Discover the comforting warmth of this one-pan Beef Taco Skillet Meal. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty beans, it brings the classic taco flavors to your table in a simple, satisfying way. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this skillet packs rich texture and bold taste all baked to bubbly perfection.
This dish combines depth of flavor with convenience, melding spicy taco seasoning, creamy melted cheese, and crisped tortilla pieces in every hearty bite. Topped with fresh avocado and zingy lime, it’s a vibrant meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
- Quick one-pan cooking makes dinner effortless and cleanup easy.
- Hearty blend of beef, beans, and vegetables delivers satisfying nutrition and texture.
- Customizable spice and toppings let you tailor it perfectly to your family’s taste.
- Versatile enough for substitutions like ground turkey or plant-based alternatives.
Ingredients
- Avocado oil: A tablespoon of heart-healthy oil to brown the meat with a subtle, buttery flavor.
- Ground beef (or turkey): About 1 lb of lean ground meat delivers rich protein and savory depth.
- Red bell pepper: One diced pepper adds a sweet crunch and bright color to the skillet.
- Orange bell pepper: Another diced pepper variant for vibrant contrast and fresh flavor complexity.
- Taco seasoning: Two to three tablespoons provide the perfect blend of smoky, spicy Mexican spices.
- Pinto or black beans: One drained and rinsed can adds fullness, fiber, and a creamy texture.
- Corn kernels: Half a cup of sweet corn, fresh or frozen, adds bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Taco sauce: A third cup of tomato-based sauce brings tangy moisture and rich seasoning.
- Corn tortillas: Several corn tortillas torn into pieces, crisping up within the skillet layers for texture.
- Mexican-style shredded cheese: One to one and a quarter cups of melting cheese create a gooey, savory topping.
- Salt and black pepper: To season the dish perfectly, balancing all flavors.
- Toppings (optional): Sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, lime wedges, and scallions brighten and freshen each serving.
Instructions
- Preheat and brown the meat
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Start by heating your cast-iron skillet over medium heat and adding avocado oil. Crumble in the ground beef or turkey, cooking it until browned and mostly cooked through. This step builds a rich meaty base essential for the dish’s deep flavor.
- Add diced peppers and seasoning
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Stir in the diced red and orange bell peppers, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly. Then sprinkle in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, coating the meat and veggies evenly to infuse the mixture with bold, layered spice.
- Mix beans, corn, and sauce
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Next, fold in drained pinto or black beans, sweet corn kernels, and your choice of taco sauce. Mix thoroughly so the sauce embraces all ingredients, then allow everything to warm through for about 1–2 minutes, melding flavors while keeping textures intact.
- Add torn tortillas and cheese layer
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Turn off the heat and tear corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold them into the skillet mixture, allowing some to poke out for a crisp finish. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the skillet, stirring lightly to integrate cheesy flavor throughout.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake
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Evenly scatter the remaining cheese on top and place the skillet in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and golden edges form while tortilla pieces crisp beautifully.
- Finish and serve with toppings
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Remove from the oven and let rest briefly to set. Serve hot, adorned with fresh sliced avocado, cilantro, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and lime wedges to add brightness and creamy contrast to this hearty, cheesy meal.
- You can easily swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives to cater to dietary preferences.
- The balance of beans and corn adds fiber and makes the dish more filling and nutritious.
- Adjust spice level using more or less taco seasoning or by adding chili powders according to taste.
- Flour tortillas can replace corn tortillas if desired, used the same way in layering.
- For dairy-free meals, omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives without compromising flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve crisp tortilla texture and melty cheese goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco skillet with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over each portion. Pair with a leafy green salad or Mexican street corn for a complete festive meal.
- Use a cast-iron or heavy oven-safe skillet to ensure even cooking and crisping of tortillas.
- Let the skillet rest a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and cheese to firm slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
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Yes, ground turkey works great and gives a lighter alternative without sacrificing protein content or taste when seasoned well.
- What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
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Flour tortillas are a fine substitute and will crisp up similarly when torn and baked into the skillet layers.
- How spicy is this dish?
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The heat depends on the taco seasoning used. Adjust spice levels by adding more seasoning or extras like cayenne for a spicier skillet.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
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Yes, substitute the meat with plant-based grounds and omit or use vegan cheese for a plant-based version full of texture and flavor.
- How long does the dish keep in the fridge?
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Stored in an airtight container, leftovers stay good for up to 3 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
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You can prepare the meat and veggie mixture ahead and assemble before baking to save time on busy days.
- What toppings work best?
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Sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, lime juice, and scallions add fresh brightness and creamy texture contrast.
Beef Taco Skillet Meal
Equipment
- 1 cast-iron skillet or oven-safe heavy pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other cooking oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 orange or other color bell pepper, diced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can 14 to 15 ounces pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup taco sauce or enchilada sauce
- A few corn tortillas torn or cut into pieces
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
- Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add diced bell peppers and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, coating the meat and peppers evenly.
- Mix in drained beans, corn, and taco sauce, and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn off heat, fold in torn pieces of corn tortillas so some pieces stick out.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the mixture and gently stir to distribute.
- Evenly sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake the skillet in a preheated 425°F oven for about 15 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving with optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- Beans and corn add fiber and make it more filling or vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust spice level by changing taco seasoning or adding extra spices.
- Use flour tortillas if preferred for layering.
- Skip cheese or use vegan cheese for dairy-free version.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
