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Easy One-Pan Taco Skillet: A Quick & Healthy Weeknight Dinner for the Whole Family

Searching for a fuss-free, delicious, and healthy dinner that the whole family will adore? Look no further than this incredible Taco Skillet recipe! With just a handful of simple ingredients found at any grocery store, you can whip up a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome yet quick.

If you’re a fan of vibrant taco salads, you’re going to fall in love with this wholesome skillet dinner. It masterfully combines all those beloved Mexican flavors into one easy-to-clean-up dish. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming your kitchen into a fiesta of aromas without the usual culinary chaos. It’s an ideal choice for those evenings when time is short but the desire for a homemade, hearty meal is strong.

Serve this versatile skillet recipe with your favorite taco toppings, alongside crunchy nachos and melted cheese, or with a side of fluffy rice, and you’ll have a fantastic meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Its adaptability means everyone at the table can customize their plate, making dinner time enjoyable for even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Taco Skillet

Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Quick Cook Time: From start to finish, you can have a piping hot meal on the table in about 25-30 minutes.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with lean protein and a generous serving of vegetables, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings.
Minimal Cleanup: As a one-pan dish, washing up is a breeze, giving you more time to relax after dinner.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Taco Skillet

One of the best aspects of this taco skillet is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component makes this dish so delicious:

Protein: We recommend using lean ground beef for a hearty base that’s rich in flavor. Lean ground beef minimizes the amount of excess grease, making for a healthier and less greasy dish. However, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for an even lighter alternative.
Vegetables: A colorful array of vegetables not only adds essential nutrients but also a wonderful texture and freshness. You’ll need:
- Chopped Bell Peppers: Any color works beautifully – red, yellow, or green bell peppers add sweetness and a slight crunch. They’re also packed with Vitamin C!
- Diced Zucchini: Zucchini adds a subtle earthiness and extra moisture, blending seamlessly into the dish. It’s a great way to sneak in more greens.
- Fresh Kale or Spinach: These leafy greens wilt down quickly, adding a boost of vitamins and minerals without overpowering the taco flavors. Spinach is milder, while kale offers a slightly more robust texture.
- Diced White Onion: Provides an aromatic foundation, essential for building deep flavor in any savory dish.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (undrained) contribute a tangy sweetness and liquid, creating a rich sauce that coats all the ingredients beautifully.
Seasoning: The heart of the taco flavor! Use your favorite brand of taco seasoning for convenience, or easily make your own homemade taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Cooking Liquid: Simple water is all you’ll need to help the spices meld and to create a saucy consistency for the skillet.
Cheese: No Mexican-inspired dish is complete without cheese! Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend will melt perfectly over the hot skillet, adding a creamy, savory finish.

How to Make the Delicious Taco Skillet: Step-by-Step

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick weeknight assembly. Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite dinner:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating your large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is about 80% cooked through and nicely browned. This initial browning step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to ensure your skillet isn’t overly oily.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
With the ground beef nearly cooked, add the diced white onions, chopped bell peppers, and diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is completely cooked through and the vegetables have just started to soften. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy, to retain some texture.

Step 3: Combine with Seasoning and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (including their liquid), your favorite taco seasoning, and water. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors. The liquid from the tomatoes and the added water will help create a flavorful sauce and ensure the seasoning is well distributed.

adding seasoning and tomatoes to taco skillet

Step 4: Incorporate Leafy Greens
Add the fresh kale or spinach into the skillet. Give it a quick stir, then place a lid on the skillet and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. The steam trapped by the lid will help the greens wilt down quickly and become tender, integrating perfectly into the dish. Continue simmering until the kale or spinach is completely wilted.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve
Finally, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend generously over the top of the skillet. Cover again briefly (or simply let the residual heat melt it) until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Serve immediately while hot, allowing everyone to customize their plate with their favorite toppings!

How to Store Leftovers & Meal Prep Tips

This easy taco skillet is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Fridge: Allow the taco skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezer: For longer storage, this taco skillet freezes well. Once cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip: Cook a larger batch of the ground beef and vegetable mixture at the beginning of the week. Then, simply reheat portions and add fresh greens and cheese just before serving for a quick and fresh-tasting meal every time.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Healthy Dinner Recipe Even Better

Elevate your taco skillet experience with these handy tips and creative variations:

Type of Ground Meat to Use:

While lean ground beef is a classic choice for its rich flavor, this versatile taco skillet dinner can easily accommodate other ground meats. Feel free to use ground turkey, which is an excellent lean protein option, or ground chicken. All these are fantastic options for this taco-inspired meal, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences or what you have available. When using fattier ground meats, ensure you drain the excess grease thoroughly after browning.

