One-Pot Taco Skillet
Taco Tuesday just got even easier (and tastier)! This One-Pot Taco Skillet combines everything you love about tacos—seasoned beef, beans, veggies, cheese, and spices—into one hearty, cheesy skillet meal. Think of it as a cross between a taco, a casserole, and a Mexican-inspired stir-fry.
What makes this recipe magical is that it requires just one skillet, cooks in under 30 minutes, and can be customized to fit your family’s tastes. Whether you scoop it into tortillas, serve it over rice, or enjoy it straight from the skillet with chips, it’s a flexible dish that never fails to satisfy.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, busy families, or even casual get-togethers, this dish brings together bold Mexican flavors in a fun, fuss-free way.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can corn, drained
- 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra bulk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics & Veggies: Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture. Stir well to coat the beef and veggies.
- Add Beans & Tomatoes: Stir in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until flavors meld.
- Mix in Rice (Optional): If using cooked rice, stir it in now for extra heartiness.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle cheese over the skillet. Cover and cook on low until melted and gooey.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Why This Skillet Works
This dish is everything you love about tacos but with fewer steps and less mess. Instead of prepping multiple toppings and sides, everything cooks together in one skillet. The result? Bold flavors, melty cheese, and a dish that’s versatile enough to eat in different ways:
- Serve in tortillas for classic tacos.
- Scoop over rice for a taco bowl.
- Enjoy with tortilla chips as a cheesy dip-style meal.
Variations & Tips
- Meat-Free Option: Skip the beef and double the beans for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Lovers: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for heat.
- Make Ahead: Cook the beef base and refrigerate. Reheat, top with cheese, and finish when ready.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce seasoning spice and load up with cheese.
One-Pot Taco Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over mixture and stir well.
- Add beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Mix in rice if using.
- Sprinkle cheese over skillet, cover, and let melt.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
