Mexican Ground Beef Skillet: A Quick and Delicious One-Pan Meal

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table. As someone who loves exploring different cuisines, I find this recipe to be a perfect blend of spices, textures, and convenience. The history of this dish is rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, where ground beef is often combined with fresh vegetables and zesty seasonings to create a hearty meal that is both satisfying and quick to prepare.

People adore this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet not only for its incredible taste but also for its versatility. The combination of savory beef, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re serving it over rice, in tacos, or simply enjoying it on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Avocado slices (optional, for serving)
• Chips or tortillas (optional, for serving)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. I like to have everything prepped and ready to go before I start cooking. 2. Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. I usually aim for about 1/4-inch cubes so they cook evenly. 3. Mince the garlic cloves. If you have a garlic press, it can save you some time, but a knife works just as well. 4. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn. This step is crucial to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid that might affect the flavor of your dish. 5. Measure out the taco seasoning and cumin. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own taco seasoning by mixing chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.

Cooking the Ground Beef

6. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. 7. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. 8. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. 9. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. I usually tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to remove the fat, but you can also use a colander if you prefer.

Adding the Flavor

10. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and cumin over the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the spices coat everything evenly. 11. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with the black beans and corn. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. 12. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. I usually add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, but adjust according to your taste preferences.

Finishing Touches

13. Once the mixture is heated through and the flavors have developed, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 14. While the cheese is melting, chop some fresh cilantro for garnish. I love the freshness it adds to the dish. 15. Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with the chopped cilantro and, if desired, avocado slices for a creamy touch.

Serving Suggestions

16. Serve the Mexican ground beef skillet hot, straight from the skillet. You can enjoy it on its own or with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for scooping. 17. If you want to make it a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of rice or a fresh salad. The flavors are so vibrant that it pairs well with a variety of sides. 18. For an extra kick, you can also serve it with your favorite hot sauce or salsa on the side. 19. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. 20. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or even swapping the

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to spice up their weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family and friends! For serving suggestions, consider topping your skillet with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor. You can also serve it over rice, in warm tortillas for tacos, or even with tortilla chips for a fun nacho night. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition, or switch up the protein with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I encourage you to give this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! Print