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Easy Skillet Taco Beef Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Easy Skillet Taco Beef Recipe for Busy Weeknights

A hearty one-pan taco beef filling made with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, taco seasoning, and melted cheese. Serve it with tortillas, tortilla chips, or your favorite taco toppings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable or olive oil, if needed
  • 1 pound (454 g) Lean ground beef
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce), or about 2 tablespoons homemade Taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 can (15 ounces) Black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup Water or beef broth
  • 1 cup Mexican-blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 cup Sliced jalapeños
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon Lime juice
For Serving
  • As needed Tortilla chips or warmed flour or corn tortillas
  • As desired Sour cream, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, salsa, or pico de gallo

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil if the beef is very lean, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary, especially if using regular ground beef.
  3. Add the taco seasoning, undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans, frozen corn, and water or beef broth. Stir thoroughly so the seasoning is distributed throughout the mixture.
  4. Bring the skillet to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue until the liquid has reduced and the filling is thick enough to spoon into tortillas without running.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
  6. Serve hot with warmed tortillas, tortilla chips, or your favorite taco toppings. Add jalapeños, cilantro, or lime juice if desired.

Notes

Taco seasoning packets vary in salt level, so taste before adding extra salt. For thicker filling, simmer uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. For a looser taco-bowl consistency, add a splash more water or broth. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.