Print

Easy Cheesy One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

one-pan ground beef taco skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan taco skillet with ground beef, veggies, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (about 85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (240 ml)
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn (75 g)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (170 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired.
  5. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce, then stir in black beans and frozen corn. Mix thoroughly, scraping any browned bits off the pan bottom.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until mixture thickens and flavors meld. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover skillet with a lid or foil and let sit for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts.
  9. Remove lid, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or lime wedges.

Notes

Use medium to medium-high heat to avoid burning veggies or undercooking beef. Drain excess fat if you prefer a less greasy dish. Melting cheese with a lid on ensures gooey texture. Stir gently before serving to swirl cheese without breaking ingredients. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Black beans and corn can be omitted or swapped. For vegetarian, use crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef taco skillet, one-pan dinner, cheesy taco skillet, quick family dinner, easy taco recipe