Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings the flavors of your favorite tacos to the table in just 30 minutes!

Arabella Scott

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:43:09.756Z

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is not just quick and easy; it’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and all your favorite taco toppings in one skillet!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
  • One-pan meal means less cleanup
  • Customizable with your favorite taco toppings
  • Rich, savory flavors that everyone will love

A Quick and Satisfying Meal

When life gets busy, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. This Ground Beef Taco Skillet offers a solution by combining speed with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a hearty dish that satisfies both adults and kids alike. As a one-pan meal, it simplifies your cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences. Whether you prefer ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option, this skillet dish can be tailored to fit your dietary needs while still delivering that classic taco flavor.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is not just a weeknight dinner; it’s also perfect for meal prep. You can cook a larger batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat the skillet on the stove or in the microwave, and you'll have a delicious meal in no time. It's a great way to save both time and money while ensuring you have nutritious options ready to go.

To elevate your meal prep, consider portioning out your skillet into individual containers. This way, you can mix and match taco toppings each day, keeping your meals exciting and varied. The combination of flavors and textures will keep you looking forward to your next meal rather than dreading reheating leftovers.

Customize Your Toppings

One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef Taco Skillet is the endless topping possibilities. Whether you prefer a classic combination of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes or something a bit more adventurous like jalapeños and olives, the choice is yours. Toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add color and texture to your meal, making it visually appealing.

Don’t forget about the sauces! A drizzle of creamy sour cream or zesty salsa can elevate your skillet dish to new heights. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also provide a burst of freshness, complementing the savory beef and melted cheese. Encourage everyone at the table to customize their tacos, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Taco Toppings

  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Salsa
  • Cilantro, chopped

Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Season and Simmer

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Serve hot with your choice of taco toppings.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Taco Skillet!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store the Ground Beef Taco Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the skillet dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ground Beef Taco Skillet with warm tortillas or crispy taco shells on the side for a complete taco night experience. Alternatively, you can pair it with rice or a simple side salad for a heartier meal. This dish also goes well with a refreshing drink such as iced tea or a light beer, making it perfect for casual gatherings.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider offering hot sauce on the side. This way, everyone can spice up their meal to their liking. With its rich flavors and customizable toppings, this skillet dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and just reheat when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

We recommend classic taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream, but feel free to get creative!

Ground Beef Taco Skillet

This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings the flavors of your favorite tacos to the table in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Arabella Scott

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Skillet

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 small onion, diced
  3. 1 bell pepper, diced
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 packet taco seasoning
  6. 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  7. 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  8. 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Taco Toppings

  1. Lettuce, shredded
  2. Tomatoes, diced
  3. Sour cream
  4. Avocado, sliced
  5. Salsa
  6. Cilantro, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Serve hot with your choice of taco toppings.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 25g