Mexican Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

If you want a dinner that’s fast, family-friendly, and absolutely loaded with flavor, look no further than this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet! Juicy, perfectly seasoned beef mingles with tender veggies, hearty beans, and melty cheese — the kind of meal that turns a busy weeknight into something worth savoring. Everything happens in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, and you can dress it up with your favorite toppings for maximum satisfaction. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish has become such a beloved staple in my kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is in the balance of simple staples that, when combined, deliver a truly crave-worthy result. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the comforting, colorful dish you’ll want to make again and again.

• Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef to keep things juicy but not greasy—it’s the backbone of the recipe.
• Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic lift to the skillet as it cooks.
• Green bell pepper: Offers crunch and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the beef.
• Garlic: Essential for savory depth—freshly minced garlic gives the best punch.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Brings moisture, tang, and a touch of acidity to each bite.
• Black beans: Adds heartiness and fiber, and soaks up all that wonderful seasoning.
• Corn kernels: For a bit of sweetness and texture—frozen or canned both work!
• Taco seasoning: The ultimate shortcut for layers of smoky, zesty spice—use homemade or a good-quality store blend.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted on top for that irresistible creamy, stretchy finish.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and makes everything sizzle.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for dialing in the perfect flavor balance.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro adds brightness and a fresh finish, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan.

How to Make Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step sets a lovely flavor base that will infuse the entire Mexican Ground Beef Skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef right into the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let the beef brown nicely, cooking until no pink remains—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. As soon as the beef is cooked through, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Skillet

Pour in those canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together generously, and let it simmer for a few minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully. The skillet should smell incredible by this point!

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Reduce the heat and cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey, golden deliciousness. If you love a bit of color, uncover and broil for a couple of minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Add Freshness and Serve

Turn off the heat and shower your Mexican Ground Beef Skillet with chopped cilantro (if using). Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly—trust me, everyone will rush to the table!

How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with toppings! Spoon the Mexican Ground Beef Skillet into bowls or onto plates, then pile on extras like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime. Chopped green onions and shredded lettuce add brightness and crunch, making every bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

This skillet is satisfying on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a side of warm flour tortillas, fluffy Mexican rice, or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out bowls of refried beans or a crisp corn salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Mexican Ground Beef Skillet into a make-your-own taco bar: spoon it into taco shells or wrap it in burritos. For a low-carb option, serve over a bed of lettuce as a taco salad, or spoon into halved bell peppers and bake for stuffed peppers with a twist. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Ground Beef Skillet keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even deeper as they mingle, making lunchtime leftovers something to genuinely look forward to!

Freezing

Let the skillet cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze in portions for up to three months. For best results, add cheese only after thawing and reheating, so it stays melty and fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm everything in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often. If the mixture seems a little dry, splash in a spoonful of water or broth to revive its sauciness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to season well and watch the cooking time, as leaner meats can dry out more quickly.

Is this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet spicy?

That’s up to you! The taco seasoning adds mild heat, but you can spice things up by adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne, or keep it completely mild so everyone can enjoy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can. Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven so everything fits comfortably, and give it a few extra minutes to ensure the flavors blend beautifully.

What’s the best way to make it gluten-free?

This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning is, so double-check the label or make a homemade blend to be safe.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach make great additions. Just add them in with the peppers so they have time to cook through and mingle with the beef.

Final Thoughts

Once you experience just how quick, delicious, and versatile this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is, I’m betting it’ll become a regular star at your table too. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you need a hearty, fuss-free meal that makes everyone happy!

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