Tasty Taco Skillet Recipe: One-Pan Fiesta for Your Table

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor into every bite.

This hearty taco skillet recipe delivers mouthwatering comfort in less than 30 minutes.

Ground beef sizzles with perfectly balanced spices, creating a one-pan meal that satisfies hungry crowds.

Vibrant bell peppers and zesty seasonings dance together, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

Cheese melts luxuriously over the top, adding a creamy richness that makes every forkful irresistible.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the entire dish with a burst of freshness.

Serve this skillet directly from the stovetop for a casual, stress-free meal that brings everyone to the table.

Sides That Go Well with Taco Skillet

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the bold, spicy flavors of the taco skillet. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness of the beef and melted cheese.
• Create Fresh Citrus Mocktail: Whip up a tangy lime and sparkling water mocktail with a splash of orange juice. The bright, citrusy notes will balance the savory elements of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Top with Cool Avocado Cream: Blend ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a creamy, cooling sauce. Drizzle over the taco skillet to add a smooth, rich layer that mellows the dish's spiciness.
• Serve with Crisp Cabbage Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of honey for a crunchy, zesty side that adds freshness and texture to the hearty skillet meal.

Taco Skillet Swaps to Try

• Vegetarian Taco Skillet: Swap ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free taco seasoning and replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Mexican Skillet: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini. Use a low-carb salsa and skip corn. Add extra bell peppers and protein for volume.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot salsa, or incorporating chipotle powder into the taco seasoning. Top with sliced fresh chili peppers for extra kick.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t very spicy. You can adjust the heat by choosing a spicier salsa or adding extra taco seasoning if you want more kick.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free, and this entire dish can easily be made gluten-free.

• Do I need to rinse the black beans?

It’s recommended to rinse canned black beans to reduce sodium and remove any excess starch before adding them to the skillet.

Why This Taco Skillet Will Win You Over

• Minimal dishes and cleanup make this taco skillet a dream for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without the kitchen chaos.
• Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like jalapeños, different proteins, or extra toppings to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Loaded with protein from beef, fiber-rich beans and rice, and colorful vegetables, this skillet delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and energized.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone can dig into a hearty, flavorful dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

All the Ingredients for the Taco Skillet Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for this taco skillet.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic trio that adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the skillet its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
• Uncooked Rice: Adds substance and helps soak up the delicious flavors in the skillet.
• Black Beans: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture to the dish.
• Salsa: Adds moisture and a tangy, spicy element to the skillet.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for cooking the rice and adding moisture.
• Frozen Corn: Brings a sweet, fresh element and additional texture to the meal.

• Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, comforting layer.
• Sour Cream: A cool, creamy topping that balances the spicy flavors.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright herb flavor to the dish.
• Tortilla Chips: Provides a crunchy contrast to the soft skillet contents.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables.

Taco Skillet Cooking Instructions from Start to Finish

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it apart while cooking.

Cook until beef is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic

Cook vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Enhance With Seasoning

Sprinkle taco seasoning over meat and vegetables.

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly and develop rich flavor profiles.

Step 4: Combine Core Ingredients

• Uncooked rice
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Chicken broth

Stir ingredients well, ensuring rice is completely submerged.

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Step 5: Let The Skillet Simmer

Cover skillet and allow contents to cook for 20 minutes.

Occasionally stir to prevent rice from sticking.

Rice will absorb liquid and become tender.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Stir frozen corn into the skillet.

Sprinkle cheese on top, then cover and let cheese melt for several minutes off the heat.

Step 7: Prepare For Serving

Transfer taco skillet into serving bowls.

Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Handy Tips for Making Taco Skillet Turn Out Right

• Remove grease from ground beef to prevent a heavy, oily skillet and ensure a lighter, healthier meal.
• Cook onions, peppers, and garlic until softened but not browned to maintain their vibrant flavor and texture.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the skillet.
• Let cheese melt off the heat with the lid on to create a creamy, gooey topping without overcooking the dish.
• Experiment with different garnishes like avocado, jalapeños, or green onions to personalize your taco skillet experience.

How to Store and Reheat Your Taco Skillet Leftovers

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F throughout.

Taco Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Skillet delights with a zesty blend of ground beef, peppers, and melted cheese. Skillful cooking brings this one-pan wonder to life, inviting you to savor a quick, satisfying meal that captures the essence of comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (170 grams) frozen corn kernels

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 (1 ounce/28 grams) packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 cup (185 grams) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 (15 ounce/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (250 milliliters) salsa
• 2 cups (500 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded Mexican blend cheese

Optional Toppings:

• chopped cilantro
• sliced green onions
• diced avocado
• sour cream
• tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature for 1-2 minutes. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the beef. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and fragrant, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes.
3. Distribute taco seasoning evenly across the meat and vegetable mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with spices.
4. Introduce uncooked rice, black beans, salsa, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir components to combine, making certain rice is fully submerged in liquid.
5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover skillet and allow contents to simmer for 18-22 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent rice from sticking to bottom.
6. After rice becomes tender and liquid reduces, fold in frozen corn. Sprinkle cheese across the surface and remove from heat, letting residual warmth melt cheese for 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer taco skillet to serving dishes. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crispy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Select lean protein to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the skillet meal.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added nutritional value and increased fiber content.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying taco seasoning quantity or using homemade blend for personalized flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg