Beef Taco Skillet
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
48705 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Beef Taco Skillet
Description
This Beef Taco Skillet recipe begins by browning ground beef and seasoning it with a defined blend of spices that includes chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne, providing layered smoky and mildly spicy notes. Black beans bring a creamy texture and protein, while grape tomatoes add a fresh, juicy element as they soften and break down during cooking.
Adding tortilla chips towards the end offers a subtle crunch that softens slightly, absorbing flavors and adding texture variety. Melted shredded cheddar cheese ties the ingredients together with richness and a savory finish. Fresh green onions add brightness when stirred in or as a garnish.
This dish works well as a casual dinner served directly from the skillet or with tortillas for tacos. It's a versatile meal that combines classic taco flavors without complicated steps.
Ingredients
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp chili powder $0.30
- 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
- 1 tsp cumin $0.10, ground
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper $0.02
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.05, dried
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02, freshly cracked
Skillet Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef $2.85
- 1 oz. can black beans $0.89
- 1 pint grape tomatoes $1.49, or one large tomato
- 4 oz. tortilla chips $0.50
- 2 oz. cheddar cheese $0.42, shredded
- 1 green onion $0.11
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients for the homemade taco seasoning in a small bowl (chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper).
- Slice the green onion and cut the grape tomatoes in half (if using one large tomato, cut it into a small dice).
- Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium until it is fully browned. If you're using a higher fat content beef (20% or higher), drain the excess fat before moving to the next step. If you're using a very lean ground beef (<10% fat) you may need to add a touch of oil to the skillet to keep the beef from sticking.
- While the beef is cooking, rinse and drain the can of black beans. Add the black beans to the skillet with the prepared taco seasoning. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes more, or until heated through.
- Add the tomatoes to the skillet and continue to cook over medium, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to break down a bit (about three more minutes).
- Finally, add the tortilla chips and stir to combine with the other ingredients in the skillet.
- Top the skillet with the shredded cheese, place a lid on top, and let it heat for 1-2 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over top just before serving.
Notes
- Chili powder used here is a spice blend; heat level may vary by brand.
- Drain excess fat from ground beef if using higher fat content for best texture.
- Rinse and drain canned black beans before adding to the skillet.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 48705 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 487.05kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 51.88g | 17% |
| Protein | 26.4g | 53% |
| Fat | 20.5g | 32% |
| Sodium | 863.3mg | 36% |
| Fiber | 15.1g | 60% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.