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.

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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.