Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner that combines ground beef, veggies, and taco seasoning for bold flavors without the mess of assembling individual tacos. Ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (10oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop onion and bell pepper, mince garlic, and drain/rinse beans.
- Brown the beef: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if desired.
- Sauté veggies: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Add a splash of broth if the mixture looks dry.
- Simmer and combine: Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, corn, and remaining beef broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
Do not crowd the skillet to ensure the beef browns properly. Toasting the spices before adding liquid enhances flavor. For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey. The dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 28
Keywords: ground beef taco skillet, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, easy dinner, 20 minute meals, family friendly, budget friendly