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Easy 15-Minute Cheesy Taco Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy cheesy ground beef taco skillet that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, black beans, and corn, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz / 280g) diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel), drained slightly
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh) corn kernels
  • 1 medium jalapeño, diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 large lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, sliced green onions, hot sauce, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to create browned bits.
  2. Continue cooking the beef for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and crispy around the edges. Drain off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat every piece. Let it cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained slightly), black beans, and corn kernels. Stir everything together. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Add diced jalapeño if desired.
  6. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Do not stir. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and cook for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from heat and let it rest for 1 minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice.
  8. Serve immediately straight from the skillet with warm tortillas, over rice, or with tortilla chips. Add desired toppings.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese as it melts more smoothly. Let the beef develop a crust by not stirring too much. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to enhance flavor. If doubling the recipe, use two skillets to avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco skillet, cheesy taco skillet, ground beef taco skillet, easy taco recipe, 15-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-15-minute-cheesy-taco-skillet-recipe/