Taco Skillet Recipe | The Recipe Critic

This flavorful Taco Skillet has all of the things that you love about tacos in an easy to make skillet meal! Packed with ground beef, rice, bell peppers, black beans, diced tomatoes and cheese, it’s sure to become a new family favorite!

Skillet meals are my go-to for busy weeknights. There’s usually very little prep needed and cleanup is a breeze! Try our Queso Chicken Skillet, Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, or this Italian Orzo and Sausage Skillet next!

What’s a Taco Skillet?

Taco night just got better with this incredibly delicious Taco Skillet! You will love all of the Mexican flavors from the seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, shredded cheese and your favorite toppings. It doesn’t get any easier than this hearty weeknight dinner made all in the same skillet. It’s ready to enjoy in just over 30 minutes with very little effort and your family will love it!

There’s so many creative ways to serve this taco meal, too! You can certainly eat it as-is with tasty sides. Since it already includes rice and beans, we typically like to pair it with a light salad like this cucumber tomato salad or this avocado tomato arugula salad. For some crunchy texture, it’s so good spooned into taco shells for the ultimate taco dinner! It’s also great wrapped up in tortillas, burrito-style! You can make quesadillas with it, or simply make it a dip and enjoy it with tortilla chips. If you’re craving comforting Mexican food, add this recipe to your weekly menu asap! 

Ingredients Needed for a Taco Skillets

This taco skillet recipe is one of those “throw everything into the pan” kind of dinners that’s so simple to make! And the best part is, it’s super satisfying, tasty and filled with cheesy Tex-Mex flavor. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables.
• Ground Beef: We typically use lean ground beef. If you use higher fat beef, it may be necessary to drain off the fat from the meat before adding the taco seasoning.
• Onion and Garlic: Gets minced and sautéed with the meat mixture to give it savory flavor.
• Bell peppers: One red bell pepper and one green bell pepper add color, texture and flavor.
• Seasoning: The only spices you’ll need is your favorite taco seasoning! Make it homemade for the BEST taste!
• Rice: You can use any cooked rice. This instant pot rice is quick and easy to prepare!
• Tomatoes: Fire roasted diced tomatoes and chiles adds a bit of spice and texture to the filling. Use mild or hot, depending on your spice preference.
• Black Beans: Adds plant-based protein and a boost of fiber. You can use any type of beans you prefer; pinto beans would be great.
• Cheese: Mexican four cheese blend is delicious in this taco skillet recipe and melts wonderfully!
• Toppings: Add any favorite taco toppings! We love freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado or guacamole and sour cream. Serve with lime wedges and squeeze that fresh lime juice over the top for extra freshness and flavor!

Let’s Make Dinner!

This skillet meal is so quick and easy! Start by browning the meat and sautéing the veggies. Then, stir in the other ingredients and cook until warm and the cheese is melty. It’s the perfect dinner for busy families!

1. Sauté: Add the oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Then add in the ground beef, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté everything together until the beef is evenly browned and the vegetables are tender.
2. Season: Add the garlic and taco seasoning then sauté for 1 minute. 
3. Tomatoes & Beans: Add tomatoes, and black beans then stir to combine. 
4. Add Rice: Stir in the cooked rice and sauté everything together for another 5-8 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, spread the cheese across the top of the skillet and cover until the cheese has melted.
6. Serve: Top the taco skillet mixture with the toppings and enjoy!