Introduction
Transforming weeknight dinner from a chore into a fiesta just got easier! This One-Pan Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is a flavor explosion ready in under 30 minutes. No more complicated recipes or mountains of dishes – just delicious, family-friendly food that’s perfect for busy cooks. Get ready to impress without the stress!
Why This Works
This recipe shines because it’s incredibly simple, uses pantry staples, and delivers big on flavor. The one-pan method minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The blend of spices creates a vibrant, authentic Mexican taste that everyone will love, without requiring hours of prep work. It’s a true testament to the power of efficient cooking!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🫑 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 🥫 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 🫘 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 🌶️ 1 packet taco seasoning
- 🌿 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a large skillet (oven-safe preferred) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, and taco seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
4️⃣ Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
5️⃣ Stir in the cilantro.
6️⃣ If using an oven-safe skillet, top with shredded cheddar cheese and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until melted and bubbly. If not, simply stir in the cheese until melted.
7️⃣ Serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use a combination of ground beef and chorizo.
- If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is used initially to brown the ground beef quickly. Lowering the heat to a simmer ensures even cooking of the vegetables and beans without burning. Broiling (optional) adds a final touch of melted cheese without overcooking the other ingredients.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on a satisfyingly soft and savory texture from the beans and vegetables, the optional addition of tortilla chips or a crunchy topping can enhance the textural experience.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep your vegetables ahead of time to save time during the week. Chop them the night before and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save even more time.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t traditionally given as a gift, but a portion in a cute, reusable container could be a thoughtful gesture for a busy friend or neighbor.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Southwest: Add a diced jalapeño pepper and a pinch of cumin.
🌟 Creamy Ranch: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
🌟 Black Bean Fiesta: Substitute black beans for the kidney beans and add a diced avocado.
🌟 Monterey Jack Magic: Use Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Too dry: Add a little water or broth to the skillet if the mixture becomes too dry while simmering.
- Too bland: Increase the amount of taco seasoning or add other spices to taste, such as chili powder or cumin.
- Burnt: If the beef burns, start again with fresh ground beef. Be sure to monitor heat carefully.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the beef and onions separately, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- What can I serve it with? This skillet is delicious served with rice, tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite Mexican sides.
- What type of tortillas are best? Corn or flour tortillas both work well. Warm them slightly for best results.
- Is it suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is your new weeknight dinner hero! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and requires minimal cleanup – a winning combination for any busy cook. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your culinary creation and rave reviews on Ratemyrecipes.com! Enjoy!
30-Minute Mexican Ground Beef: One-Pan Dinner Done Right
A quick and flavorful one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and delicious spices, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add lime juice and zest before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips or over rice for a complete meal.