Beef Taco Skillet One Pan

Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Recipes

Enjoy the bold flavors of tacos in a quick and easy one-pan meal. This Beef Taco Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with deliciousness.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T05:06:27.156Z

This Beef Taco Skillet is a family favorite that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. It's an easy and hearty dish that can be prepared in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation for busy nights
  • One-pan meal means less cleanup
  • Flavorful seasoning that packs a punch
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

When life gets busy, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be a challenge. This Beef Taco Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner woes. With its straightforward preparation, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe allows you to enjoy the flavorful taste of tacos without the hassle of traditional preparation. Simply brown the beef, add your ingredients, and let the skillet do the rest!

One of the best features of this dish is its one-pan cooking method. Not only does this save you time during preparation, but it also means less time spent cleaning up after dinner. With minimal dishes to wash, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time worrying about the mess. It’s a win-win situation for busy families!

Versatile and Customizable

This Beef Taco Skillet is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans to boost the nutritional value and flavor profile.

Toppings are another area where you can get creative. Whether you prefer fresh lettuce, creamy avocado, or zesty sour cream, the choice is yours. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an opportunity to express your culinary creativity. Invite your family to join in the fun by letting them create their own taco skillet masterpieces!

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're into meal prepping, this Beef Taco Skillet is an excellent choice. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out for the week. Store individual servings in airtight containers in the fridge, and you’ll have quick and easy lunches or dinners ready to go. Just reheat in the microwave, and you’re set for a satisfying meal without the fuss.

Not only is this recipe great for meal prep, but it also freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze portions for those days when you really don’t feel like cooking. Just thaw and heat, and you have a wholesome dinner that tastes freshly made!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • Chopped lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado slices
  • Fresh cilantro

Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for an additional minute. Then, add the diced tomatoes and corn. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings!

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best flavor in your Beef Taco Skillet, choose high-quality ground beef. Leaner options will produce less grease, resulting in a healthier and more enjoyable dish. If you prefer a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during cooking to elevate the heat levels.

Don't skimp on the cheese! Using a blend of cheeses can enhance the flavor and create a deliciously gooey topping. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese can add different textures and tastes to your dish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Beef Taco Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop for even heating. If you prefer the microwave, be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

If you want to freeze the skillet, let it cool completely before dividing it into portions and placing it in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure that the taco seasoning you use is gluten-free.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with black beans or lentils.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Beef Taco Skillet One Pan

Enjoy the bold flavors of tacos in a quick and easy one-pan meal. This Beef Taco Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with deliciousness.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Cozy Kitchen Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 onion, diced
  3. 1 bell pepper, diced
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 packet taco seasoning
  6. 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  7. 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  8. 1 cup shredded cheese
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  1. Chopped lettuce
  2. Diced tomatoes
  3. Sour cream
  4. Avocado slices
  5. Fresh cilantro

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for an additional minute. Then, add the diced tomatoes and corn. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 04

Remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 25g