Seasoning to Use:

For a truly authentic flavor, you can use the original taco seasoning mix that you would typically use for your normal Taco Tuesday recipes. If you prefer to control the sodium or spice level, consider making your own homemade blend. A simple mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper works wonders. Adjust the amount of chili powder and add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a spicier kick.

What to Serve This Easy Taco Skillet Recipe With:

This delicious seasoned ground beef recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

Rice: Serve it over fluffy white rice, nutritious brown rice, or zesty cilantro-lime rice for a filling meal.
Beans: Complement the flavors with a side of creamy pinto beans or robust black beans.
Tortillas: Scoop the skillet mixture into warm corn tortillas or soft flour tortillas for classic tacos.
Salad: Turn it into a hearty taco salad by serving it over a bed of crisp lettuce.
Nachos: Spoon it over tortilla chips and melt extra cheese for irresistible skillet nachos.

Variety of Toppings:

The beauty of any taco-inspired dish lies in the toppings! Offer a spread of these for an interactive and customizable meal:

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Diced yellow onions (or red onions for a milder bite)
Red salsa or salsa verde
Pico de Gallo (fresh tomato salsa)
Diced green chilies (canned or fresh jalapeños for heat)
Cool sour cream or a healthier dollop of plain Greek yogurt
Cooked black beans (add directly to the skillet or serve on the side)
Sliced green onions for a mild oniony flavor
Crushed tortilla chips (gives a delicious crunchy texture)
Sliced avocado or a scoop of creamy guacamole
A squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness
A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick

Customizing Your Taco Skillet (Variations)

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:

Add More Veggies: Corn, diced sweet potatoes (cook longer), or mushrooms would be delicious additions.
Spice It Up: Include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers with the other vegetables for extra heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works.
Bean Power: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans along with the diced tomatoes for added fiber and protein.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for different flavor profiles.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use plant-based ground crumbles, or simply double up on the beans and add extra vegetables.

Health Benefits of This Skillet Dinner

This Taco Skillet is not just tasty but also boasts a number of health benefits. It’s rich in lean protein for muscle building and satiety. The abundance of vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health. By controlling the ingredients, you can keep sodium and unhealthy fats in check, making it a genuinely wholesome meal for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making this taco skillet:

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground substitute, or replace it with an extra can of black beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian option.
How can I make it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onions, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning. Serving with hot sauce on the side is also a great option.
What if I don’t have fresh kale or spinach? You can use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) in a pinch. Add it at the same stage as the fresh greens.
Can I add rice directly to the skillet? Yes, you can! If you want to make it a true one-pot rice and taco skillet, add about 1 cup of uncooked rice and an additional 1.5-2 cups of broth or water after the seasoning step. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes. You may need to adjust liquid.

More Beef Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed this flavorful beef skillet, be sure to explore these other fantastic beef-centered dishes:

Tomato Bacon Pasta ($5 Dinner)
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Doritos Taco Pasta Salad

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Easy Taco Skillet

By:

Julia Pacheco

Make the best Taco Skillet dinner recipe with only a handful of simple ingredients that you can find in the grocery store for a delicious healthy dinner the whole family can enjoy.

Prep:

5
minutes

Cook:

20
minutes

Servings:
4

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Equipment

Large skillet

Ingredients

▢

1
lb
ground beef
▢

2
bell peppers,
diced
▢

1
zucchini,
diced
▢

1
white onion,
diced
▢

14
oz
diced tomatoes
▢

2
tbs
taco seasoning
▢

¼
cup
water
▢

3
cups
fresh kale or spinach
▢

1
cup
shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode

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Instructions

Cook ground beef until it is 80% of the way cooked in a large skillet or pot. Remove any excess grease from the brown ground beef.
Add onions, peppers, and zucchini cook for about 3 minutes or until the ground beef is completely cooked and the vegetables are starting to get soft.
Add diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and water and stir to combine.
Add in the kale or spinach place the lid on and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the kale is completely wilted.
Add in the cheese and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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