Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Ground Beef Taco Skillet
This Ground Beef Taco Skillet or one-skillet taco dinner is everything we love about Tex-Mex comfort food — bold, beefy, cheesy, a little sweet, a little smoky, and full of flavor in every single bite.
It’s made with ground beef, ranch-style beans, crispy tortilla strips, and a perfect blend of spices and seasonings, all finished off with melty cheese, fresh cilantro, and chopped onions.
It’s fast, filling, and always a hit — whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or craving something cozy and nostalgic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
- It’s a one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
- It’s endlessly customizable — spice it up, tone it down, or serve it as nachos, burritos, or over rice.
- It reheats beautifully for meal prep or leftovers.
- Most importantly — it tastes amazing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet Williams taco seasoning (or your favorite brand)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 can ranch-style beans, undrained
- ¾ cup salsa (any heat level you prefer)
- 4–5 corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Season
Add the taco seasoning packet, cumin, garlic powder, garlic salt, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and cook for 1–2 minutes to let the spices bloom and deepen in flavor.
3. Add salsa and beans
Pour in the salsa and the can of ranch-style beans (do not drain). Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add tortilla strips
Cut the tortillas into strips and stir them into the skillet. They’ll absorb the flavorful sauce and soften slightly, like a shortcut enchilada bake.
5. Simmer and melt cheese
Let everything simmer together for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortilla strips are soft and the mixture has thickened slightly. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top and cover with a lid or foil until the cheese melts.
6. Garnish and serve
Top with chopped cilantro and extra onions if desired. Serve right from the skillet with sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce on the side.
Tips and Variations
- Make it spicy: Use medium or hot salsa and add chopped jalapeños or chipotle powder.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
- Make it crunchy: Top with crushed tortilla chips or extra crispy strips just before serving.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for black beans and corn.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick protein swap.
What to Serve with Taco Skillet
- Chips and queso or guacamole
- Mexican rice or cauliflower rice
- Corn on the cob or elote
- A crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette
- Ice-cold drinks and a big bowl of tortilla chips!
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. This is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day!
If you’re in the mood for a one-pan dinner that feels like a hug in a skillet — this Ground Beef Taco Skillet delivers every time. It’s saucy, savory, a little spicy, a little sweet, and endlessly satisfying.
Perfect for busy nights, taco Tuesdays, or when you’re craving that cozy Tex-Mex flavor without turning on the oven.
