Taco Ground Beef Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Taco Ground Beef Skillet: Craving the vibrant flavors of tacos but short on time? Imagine sinking your fork into a cheesy, savory explosion of seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and all your favorite taco toppings, all in one pan! This isn’t just dinner; it’s a fiesta in a skillet, ready in under 30 minutes.

The concept of the “skillet meal” has been around for generations, born out of necessity and a desire for simple, hearty cooking. It’s a culinary tradition that spans cultures, from shepherd’s pie to paella. Our Taco Ground Beef Skillet takes that tradition and infuses it with the bold, zesty spirit of Mexican cuisine. While not a traditional dish passed down through generations in Mexico, it cleverly captures the essence of tacos in a convenient and approachable way.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The juicy, well-seasoned ground beef, the crisp-tender vegetables, the creamy melted cheese, and the satisfying crunch of your favorite toppings create a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a weeknight winner. Who can resist a delicious, satisfying meal that minimizes cleanup? This Taco Ground Beef Skillet is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, green onions, tortilla chips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Ground Beef and Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to brown our ground beef and get those veggies nice and tender. This is where the flavor foundation of our taco skillet is built, so don’t rush this step!

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet (cast iron is fantastic if you have one, but any large skillet will do), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook the beef until it’s browned all over, making sure to crumble it well. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Nobody wants a greasy taco skillet! You can tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, or carefully pour it into a heat-safe container.
4. Add the Onion and Bell Peppers: Now, add the chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir them in well, making sure they’re coated in any remaining beef drippings (for extra flavor!).
5. Cook the Vegetables: Cook the onion and bell peppers until they are softened and slightly translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning. You want them to be tender, but not mushy.
6. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic is one of my favorite parts of cooking!

Combining the Ingredients and Simmering

Now that our beef and veggies are cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring everything together and let those flavors meld. This is where the magic really happens!

1. Add the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) to the skillet. Stir everything together well to combine.
2. Stir in the Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture in the skillet. Stir it in thoroughly, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. This is what gives our skillet that classic taco flavor!
3. Add the Beef Broth: Pour the beef broth (or water) into the skillet. Stir everything together again. The beef broth will help to create a slightly saucy consistency and enhance the flavors.
4. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Adding the Cheese and Serving

Almost there! The final step is to add the cheese and get ready to serve this delicious taco skillet. Get your toppings ready, because it’s about to get good!

1. Sprinkle with Cheese: Remove the lid from the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend) evenly over the top of the mixture.
2. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!
3. Serve and Enjoy!: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve the taco skillet hot, topped with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for scooping!

Tips and Variations

This taco skillet is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it Up: If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as diced zucchini, mushrooms, or jalapeños.
• Use Different Proteins: You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded chicken for the ground beef.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or some crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Serve it Different Ways: This taco skillet is delicious served with tortilla chips, but you can also use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. You can even serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the taco skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing Instructions: Let the skillet cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This taco skillet is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party, or a potluck. Here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and hot sauce. Let everyone customize their own tacos or bowls.
• Nacho Night: Spread tortilla chips on a large platter and top with the taco skillet, shredded cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Burrito Bowls: Serve the taco skillet over rice or quinoa in a bowl. Top with your favorite burrito toppings, such as black beans, corn, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Quesadillas: Spread the taco skillet between two tortillas and cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
• Fat: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious and easy Taco Ground Beef Skillet! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Taco Ground Beef Skillet is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it’s incredibly versatile, satisfyingly delicious, and comes together faster than you can say “Taco Tuesday!” Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy for a complicated meal.

But the speed isn’t the only reason I’m so enthusiastic about this skillet. The taste is phenomenal! The combination of seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). And the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content.

Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feeling adventurous? Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber. Want to kick up the heat? Throw in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Not a fan of corn? Swap it out for bell peppers or zucchini. The possibilities are endless!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. The most obvious choice is, of course, tacos! Spoon the mixture into warm tortillas and top with your favorite fixings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. But don’t stop there! This Taco Ground Beef Skillet is also fantastic served over rice or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying bowl. You could even use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked potatoes.

For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of crisp lettuce with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cilantro. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, layer it between tortilla chips with cheese and bake it in the oven for a delicious and easy nacho casserole. Another fun variation is to use it as a topping for pizza! Just spread some tomato sauce on a pizza crust, sprinkle with cheese, and then top with the skillet mixture. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Seriously, I could go on and on with serving suggestions, but I think you get the idea. This recipe is incredibly adaptable and can be used in so many different ways. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear what you think. Share your photos and comments on social media using #TacoGroundBeefSkillet and let me know what variations you tried. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious dish. Happy cooking! I am confident you’ll love this easy and delicious meal.