One‑Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet: Ready in 20 Minutes

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium–high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, then pour in the tomato sauce and water. Stir to combine.

If using, add the black beans and corn. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Remove from heat. Serve the seasoned ground beef in warm tortillas or over steamed rice. Garnish with cilantro, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy this easy ground beef recipe for a quick, flavorful family‑friendly meal any night of the week!

For even more mouthwatering chicken dishes, be sure to try our Juicy Oven‑Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts in Under 40 Minutes , whip up a bold and spicy favourite with our Authentic Kung Pao Chicken Recipe , or enjoy a light, low‑carb option in our Chicken Thigh Recipe: Thai Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps in 20 Minutes .

When you need a quick ground beef dinner that’s flavorful and fuss‑free, this easy ground beef taco skillet recipe delivers in under 20 minutes. Combining lean ground beef, bold taco seasoning, black beans, and corn in a single pan, you’ll have a satisfying Tex‑Mex ground beef recipe perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos. Read on for a complete guide on how to make ground beef taco skillet, plus expert tips, variations, and meal‑prep strategies to keep dinner exciting all week long.

• Ready in Under 20 Minutes:  This weeknight ground beef recipe goes from stove to table in less time than it takes to pick up takeout, which fits any busy schedule.
• One‑Pan Convenience:  No juggling multiple pots—everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
• High‑Protein, Family‑Friendly Meal:  Lean ground beef provides hearty protein, while black beans and corn boost fiber, making this a balanced ground beef and bean recipe .
• Versatile Serving Options:  Stuff into warm tortillas for ground beef tacos , layer over rice or quinoa for a burrito bowl , or top tortilla chips for ground beef nachos .
• Customizable Heat Level:  Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add fresh jalapeños for a spicier ground beef taco skillet .

Gather pantry staples and fresh produce to whip up this easy ground beef taco skillet :

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef  (90% lean or higher)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil  (or vegetable oil)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning  (or 2 Tbsp homemade taco seasoning blend)
• ½ cup tomato sauce  (or crushed tomatoes)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans , drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper  to taste
• Optional toppings:  Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, sour cream, lime wedges

These simple ingredients make the best ground beef taco skillet . This quick and easy ground beef dinner requires minimal prep and maximum flavor.

1. Choose Lean Beef:  Opt for 90% lean or higher to reduce grease and create a healthier ground beef and bean skillet .
2. Homemade Taco Seasoning:  Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt for a customizable homemade ground beef taco seasoning .
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:  If your skillet is small, brown the beef in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
4. Adjust Consistency:  Add 2 Tbsp of tomato sauce or broth for a saucier skillet. For drier filling, skip the water or reduce tomato sauce.
5. Heat Level Control:  Up the spice by stirring in sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce.

• Southwest Ground Beef Skillet:  Add 1 tsp chipotle powder and 1 Tbsp lime juice for smoky flavor—search “ southwest ground beef recipe .”
• Healthy Ground Beef Taco Salad:  Serve over chopped romaine with avocado and black bean salsa for “ ground beef taco skillet salad .”
• Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet:  Stir in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for “ one‑pan cheesy beef taco recipe .”
• Keto Ground Beef Skillet:  Skip the beans and corn, add extra bell peppers, and use full‑fat cheese for “ keto ground beef taco skillet .”

This easy ground beef recipe  pairs beautifully with the following:

• Warm Flour or Corn Tortillas:  Build ground beef tacos  with fresh cilantro and lime.
• Spanish Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice:  Create satisfying ground beef burrito bowls .
• Tortilla Chips:  Pile on the beef mixture and toppings for quick ground beef nachos .
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote):  Grilled corn with mayo, cheese, and chili powder complements your Tex‑Mex ground beef dinner .
• Simple Green Salad:  A crisp side balances the rich flavors of the taco skillet.

• Prep the Filling:  Cook the beef mixture up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen.
• Freeze for Later:  Portion the cooled skillet into freezer‑safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Packable Lunches:  Layer rice, beef filling, and toppings in meal prep containers for grab‑and‑go ground beef taco bowls .