If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, quick to make, and perfect for any day of the week, then this Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe is absolutely for you. With its juicy ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, hearty black beans, and melty cheddar cheese all coming together in one skillet, dinner becomes a fiesta in no time. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade but requires minimal effort — a true weeknight hero that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that balances savory, spice, creaminess, and crunch. Each component plays its part: from the ground beef packing the protein punch to the salsa adding moisture and tang, every bite is a perfect harmony.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean for less fat or regular for juicier texture and flavor.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds a sweet, aromatic base once softened to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: The heart of the dish’s bold, classic taco flavor—adjust it to your liking.
- 14 ounces black beans (drained & rinsed): A nice boost of fiber and texture that complements the meat.
- 16 ounces salsa: Use your favorite for personalized spice and freshness; it keeps the skillet juicy.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts gorgeously for that irresistible cheesiness.
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving): Adds creamy tang that cools down the spices.
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbal brightness to top it off.
- Tortilla chips (for serving): Crunchy vehicle for scooping or a crispy side snack.
How to Make Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and let it cook, breaking it up with your spoon, for about 2 minutes until it starts to brown. Then, take it off the heat and set it aside — browning first locks in flavor and keeps the texture just right.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Place the skillet back on medium heat and add the chopped onions. Stir them often as they cook for around 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing that sweet aroma that makes your kitchen instantly inviting.
Step 3: Combine Meat and Seasoning
Return the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix everything well to ensure that every piece of meat is coated in that vibrant mix of spices — this is where the taco magic truly begins.
Step 4: Add Beans, Salsa, and Cheese
Next, incorporate the drained and rinsed black beans, pour in the salsa, and stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. This creates a rich, hearty base loaded with layers of flavor and gooey cheesiness that binds the ingredients together.
Step 5: Melt and Brown the Cheese
Scatter the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top of your skillet mixture. Pop the skillet into the oven on the broil setting for a few minutes, watching carefully as the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. This step adds a crispy, irresistible crust that everyone will fight over.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve immediately with dollops of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips on the side. This Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe ensures each bite is a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch.
How to Serve Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a generous spoonful of cool sour cream elevate the skillet’s rich flavors and add fresh, creamy contrasts. You can also add diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice to personalize your bowl of deliciousness even further.
Side Dishes
Serve this skillet alongside crisp tortilla chips or a fresh salad for a lighter counterbalance. Mexican rice or seasoned corn on the cob make fantastic accompaniments, rounding out the meal with more textures and flavors that complement the skillet’s boldness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this skillet into taco bowls by scooping it into crispy tortilla shells or use it as a filling for burritos or quesadillas. You can even spoon it over warm tortillas for quick DIY tacos, making it a versatile recipe that shines in many forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it a convenient option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of salsa or water can help maintain moisture and keep the dish from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works beautifully with the taco seasoning, keeping the dish flavorful and lighter.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add extra beans or cooked vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to keep the dish hearty and delicious.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. To make it milder, use a mild seasoning and salsa, or spice things up with extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven?
You can skip the broiling step and instead cover the skillet and let the cheese melt on the stovetop, but you’ll miss out on that slightly crispy cheese topping.
What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar shines here, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend for different depths of flavor and meltiness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute go-to meals whenever I want something tasty, fuss-free, and crowd-pleasing. It’s a brilliant blend of simplicity and flavor that makes dinner truly enjoyable. Give it a try tonight — I promise it’ll become a family favorite before you know it!
Print
Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Taco Skillet recipe comes together quickly in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Featuring ground beef, black beans, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal with a spicy taco twist. Topped with fresh cilantro and sour cream, and served with crunchy tortilla chips, this dish is sure to satisfy your taco cravings without any hassle.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or more to taste)
- 14 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 16 ounces salsa (use your favorite)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Bring a heavy-bottomed skillet to medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for 2 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onions: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become translucent and soft.
- Combine Meat and Seasoning: Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the onions. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to evenly coat the meat and onions with the spices.
- Add Beans, Salsa, and Cheese: Mix in the drained and rinsed black beans, salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Broil with Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro, and enjoy with crunchy tortilla chips or your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the meat or onions.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before broiling.
- Keep an eye on the cheese while broiling to prevent burning.
- Try adding other toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or chopped tomatoes for variety.
