Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet (30-Minutes)

We love tacos anyway you can get them. Whether the traditional way in soft or hard shells, in a casserole, or even mixed with pasta. This beef taco skillet takes all your favorite aspects of tacos and packs into a comforting and cozy one-pan meal.

It combines lean ground beef, vegetables, beans, taco seasoning, and is covered with cheese until melted. It’s hearty and comforting, full of flavor, and something the whole family will love.

Additionally, the best part is all of the toppings and sides you can serve with it. I love serving it with some tortilla chips for some extra crunch along with diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, sour cream or greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. You can even stuff it inside tortillas. However you want to serve it, you can’t go wrong!

Ingredients

• olive oil
• onion
• lean ground beef – I like using 90/10
• bell peppers
• fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles
• tomato paste
• homemade taco seasoning – a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.
• black beans
• lime juice
• cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper
• for topping and serving – tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sour cream/greek yogurt, cilantro…

How to make beef taco skillet

1. Brown your meat. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Then add onions and salt and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Next, add beef, salt, and pepper, and break it up with the back of a spoon or meat chopper. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add in diced peppers, mix to combine, and cook until meat is mostly browned (about another 3-4 minutes).
2. Bring it all together. Add in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and some salt and pepper and mix to combine, making sure to break up the tomato paste. Then add your black beans and mix to combine. Let warm through, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add your lime juice and stir to combine. Finally, sprinkle with shredded cheese to cover the beef mixture and let melt, for about 1-2 minutes. If needed, you can cover the pan with a lid.
3. Top with toppings. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sour cream/greek yogurt, and cilantro if desired, and enjoy!
4. Enjoy!

Do I need to drain the excess grease from the meat?

No, you do not need to drain the excess grease. This is going to add more flavor to the dish and also help make it saucy and juicy. I like to use lean ground beef so there isn’t a ton of excess grease.

What to serve with taco skillet

While you can eat this meal on its own, it is great with a few additions. Here are a few suggestions:

• any kind of grains – white rice, brown rice, and quinoa for a little more carbs.
• cauliflower rice
• tortilla chips – I love eating this like a dip!
• tortillas – stuff it into a tortilla like a taco!
• additional toppings – diced tomatoes, diced avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, greek yogurt or sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, and lime wedges.

Storage and reheating

• refrigerator – allow to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• freezer – I haven’t tried freezing this recipe, but it should work. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
• reheating – to heat it up, pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop. You might need to add a little more liquid (water or broth) if using the stove.

More healthy taco recipes

• cheesy taco pasta
• crispy turkey tacos
• healthy fish taco bowls
• chicken taco casserole
• ground beef taco bowls
• grilled flank steak tacos

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!