Beef Taco Skillet One Pan

Highlighted under: The Family Table Recipes

This Beef Taco Skillet One Pan recipe combines all the flavors of traditional tacos in a quick and easy one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T05:04:27.166Z

This Beef Taco Skillet One Pan is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic meal with minimal cleanup. Packed with flavor, it's a hit for the whole family!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • All the flavors of tacos in one easy dish
  • Quick to make and clean up with just one pan
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and spices

Quick and Convenient Dinner Solution

When life gets busy, finding time to prepare a wholesome dinner can feel like a challenge. This Beef Taco Skillet One Pan recipe is designed to minimize your time in the kitchen while maximizing flavor. With everything cooked in just one skillet, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans to clean. Whether you're returning home from work or juggling family activities, this recipe ensures you can serve dinner quickly without sacrificing taste.

In just a matter of minutes, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal ready for your family. The combination of ground beef, beans, and vegetables makes this dish not only filling but also packed with protein and nutrients. Plus, the one-pan nature of the recipe means less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Endless Customization Options

One of the best features of the Beef Taco Skillet is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your family's preferences or dietary needs. Want to spice things up? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Prefer a vegetarian option? Swap out the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. The choice is yours, making this dish a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Additionally, the toppings you choose can elevate your skillet meal to new heights. From fresh avocado slices and sour cream to zesty lime wedges and diced tomatoes, you can personalize each serving to cater to everyone's tastes. This adaptability not only makes the dish enjoyable for all but also encourages kids to engage with their meals by selecting their favorite toppings.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Beef Taco Skillet is an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Store individual servings in airtight containers in the fridge, and you'll have a quick, satisfying meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Just reheat and enjoy your flavorful taco skillet in a matter of minutes.

Moreover, the flavors of this dish only get better as they meld together over time. The spices, beans, and vegetables create a delicious harmony that makes leftovers something to look forward to. By incorporating this recipe into your meal prep routine, you're not just saving time; you're also ensuring that you have healthy, homemade meals ready to satisfy your cravings throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped to make the cooking process smooth.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Beef Taco Skillet One Pan.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Season and Simmer

Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Combine with Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve warm.

Enjoy your flavorful Beef Taco Skillet as a quick weeknight meal!

Tips for Success

To ensure the best flavor in your Beef Taco Skillet, choose high-quality ground beef. Look for lean options that will provide the best texture and taste without excessive grease. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different taco seasoning blends to find your favorite flavor profile. Homemade taco seasoning can also allow you to control the heat and spice levels.

Don't forget to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, so don't hesitate to make it your own.

Suggested Side Dishes

To complement your Beef Taco Skillet, consider serving it with a side of fresh, crunchy tortilla chips. This adds a delightful texture contrast and makes for a fun, interactive dining experience. You can also prepare a simple side salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing element to your meal.

For those who enjoy a heartier side, Mexican-style street corn, also known as elote, pairs wonderfully with tacos. The sweet corn, creamy dressing, and sprinkle of cheese enhance the overall flavors of your skillet dish, making it a satisfying and complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of your Beef Taco Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When storing, ensure the dish has cooled completely to maintain freshness. If you wish to freeze any leftovers, place them in freezer-safe containers, where they can last for up to 3 months.

When it comes time to reheat, you can use the microwave for convenience or warm it on the stovetop over medium heat. If reheating from frozen, allow the skillet to thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to keep the dish moist and flavorful.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.

→ What can I use instead of rice?

Quinoa or cauliflower rice work well as alternatives.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the heat.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it when needed.

Beef Taco Skillet One Pan

This Beef Taco Skillet One Pan recipe combines all the flavors of traditional tacos in a quick and easy one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: The Family Table Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 small onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 packet taco seasoning
  5. 1 cup beef broth
  6. 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  7. 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  8. 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  9. 2 cups cooked rice
  10. 1 cup shredded cheese
  11. Chopped cilantro for garnish
  12. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 7g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g