Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A quick and delicious one-pan meal that brings the flavors of tacos to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.

Eden Clarke

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-25T16:07:08.095Z

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet combines the ease of a quick meal with the delicious flavors of your favorite tacos. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick preparation with minimal cleanup
  • Flavorful and satisfying with every bite
  • Versatile: customize with your favorite toppings

A Quick Dinner Solution

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious and delicious meal can often feel like a daunting task. That's where the Ground Beef Taco Skillet comes to the rescue. This recipe allows you to whip up a hearty dinner in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.

The beauty of a one-pan meal lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together in one skillet, infusing each ingredient with the delightful flavors of taco seasoning and fresh vegetables. This not only enhances the taste but also makes cleaning up afterward a breeze, allowing you to relax after a satisfying dinner.

Customization at Its Best

One of the most appealing aspects of this Ground Beef Taco Skillet is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to suit your family's preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, if you have some leftover grilled chicken or turkey, feel free to substitute the ground beef with your favorite protein. You can also incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost.

Toppings are where the fun really begins! Provide a selection of toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and diced avocado, allowing everyone to build their perfect taco bowl. This interactive element not only makes dinner more enjoyable but also encourages creativity in the kitchen.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're looking to simplify your week, this Ground Beef Taco Skillet is an excellent choice for meal prep. Prepare a larger batch and divide it into individual portions that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, you have a quick and healthy meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, and you have a homemade dinner in minutes.

Not only does this dish save time, but it's also budget-friendly. Ground beef is often an economical meat option, and by incorporating beans and corn, you stretch your dollar even further while adding fiber and nutrients to your meal.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Avocado, diced

Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.

Season and Mix

Stir in the taco seasoning, cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, and avocado.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Taco Skillet!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Ground Beef Taco Skillet, storing them is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will last for up to three days, making it a convenient option for lunch or another quick dinner.

For longer storage, consider freezing your leftovers. Place the cooled skillet mixture in a freezer-safe container, and it should keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Benefits

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Ground beef provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Meanwhile, the addition of black beans and corn boosts fiber content, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.

The fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and onions, add vitamins and minerals to the mix, contributing to a well-rounded meal. By incorporating a variety of toppings, you can further enhance the nutritional profile, ensuring that your family enjoys a wholesome dinner.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check the labels on canned ingredients.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the skillet after cooking. Just reheat on the stove when ready to serve.

Ground Beef Taco Skillet

A quick and delicious one-pan meal that brings the flavors of tacos to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Eden Clarke

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Skillet

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 medium onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 packet taco seasoning
  5. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  6. 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  7. 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  8. 1 cup shredded cheese
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings

  1. Chopped cilantro
  2. Sour cream
  3. Sliced jalapeños
  4. Avocado, diced

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 02

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the taco seasoning, cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 04

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Step 05

Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, and avocado.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g