Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This easy taco skillet is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned ground beef, colorful peppers, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 diced yellow onion
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes and chiles
• 1 (15-ounce) can drained and rinsed black beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican four cheese blend
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Sliced avocado, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
3. Step 3: Add fire roasted diced tomatoes and chiles along with black beans. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Mix in cooked rice and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat. Evenly spread shredded cheese on top. Place under the broiler on HIGH and melt cheese for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges, sliced avocado, and sour cream. Enjoy your taco skillet!

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add a diced jalapeño with the peppers for extra heat.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of cooked rice for a low-carb version.
• Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Cheese may not melt as well when reheated, so consider adding fresh cheese before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning or make your own, and double-check canned ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the beef mixture and store it separately from the cheese. When ready to serve, combine with rice, top with cheese, and broil as directed for fresh melted cheese.

Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Easy Taco Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, rice, black beans, and a melted Mexican cheese topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s vibrant, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flair, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 diced yellow onion
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes and chiles
• 1 (15-ounce) can drained and rinsed black beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican four cheese blend

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Heat oil and sauté vegetables and beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced green bell pepper. Sauté until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender, about 7-8 minutes.
2. Add garlic and taco seasoning: Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the mixture with warm spices.
3. Add tomatoes and beans: Mix in 1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes and chiles along with 1 (15-ounce) can drained and rinsed black beans. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Incorporate cooked rice: Add 1 ½ cups cooked rice to the skillet, stirring everything together. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
5. Melt cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Spread 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican four cheese blend evenly over the top. Place under the broiler on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Serve and garnish: Top the taco skillet with chopped cilantro, fresh lime wedges, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and comforting taco skillet meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• To make this dish vegetarian, omit the beef and add extra beans and vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure to broil cheese carefully to avoid burning; stay nearby during this step.

Keywords: taco skillet, Mexican dinner, ground beef recipe, one pan meal, easy dinner recipe, Mexican skillet, taco night