Ground Beef Taco Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Ground Beef Taco Skillet: Craving the vibrant flavors of taco night 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.

While the exact origins of the taco skillet are a bit hazy, it’s a delightful evolution of the classic taco, born from a desire for convenience and maximum flavor. Tacos themselves have a rich history, deeply rooted in Mexican culture, with evidence suggesting their existence long before the arrival of Europeans. This skillet version takes those beloved flavors and streamlines the process, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

What’s not to love? The appeal of a Ground Beef Taco Skillet lies in its simplicity and customizable nature. The seasoned ground beef provides a hearty, satisfying base, while the melted cheese adds a creamy richness. You can load it up with your favorite toppings – think salsa, sour cream, guacamole, olives, and more – to create a personalized culinary masterpiece. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! It’s the perfect dish for satisfying those taco cravings without the fuss of individual shells. So, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 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:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I like to use a cast iron skillet for this, but any large skillet will work. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients!
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. You want to make sure there are no large clumps of beef remaining. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy taco skillet!
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. The aroma at this point is just amazing!
4. Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened. I love the color the bell peppers add to this dish.

Adding the Beans, Corn, and Seasoning:

1. Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) into the skillet. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. I usually use a store-bought taco seasoning, but you can definitely make your own if you prefer!
3. Pour in the beef broth (or water). This will help to create a little bit of sauce and prevent the skillet from drying out.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Melting the Cheese and Serving:

1. Remove the lid from the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend) evenly over the top.
2. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!
3. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Serve the ground beef taco skillet immediately, topped with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and green onions. I personally love a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
5. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping, or you can even use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. The possibilities are endless!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up! If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet. You could also use a spicier taco seasoning.
• Add more vegetables! Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or jalapeños.
• Use different beans! You can substitute the black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
• Make it vegetarian! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu.
• Add rice! Stir in cooked rice (white or brown) for a heartier meal.
• Make it ahead of time! You can prepare the taco skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 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:

• Serve with tortilla chips for a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
• Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
• Top a salad with the taco skillet for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
• Serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
• Make a taco bowl by layering the taco skillet with rice, beans, lettuce, and your favorite toppings.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 450-550 (depending on toppings and cheese)
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet (cast iron recommended)
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Can opener

Why I Love This Recipe:

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can customize it with your favorite toppings and serve it in so many different ways. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. And the best part? My whole family loves it! Even my picky eaters gobble it up. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown:

• Ground Beef: I prefer using an 80/20 blend of ground beef for this recipe because it has a good amount of fat, which adds flavor and keeps the skillet moist. However, you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Yellow Onion: Yellow onions are my go-to for most recipes because they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements other ingredients well. You can also use white or red onions if you prefer.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can also use jarred minced garlic if you’re short on time.
• Bell Peppers: I like to use a combination of red and green bell peppers for this recipe because they add color and flavor. You can use any color of bell pepper you like.
• Black Beans: Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber. Be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the skillet.
• Corn: I use canned corn for convenience, but you can also use frozen or fresh corn. If using frozen corn, thaw it before adding it to the skillet. If using fresh corn, cook it before adding it to the skillet.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel): Rotel adds a little bit of heat and flavor to the skillet. You can use mild, medium, or hot Rotel, depending on your preference.
• Taco Seasoning: I usually use a store-bought taco seasoning, but you can definitely make your own if you prefer. There are tons of recipes online for homemade taco seasoning.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth adds flavor and moisture to the skillet. You can substitute it with water if you don’t have any beef broth on hand.
• Cheddar Cheese: I like to use shredded cheddar cheese for this recipe, but you can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all be great choices.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the ground beef and vegetables. You can substitute it with any other cooking oil you like, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! From the savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef to the vibrant mix of veggies and the melty, cheesy topping, every bite is a fiesta in your mouth. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, even with the pickiest eaters. What more could you ask for?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it straight from the skillet with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a classic taco experience. Or, get creative! Spoon it into crispy taco shells or soft tortillas for individual tacos. Pile it high on a bed of crunchy tortilla chips for loaded nachos. You could even use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or enchiladas. The possibilities are truly endless!

Looking for variations? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add a can of black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber. If you like things spicy, toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with crumbled tofu or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn. And for those watching their carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded lettuce.

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a foundation for countless delicious meals. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. I truly believe that cooking should be fun and creative, and this skillet recipe provides the perfect canvas for your culinary adventures.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Did your family enjoy it as much as mine does? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious and unforgettable meal. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking! And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones. Enjoy!

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