Description
A quick, flavorful, and family-friendly one-pan meal, this Easy Beef Taco Skillet combines seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and melted cheese for a hearty Tex-Mex-inspired dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and ready in just 30 minutes. Serve with warm tortillas or enjoy it as a standalone skillet meal for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 bell pepper (any color), diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed (optional)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices. Let cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juice). Mix thoroughly and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve directly from the skillet with warmed tortillas on the side or enjoy as a low-carb skillet meal.
Notes
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Customize the vegetables with zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
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Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend if desired.
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Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to make it mild or spicy.
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The skillet can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated for a quick meal.
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Serve over rice or quinoa for a taco bowl variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes