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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet Recipe with Cheesy Pepper Jack

one-pan ground beef taco skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan ground beef taco skillet with seasoned beef, peppers, onions, and melty pepper jack cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium bell peppers (red and green), diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and bell peppers into roughly equal pieces. Mince the garlic cloves and shred the pepper jack cheese if not pre-shredded.
  2. Heat a 10-12 inch skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until it shimmers.
  3. Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers are softened but still crisp. Add garlic during the last minute.
  4. Push the veggies to the side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the empty space and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Stir veggies and beef together.
  5. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the mixture. Pour in tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add black beans and corn if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
  6. Turn off heat. Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid and let sit for about 3 minutes until cheese melts.
  7. Remove lid, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot straight from the pan.

Notes

If cheese isnโ€™t melting evenly, turn heat back on low with lid on for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the taco seasoning. To keep low-carb, omit beans and corn. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted but may need extra oil or broth to prevent drying out. Use mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for less spice.

Nutrition

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