Craving a delicious, fuss-free meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further than this Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner! This incredible one-pan wonder combines seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy goodness, all simmered together in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers all the satisfying flavors of tacos without the extra dishes, making it an absolute game-changer for quick and tasty family meals.
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner
To whip up this amazing Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner, you’ll need the following:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (80/20 or 90/10): The star of our skillet, providing hearty protein.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion: Diced, for aromatic flavor base.
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper: Diced, for a touch of sweetness and color.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced, for an essential savory punch.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) Taco Seasoning Mix: Your go-to for authentic taco flavor. (Adjust to taste, or use homemade mix).
- 1 cup Beef Broth (low sodium): To create a delicious sauce and prevent drying.
- 1 can (15 ounces) Diced Tomatoes: Undrained, for a rich, tangy base.
- 1 can (15 ounces) Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, adding fiber and texture.
- 1 cup Frozen or Canned Corn: Drained if canned, for sweetness and color.
- 1/2 cup Water: To help simmer the ingredients.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Blend Cheese: For that irresistible gooey topping.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro (chopped), sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeño slices, lime wedges.
How to Make Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner
This Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner is the epitome of easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s a true one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, boasting perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy finish. Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is your new go-to for a quick yet incredibly flavorful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and corn. Add the ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Once the mixture has simmered and thickened slightly, remove the lid. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet again (or place it under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly, if your skillet is oven-safe and you prefer a crisper topping). Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or jalapeño slices if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet or spoon into bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner
You’ll quickly fall for this Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner because it perfectly embodies everything you need in a busy weeknight meal. The main highlight is undoubtedly its incredible convenience – all the vibrant flavors of your favorite tacos come together in just one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening.
Beyond its ease, this recipe is incredibly cost-saving; making a homemade taco skillet is significantly more economical than ordering takeout, allowing you to feed your family nourishing food without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget the irresistible flavor profile, boosted by hearty ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and that glorious, melty cheese topping. If you enjoy simple, flavorful meals like our popular “One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies,” you’re going to adore this skillet. Go ahead, give this easy, cheesy, and delicious Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner a try tonight – your taste buds and wallet will thank you!
What to Serve Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner With
This versatile Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal.
- Warm Tortillas or Tortilla Chips: Essential for scooping up all that deliciousness! Corn or flour tortillas work equally well.
- Cauliflower Rice or Brown Rice: For a lighter, low-carb option, or a heartier base.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the skillet.
- Avocado Salad: Diced avocados, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice make a fantastic side.
- Toppings Bar: Offer a selection of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, extra cheese, pickled jalapeños, and fresh cilantro so everyone can customize their serving.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner
To elevate your Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner from great to absolutely unforgettable, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: While browning, break the ground beef into small, even crumbles. Avoid overcooking it to keep it tender and juicy. Once it’s no longer pink, drain the fat to prevent a greasy final dish, but don’t let it sit on the heat too long.
- Spice Level Customization: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the taco seasoning. For a milder flavor, use less seasoning or opt for a “mild” taco seasoning blend. A diced jalapeño or serrano pepper added with the bell pepper can also provide fresh heat.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner alternative. Just be mindful that poultry may release less fat, so you might not need to drain as much.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap red bell pepper for green, yellow, or orange. You can also add chopped zucchini, spinach (stir in at the end until wilted), or even diced sweet potato (add with the onion and cook until tender).
- Beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans can be used instead of black beans.
- Broth: Vegetable broth is a suitable substitute for beef broth if you don’t have it on hand.
- Achieving the Perfect Consistency: If your skillet seems too liquidy after simmering, let it cook uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, stir in an additional splash of broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Cheese Melting: For an extra golden and bubbly cheese topping, if your skillet is oven-safe, pop it under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes immediately after sprinkling the cheese. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
- Using Fresh vs. Canned: While canned ingredients are convenient, using fresh diced tomatoes (about 1.5 cups) and cooking dried black beans (soaked and cooked beforehand) can sometimes offer a fresher flavor. Adjust liquid levels if using fresh tomatoes, as they might release more water.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner is fantastic for meal prep!
- Refrigeration: Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store any garnishes (like sour cream or avocado) separately and add them just before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled skillet mixture (without cheese if possible, as it can change texture when frozen and reheated) to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Stovetop: For larger portions, transfer the skillet mixture to a clean skillet with a splash of water or broth. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, this method works best after thawing. If you froze it without cheese, stir in new shredded cheese during the last few minutes of reheating until melted and bubbly.
- Avoid over-reheating, as this can dry out the beef.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner truly is a testament to how utterly satisfying and simple weeknight cooking can be. It delivers a punch of vibrant, familiar taco flavors in a comforting, cheesy package, all while keeping your kitchen cleanup to a minimum. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this 20-minute, one-pan meal is designed for success, providing a hearty and delicious solution to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. It’s a versatile dish that easily adapts to your pantry and preferences, making it a reliable staple in any home. Dive into the world of effortless flavor and make this incredible skillet part of your regular rotation – you won’t regret it!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Ground Beef Taco Skillet Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative. The cooking process is the same, though you might need to add a touch more oil if your ground turkey is very lean, as it has less natural fat.
Q: How can I make this skillet spicier?
A: To add more heat, you can stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when you sauté the onions and bell peppers. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works!
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture (steps 1-3) ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet, then proceed with adding the cheese and finishing.
Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: Vegetable broth is a great substitute for beef broth. You can also use water, but the broth adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! This skillet is very forgiving. Diced zucchini, carrots, or even a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) would be delicious additions. Just ensure harder vegetables are cooked until tender.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be! Most taco seasoning packets are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free. As written, without tortillas, it is naturally gluten-free.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe typically yields 4-6 servings, depending on portion size and what it’s served with.