Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Name: Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 taco seasoning packet; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Salt and pepper to taste; Toppings: avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro

Highlighted under: Simple Kitchen Magic

I love making this Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a one-pan meal that bursts with flavor while keeping prep and cleanup simple. Each bite is packed with the savory taste of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese. We can whip up this delicious dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and you've got a family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy!

Created by

Elodie Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:13:21.743Z

When I first made this Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create a meal bursting with flavor. The key was using fresh spices and a variety of colorful vegetables. With every bite, the crunch of the peppers paired perfectly with the tender beef and melted cheese, making it a truly satisfying dish.

I recommend preparing the toppings and sides while the skillet is cooking. This not only saves time but allows everyone to customize their meal. I love adding fresh avocado and salsa for an extra kick. This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I bet it will win your heart too!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy preparation in just 30 minutes
One-pan meal for minimal cleanup
Packed with vibrant flavors and customizable toppings

      

Choosing the Right Beef

When selecting ground beef for your taco skillet, opt for an 80/20 blend. This fat content provides the right balance between flavor and moisture, preventing the meat from becoming too dry during cooking. If you prefer leaner options, such as ground turkey or chicken, you will need to add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet to ensure the meat doesn’t stick and stays juicy.

For a unique flavor profile, consider using ground sirloin or even a combination of meats like beef and chorizo. Each meat will offer distinct tastes and textures that can elevate your dish. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your proteins to ensure they are cooked through.

Vegetable Variations

This skillet is incredibly versatile, so feel free to mix in other vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or diced carrots for added nutrition and color. The key is to chop them small enough to cook quickly alongside the onion and bell pepper, roughly ¼-inch pieces. This way, they will become tender but still maintain a nice texture in the finished dish.

If you want to increase the heat, consider adding jalapeños or other spicy peppers. To maintain the flavors without overwhelming heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before chopping. This adjustment allows for a bit of warmth while still catering to those who may prefer milder tastes.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet is ready, consider serving it directly from the skillet for a rustic and casual dining experience. Top with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro right before serving to add freshness and creaminess that balances the savory beef.

For an afternoon or evening gathering, you could transform this skillet into a taco bar. Provide soft or hard taco shells alongside the skillet, allowing family and friends to customize their tacos with your delicious beef mixture and their choice of toppings. This approach not only makes for a fun experience but also caters to varying palates.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 taco seasoning packet
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables

Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, around 5 minutes.

Season & Simmer

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Allow to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover and let simmer until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy your meal with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try using fresh herbs or experimenting with different types of cheese. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.

Make-Ahead Ideas

To save time during busy weeknights, you can prepare components of this dish in advance. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. On the night you plan to serve it, simply combine everything in the skillet, add your seasoning and tomatoes, and cook until warmed through. This speeds up the overall cooking time to just about 15 minutes.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beef and vegetable mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. This method retains the vibrant flavors while giving you a convenient meal option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, store your Easy Ground Beef Taco Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on medium heat, stirring periodically to avoid sticking or burning. You can add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture as it reheats to keep the flavors vibrant.

To prevent sogginess, it's best to store any toppings separately. This includes diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or sour cream, which can degrade quickly when mixed into the skillet mixture. Keeping them separate will help maintain their freshness and texture when you enjoy your leftovers.

Dietary Swaps

For a healthier or vegetarian option, swap out the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tempeh. Both options provide a satisfying texture and will absorb the spices and flavors beautifully. If using lentils, consider pre-cooking them to reduce the time needed to warm through with the sauce.

If you're looking to cut down on carbs, serve this skillet in a lettuce wrap or over a bed of cauliflower rice. This not only reduces carbohydrates but also enhances the meal with extra greens and nutrients, making it a win-win for health-conscious eaters.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve on the side?

This skillet pairs well with tortilla chips or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store the cooled skillet in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ Is it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free taco seasoning and check that the beans and tomatoes do not contain gluten.