blood orange chili ground beef tacos with cilantro

Ground beef tacos

blood orange chili ground beef tacos

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

12 Oct 2025

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Okay, picture this: It's a Tuesday night, and the same old taco routine just isn't cutting it. You need something that zings, something that pops, something that screams, 'I'm not your average taco!' That's where these Blood Orange Chili Ground Beef Tacos come in. I remember the first time I tried a similar flavor combo at a tiny food truck in Austin. It was life-changing. I knew I had to recreate that magic, but with my own little twist. And after a few tries (and a few kitchen mishaps involving rogue orange peels), these tacos were born.
ground beef being cooked in a pan with chili spices and blood orange zest
The secret? The blood orange chili sauce. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, and it has this incredible depth of flavor that regular oranges just can't match. Plus, using quality ground beef makes all the difference – I’m talkin’ that good stuff, the kind that practically melts in your mouth. But hey, don't just take my word for it; you really gotta try them yourself. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And your Tuesday nights? Forever changed.
close-up shot of blood orange chili ground beef tacos topped with cilantro and a lime wedge

Required Equipments

  • Large Skillet
  • Zester
  • Juicer
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Blood Orange Chili Ground Beef Tacos: Frequently Asked Questions

Blood Orange Chili Ground Beef Tacos

Infuse your taco night with vibrant flavors using this Blood Orange Chili Ground Beef Tacos recipe. This dish combines savory ground beef with a zesty blood orange chili sauce, creating a sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive experience.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prep the Blood Oranges: Start by zesting and juicing your blood oranges. You'll need about 1/4 cup of zest and 1/2 cup of juice. Make sure to pick out any seeds!
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. You want them fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, draining any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy tacos!
  4. Add Chili Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute, letting the spices bloom. This really wakes up the flavors. Also, don't be afraid to experimint a lil!
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the blood orange juice, beef broth, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep an eye on it so it doesnt burn.
  6. Season to Taste: Stir in the blood orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Now is the time to adust sweetness and spice levels, add a bit of cayeen if you are feeling adventurous.
  7. Warm the Tortillas: While the beef is simmering, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet, in the oven wrapped in foil, or even over an open gas flame (if you're feeling brave and have a gas stove!).
  8. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the blood orange chili ground beef mixture. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. Don't forget the hot sauce!
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and watch those tacos disappear! They’re seriously that good. I mean, they aren't healthy but who cares.

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
  • If you can't find blood oranges, regular oranges will work in a pinch, but the flavor won't be quite as complex.
  • Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 25 g

Fat: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 30 g

Fiber: 4 g

Calcium: 50 mg

Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving and identity.

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