If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together in a snap, the Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant skillet meal combines seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, zesty salsa, and melted cheddar cheese all in one pan, delivering a comforting and satisfying dinner with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe promises deliciousness without spending hours at the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all you need to create a mouthwatering taco skillet that balances texture, color, and bold, sunny flavors perfectly. Each component adds its own magic, from the juicy beef to the creamy cheese topping.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when softened, giving every bite a subtle aromatic lift.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or more to taste): Packs the signature taco spices, infusing the beef with classic zesty warmth.
- 14 ounces black beans (drained & rinsed): A fiber-rich, creamy element that complements the meat and adds satisfying texture.
- 16 ounces salsa (your favorite variety): Brings tangy, vibrant notes that brighten up the whole skillet.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts into gooey goodness throughout and crisps beautifully on top.
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving): Adds a tangy creaminess that cools down the spices perfectly.
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped): Freshens every mouthful with herbaceous brightness and green color.
- Tortilla chips (for serving): Provide a crunchy, salty contrast when scooping or crumbling on top.
How to Make Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes while breaking it up with a spatula. You want to gently brown the meat rather than fully cook it at this stage. Then, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. This step lays the groundwork for the hearty, beefy flavor that anchors the recipe.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften and turn translucent, stirring frequently so they don’t stick or burn. Those tender onions infuse the dish with a slightly sweet aroma and mellow flavor that perfectly balances the spices.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Seasoning
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and mix everything until the seasoning coats the beef evenly. This step is where the dish really starts to develop that irresistible classic taco taste.
Step 4: Add Beans, Salsa, and Cheese
Drain and rinse the black beans, then stir them into the skillet along with the salsa and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly so that all the flavors mingle and the cheese begins to melt, creating a luscious base for the finishing touches.
Step 5: Broil for the Perfect Melt
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Place the skillet under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes, watching closely as the cheese bubbles and browns to golden perfection. This final step brings delightful texture, with crisp cheesy edges that elevate the whole dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet carefully from the oven and serve immediately. Add dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a handful of tortilla chips on the side. This dish tastes best when shared family-style, allowing everyone to scoop up their own delicious portions and add any extra toppings they love.
How to Serve Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes—they bring freshness, color, and a flavor contrast that makes every bite exciting. Sour cream adds cooling creaminess, while chopped cilantro offers herbal brightness. For a little extra zing, try adding sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten things up even more.
Side Dishes
Though this skillet is a full meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly, or serve alongside Mexican rice for extra heartiness. Crunchy tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas make great dippers or wraps, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next casual dinner? Serve the Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe in a colorful cast-iron skillet right at the table—that rustic charm never fails to delight. Alternatively, scoop it onto crispy tostada shells for an easy handheld treat or layer it over baked potatoes for a fun twist on loaded spuds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This skillet keeps really well in the fridge—just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before eating.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal handy for longer, freezing works great. Cool the skillet completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming and to melt any solidified cheese. You can also microwave single servings, topping with a little extra cheese for that fresh melty touch. If refrigerated or frozen, let it come to room temperature before heating to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or add extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and corn for a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
What kind of salsa works best?
Use your favorite salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or spicy. Chunky salsa adds texture, while smooth salsa blends effortlessly with the beans and beef. Choose based on your heat preference and flavor profile.
Is it possible to bake instead of broil the cheese?
Yes, you can bake the skillet at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts. Broiling gives a nice bubbly brown top more quickly, but baking is a gentle alternative.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Certainly! While cheddar is classic and flavorful, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even a Mexican cheese blend to switch things up.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness mostly depends on your choice of taco seasoning and salsa. You can easily adjust the heat by picking milder or hotter versions, and adding extras like jalapeños or hot sauce if you love a kick.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Taco Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe is one of those wonderful, no-fuss dishes that fits seamlessly into any busy lifestyle while never compromising on flavor or excitement. It’s loaded with bold ingredients that everyone adores and comes together so quickly, it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, warming meal that feels like a fiesta in every bite!
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Taco Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal ready in just 20 minutes. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and taco seasoning, then combined with black beans, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese. Finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheesy top, it’s perfect for a family dinner served with sour cream, cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
Seasonings and Condiments
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or more to taste)
- 16 ounces salsa (use your favorite)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 14 ounces black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Bring a heavy bottomed skillet to medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 2 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and soft.
- Combine Beef and Seasoning: Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet with the onions and sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Stir to evenly coat the meat and onions with the seasoning.
- Add Beans, Salsa, and Cheese: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Broil with Cheese Topping: 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, watching carefully, until the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately topped with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips. Add any additional toppings you like and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to watch the skillet closely while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like avocado, jalapeño, or green onions for added flavor.
- To make this vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
