Description
Craving a quick, hearty meal that brings bold Tex-Mex flavors to your table without the fuss? The Easy Beef Taco Skillet is your answer! This one-pan dish combines savory ground beef, sweet corn, crispy tortilla pieces, and melty cheddar cheese in a zesty taco sauce, topped with your favorite garnishes.
Ingredients
To make Easy Beef Taco Skillet for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this hearty dish:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Savory, protein-rich base.
- Small Red Onion (1, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth.
- Whole Kernel Corn (1 can, 15¼ oz, drained): Brings sweet, crunchy texture.
- Corn Tortillas (10, 6-inch, cut into 1-inch pieces): Provide a crispy, taco-like texture.
- Taco Sauce (1 bottle, 8 oz): Delivers zesty, spicy flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1¼ cups, divided): Melts for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Hot Pepper Sauce (optional, to taste): Adds a spicy kick.
- Toppings: Sour cream, chopped green onion, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, salsa (to taste).
Substitutions and Variations:
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Red Onion: Replace with yellow onion, white onion, or scallions.
- Corn: Substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or diced bell peppers.
- Corn Tortillas: Use flour tortillas or tortilla chips (adjust cooking time for chips).
- Taco Sauce: Swap with salsa, enchilada sauce, or a homemade mix of tomato sauce and taco seasoning.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure taco sauce is gluten-free (check labels).
Why These Ingredients Matter: The ground beef provides hearty protein, while the corn and tortillas add texture and taco authenticity. The taco sauce and cheese bring bold, melty flavor, and customizable toppings make it a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for Tex-Mex lovers.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion
- In a large skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef and 1 chopped small red onion over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Tip: Break up the beef with a wooden spoon while cooking for even browning, and drain thoroughly to avoid a greasy dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Add 1 can (15¼ oz) drained whole kernel corn, 10 corn tortillas (cut into 1-inch pieces), 1 bottle (8 oz) taco sauce, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the tortillas soften slightly.
Tip: Stir gently to keep tortilla pieces intact, and ensure the taco sauce coats all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Add Final Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts, or cover briefly to speed up melting.
Tip: Cover the skillet to trap heat and melt the cheese evenly without overcooking the mixture.
Step 4: Serve
- Spoon the skillet mixture into bowls or onto plates.
- Serve hot with optional hot pepper sauce and toppings like sour cream, chopped green onion, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and salsa.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and warm, saucy texture at its best.