Name: Easy Taco Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or more to taste); 14 ounces black beans, drained & rinsed; 16 ounces salsa (use your favorite); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; Tortilla chips

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Introduction

This Easy Taco Skillet is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Loaded with seasoned beef, black beans, and melty cheese, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

A black cast iron skillet with a white handle cover sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick layer of melted golden-yellow cheese mixed with cooked black beans and browned ground meat with small pieces of red bell pepper. On top of this mixture, there is a dollop of white sour cream in the middle, fresh green cilantro leaves scattered around, and a few yellow tortilla chips placed at the top edge. A silver spoon rests inside the skillet on the right. Surrounding the skillet are bowls of shredded pale orange cheese and fresh green cilantro leaves, a white plate holding more yellow tortilla chips, and a bowl of white sour cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet along with the taco seasoning. Stir to combine the flavors evenly.
Step 4: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, salsa, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of 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 lightly browned. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve the taco skillet immediately with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips. Add any other toppings you like, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet before serving.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Use a mix of black beans and corn for added texture and sweetness.
To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with diced mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For best texture, add fresh cilantro and sour cream after reheating.

How to Serve

A black skillet filled with a layered dish showing browned ground meat mixed with black beans and diced tomatoes, topped with melted yellow cheese that covers the whole surface unevenly. In the center, there is a dollop of white sour cream garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Four triangular yellow corn chips are placed near the sour cream. The skillet handle is wrapped in a gray and white striped cloth. Around the skillet on a white marbled surface are small white bowls with bright orange shredded cheese and fresh green cilantro. There is a white plate with more yellow corn chips visible on the left side. A silver spoon is partially submerged in the food near the chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made taco seasoning instead of homemade?

Yes, pre-made taco seasoning works perfectly and saves time. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

Is it necessary to broil the cheese on top?

Broiling the cheese adds a nice bubbly and browned finish, but if you prefer, you can simply cover the skillet and let the cheese melt on low heat.