Beef Taco Skillet Meal
Hearty one-pan taco skillet with ground beef, beans, corn, tortillas, and cheese baked to perfection. Easy, flavorful, and ideal for busy nights or family dinners.
Equipment
- 1 cast-iron skillet or oven-safe heavy pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other cooking oil
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 orange or other color bell pepper diced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons taco seasoning or homemade equivalent
- 1 can 14 oz pinto beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn
- 1/3 cup taco sauce enchilada, or tomato-based sauce
- A few corn tortillas torn or cut into pieces or triangles
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese or preferred melting cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado fresh cilantro or parsley, sour cream or yogurt-based sauce, chopped tomatoes, lime wedges, scallions or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add oil.
- Add ground beef or turkey, crumble and cook until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add diced bell peppers and sauté 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Add drained beans, corn, and taco sauce; mix well and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn off heat, fold in torn corn tortillas so some pieces stick out to crisp.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and gently stir to distribute.
- Top with remaining cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges crisp.
- Remove from oven, let rest a few minutes, then serve hot with optional toppings and lime wedges.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Adjust spice level by changing taco seasoning or adding chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne.
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn for different texture.
- For dairy-free, omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.