This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a fun, one-pan meal packed with juicy beef, beans, and colorful veggies. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor!
If you need a tasty dinner in a hurry, this is your go-to. Just toss everything in the skillet, and watch it come together. Perfect for busy nights! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is preferred for this dish to limit excess grease. You can substitute with ground turkey or even a plant-based meat if you’re looking for healthier options or a meat-free version.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are super convenient, but you can use pinto beans or kidney beans if that’s what you have. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium.
Corn: Frozen corn works great here, and it adds a nice sweetness. If you don’t have that, canned corn is fine too. Fresh corn cut off the cob can add a lovely crunch, especially in summer.
Taco Seasoning: If you’re out of taco seasoning, you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This allows you to control the flavor and spice level.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but a Mexican blend brings more flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese which can melt surprisingly well.
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted?
Melted cheese is a key part of this dish. After covering the skillet with cheese, keep the heat low to slowly melt it without burning. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and steam, helping the cheese melt evenly.
- Keep the heat on low to avoid overcooking the beef or burning the chips.
- Check after 5 minutes. If it’s not melted enough, continue for another minute, watching closely.
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 oz tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and/or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- jalapeños
- avocado
- lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nice and brown, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Season and Combine:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir in the black beans, corn, and salsa, mixing everything well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all those tasty flavors can blend together.
3. Add the Tortilla Chips and Cheese:
Now it’s time to make it extra delicious! Spread the tortilla chips evenly on top of the beef mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chips, making sure to cover them well.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey and wonderful.
5. Top and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, take the skillet off the heat. Top it with diced tomatoes, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for that fresh flavor. You can also add any optional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or lime wedges as you like.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your burrito skillet warm and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends. It’s a fun and easy dish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey can cook faster than beef. Brown the ground turkey just like you would beef, and follow the rest of the recipe as is!
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own taco seasoning with spices you might already have. Combine 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Use this mixture in place of the taco seasoning packet for a customizable flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to help loosen it up if it appears dry.
Can I Make This Skillet Vegetarian?
Yes! You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and replacing it with more black beans or even sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Just add extra seasoning to keep the flavor bold. The recipe will remain just as hearty and delicious!
