This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a fun and tasty dish that’s ready in no time! It combines juicy ground beef, colorful veggies, and all your favorite burrito flavors in one pan.
Making this skillet is a breeze. Just cook everything together and enjoy! Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love one-pan meals? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is your main protein source. While I love using lean ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a mix of beans.
Black Beans: A can of black beans adds protein and fiber. If you’re out, pinto or kidney beans work well too. Canned chickpeas could also be an interesting twist if you like their flavor!
Cheese: Shredded cheese gives a creamy finish. I often use a Mexican blend for added flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for more kick. If you want to go dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great substitute.
Salsa: This brings a fresh kick! You can use store-bought or make your own. If you like it spicy, go for a hotter salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra zing.
How Do I Ensure My Ground Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef properly makes a big difference in taste and texture. Here’s what to focus on for perfect browning:
- Start by heating your skillet to medium heat. This helps the beef cook evenly.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil if your beef is lean to prevent sticking.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks – this helps it brown evenly.
- Cook until it’s fully browned (about 5-7 minutes); the color should change from pink to brown. If there’s fat, drain it before adding seasonings.
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 (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup salsa (or diced tomatoes)
- 6 flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional, for browning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, drizzle a little olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Keep an eye on it until it’s nicely browned. Season your beef with salt and pepper to make it taste delicious!
2. Mix in Seasonings and Ingredients:
When the beef is all cooked up, drain any extra fat from the skillet if needed. Now, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Give it a good mix and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warm.
3. Add the Tortilla Strips:
Next, lower the heat to low and carefully fold in your tortilla strips. Make sure they spread out evenly within the beef mixture. This will give each bite that tasty tortilla flavor!
4. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of your mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and become bubbly—yum!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, take the skillet off the heat. Serve your warm burrito skillet topped with dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a lovely finish. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Burrito Skillet!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster than beef, so watch them closely and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with an additional can of black beans or another plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. You might also want to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No taco seasoning? No problem! You can easily make a substitute using spices you may have on hand. Combine 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spices to your taste for a personalized flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the skillet on low heat or microwave in a bowl until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it from drying out while reheating!
