pan. Discard the casings. Break up the chorizo with a spatula.
  4. Add the beef mince to the pan and break it up as well. Let the meats sear without stirring for 4-5 minutes until they get a nice color.
  5. After browning, stir the mixture well, then add the chickpeas. Cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked and slightly charred.
  6. Meanwhile, place the taco shells in the oven for 5-6 minutes until they are crispy and warmed through.
  7. For the crema, mix the sour cream and water in a bowl until smooth and set aside.
  8. Add smoked paprika and gochujang to the beef and chorizo mixture and stir. Toss in the coriander and season with salt to taste.
  9. Once the taco shells are ready, fill them with layers of cheese, beef mixture, salsa, chopped onion, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle the crema and hot sauce on top. Serve and enjoy your tacos!

how to serve Quick Chorizo Beef Tacos

Serve these tacos hot, with a side of extra salsa or a salad. They are great for gatherings and can be plated family-style so everyone can enjoy building their own tacos at the table.

how to store Quick Chorizo Beef Tacos

If you have leftovers, store the taco filling and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The taco shells can be kept in a dry place. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste.

tips to make Quick Chorizo Beef Tacos

  • For extra flavor, let the meats sear longer before stirring.
  • Experiment with different hot sauces to find the heat level you like best.
  • You can add other toppings like avocado, cheese, or different types of salsa to customize your tacos.

variation

If you want a lighter option, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and chorizo. You can also swap hard shell taco shells for soft tortillas if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use any ground meat you prefer, like turkey or pork, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

2. How spicy are these tacos?
The spiciness mostly depends on the chorizo and jalapeño you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can use milder sausage or skip the jalapeño.

3. Can I freeze the taco filling?
Yes, you can freeze the taco filling. Store it in a freezer-safe container and it will last for about 2-3 months. Just reheat it before serving.