One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet Recipe
Quick Answer
Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large skillet, drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning, a can of diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer 10 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and cover until melted. Serve with tortillas, sour cream, and your favorite taco toppings.
Everything you love about tacos, cooked in one skillet in 25 minutes
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
All the taco flavors you love in one easy skillet — seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheese, ready in 25 minutes with almost no cleanup.
Serve straight from the skillet with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or over rice.
Top with all the usual suspects — sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños.
About This Recipe
"One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet" is a Dinner recipe that brings ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans, drained, corn kernels and diced tomatoes together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 6 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The Mexican inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 whole lime
Instructions
- 1
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat.
- 2
Add taco seasoning and water. Stir until thickened.
- 3
Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes.
- 4
Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let melt 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Squeeze lime over top. Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Ground beef is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet" is a versatile Dinner dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, crusty bread or dinner rolls and classic Mexican sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish thickens in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work well. Turkey is leaner, so add an extra tablespoon of oil when browning.
How do I make homemade taco seasoning?
Mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1.5 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne. This equals about one store-bought packet.
What toppings go on a taco skillet?
Classic toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado or guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping.
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