Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that brings the flavors of your favorite tacos right to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Kate Phillips

Created by

Kate Phillips

Last updated on 2025-12-25T18:04:16.916Z

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and zesty toppings, all cooked in one skillet. It’s a family-friendly meal that can be customized to suit everyone's tastes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
  • Packed with flavor and customizable toppings
  • One-pan meal means easy cleanup

A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. It combines all the elements of a classic taco into one easy-to-make dish. The savory ground beef, combined with sweet bell peppers and hearty black beans, creates a filling meal that satisfies even the hungriest of appetites. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes to wash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to spend more time with family and friends.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what's in your pantry or your family's preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables like corn or zucchini, or swap out the meat for a plant-based alternative, the options are endless. This adaptability not only makes it a go-to recipe but also allows you to keep things exciting in the kitchen.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best features of the Ground Beef Taco Skillet is its suitability for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply portion out the skillet mixture into airtight containers and refrigerate. When you're ready to eat, just reheat and add your favorite toppings for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Additionally, this dish freezes well, making it an excellent option for batch cooking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy your meal, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a hassle-free dinner solution.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When it comes to serving your Ground Beef Taco Skillet, the possibilities are endless. You can serve it as is, topped with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings. Alternatively, consider pairing it with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. This dish is also perfect for a taco night with friends, where everyone can customize their own plates with different toppings.

For those who enjoy a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or quinoa for a protein-packed meal that's equally satisfying. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends or toppings to make this dish your own!

Ingredients

For the Skillet

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Toppings (optional)

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped green onions

Feel free to add any additional toppings you enjoy!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Add the bell pepper, black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings you desire. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish is perfect for serving with tortillas or over rice.

Storage Tips

To ensure the best quality and taste, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the flavors and prevent the dish from drying out. Properly stored, the skillet should last up to three days in the fridge, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

If you choose to freeze the Ground Beef Taco Skillet, be sure to label your containers with the date. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Ground beef is a great source of protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair. The addition of black beans contributes fiber and healthy carbohydrates, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.

The colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions not only enhance the flavor but also provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Incorporating a variety of toppings, such as avocado and green onions, can further boost the nutritional profile, adding healthy fats and additional fiber to your meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils or additional beans and vegetables.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skillet in advance and reheat before serving.

→ What sides go well with a taco skillet?

Rice, tortilla chips, or a simple salad make great sides for this dish.

Ground Beef Taco Skillet

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that brings the flavors of your favorite tacos right to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Kate Phillips

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, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  6. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  7. 1 packet taco seasoning
  8. Salt and pepper, to taste
  9. 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  10. Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Toppings (optional)

  1. Sour cream
  2. Sliced jalapeños
  3. Diced avocado
  4. Chopped green onions

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the bell pepper, black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings you desire. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g