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Quick Cheesy Taco Skillet Dinner

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A fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing cheesy taco skillet dinner ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and made with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika)
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, careful not to burn it.
  3. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a nice sear, then stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat and onions. Add 1/4 cup water to help the seasoning blend and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and frozen corn. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil and reduce heat to low. Let it melt for about 2-3 minutes until gooey with some golden crispy edges.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top, and serve with lime wedges if using.

Notes

Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Let ground beef brown undisturbed for better flavor. Cover skillet when melting cheese to get gooey texture with crispy edges. For extra crispy cheese, finish under broiler 1-2 minutes carefully. Can substitute ground beef with tofu or lentils for vegetarian version. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives. Freeze before adding cheese for best texture when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, cheesy taco skillet, easy meal, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner, taco skillet, 15 minute meal

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