Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Name: Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup corn (frozen or canned); 1 packet taco seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Chopped cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A quick and delicious one-pan meal that brings the flavors of tacos right to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-25T16:01:10.128Z

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a family favorite! Combining all the classic taco flavors in one skillet makes for an easy clean-up and a delightful meal. It's customizable, so feel free to add your favorite toppings!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in just one skillet
Packed with bold taco flavors that everyone loves
Customizable with your favorite toppings and ingredients

      

A Flavorful Family Favorite

Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a delightful dish that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the convenience of a one-pan meal. Families everywhere are always on the lookout for quick and satisfying recipes, and this dish fits the bill perfectly. With its savory ground beef, hearty beans, and vibrant veggies, it not only tastes amazing but also ensures everyone gets a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Whether you have picky eaters or adventurous foodies in your household, the Ground Beef Taco Skillet can cater to all. Customize it with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños, and make it your own. This flexibility ensures that everyone at the table leaves satisfied.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is designed for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. With just one skillet, you can whip up a meal that’s not only quick but also packed with flavor, allowing you to enjoy more time with your family and less time cleaning up.

Moreover, this dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for reheating later, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Simply prepare a larger batch on the weekend, and you'll have delicious dinners ready to go throughout the week. It’s a fantastic way to ensure that you always have a homemade meal at your fingertips.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is the Ground Beef Taco Skillet quick and easy, but it’s also a nutritious choice. Utilizing lean ground beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Coupled with black beans and corn, this dish delivers fiber that helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

The addition of veggies like diced tomatoes and onions adds vitamins and minerals to the mix, contributing to a balanced meal. This dish is an excellent way to sneak in some extra nutrition without compromising on taste, making it a win-win for parents trying to serve healthy food their kids will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 packet taco seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Other Ingredients

Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for about 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Taco Skillet!

This dish can be served with tortillas, rice, or simply on its own!

Variations to Try

While the classic Ground Beef Taco Skillet is undeniably delicious, there are numerous variations to explore. For a lighter option, consider swapping out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives provide similar flavors with less fat, making it a great choice for health-conscious families.

Vegetarians can also enjoy this dish by using lentils or a mixture of vegetables instead of meat. Adding ingredients like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and texture, ensuring that everyone has something they love in this versatile skillet meal.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Ground Beef Taco Skillet presentation, serve it with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also makes the meal more filling. Consider placing a variety of toppings on the table, such as salsa, diced avocado, or shredded lettuce, allowing each person to customize their bowl to their liking.

For a complete dinner experience, pair this dish with a side of Mexican-style corn or a simple green salad. This adds freshness and crunch, balancing the hearty nature of the skillet and enhancing the overall meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes the Ground Beef Taco Skillet a great option for meal prep or for cooking in batches. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.

When it comes to reheating, you can use the microwave for quick results, or for a more enjoyable experience, reheat it on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to help revive the moisture, ensuring your meal stays delicious. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy this flavor-packed dish multiple times throughout the week!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this skillet meal freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What toppings can I add?

You can add sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, chopped green onions, or extra cheese.