Easy Mexican Ground Beef Skillet Recipe: A One-Pan Meal

This Mexican ground beef recipe is a flavorful and convenient one-pan meal, ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with delicious beans, rice, colorful peppers, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a healthy and satisfying dinner the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Ground Beef Dinner

Mexican ground beef skillet meals are a classic for a reason. They’re quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

This recipe combines tender vegetables, high-quality protein, and just the right amount of melty cheese for a comforting meal. It’s also incredibly versatile – perfect for a variety of occasions:

• A quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
• Game day entertainment, served with a side of tortilla chips. Or, try the Mexican ground beef casserole for a heartier option.
• Meal prepping for the week ahead.

Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and easy steps to make this delicious and healthy ground beef dinner.

How to Make Mexican Ground Beef in a Skillet

Ingredients

• Red Onion: Yellow onion is a fine substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best for that authentic Mexican flavor!
• Bell Peppers: Use any color bell pepper you enjoy – red, yellow, and green all work beautifully. Poblano peppers are a nice, mild alternative.
• Ground Beef: Choose a good quality ground beef (grass-fed if possible) with an 85/15 or 80/20 fat ratio for the best flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: This is the key to that classic Mexican flavor! It’s the easiest way to add a blend of spices without measuring multiple ingredients. Keep a jar on hand, as it’s also great for Mexican shredded beef bowls. You can also make your own using a recipe like this taco seasoning mix.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds a touch of moisture and flavor to the skillet.
• Tomato Paste: Provides depth of flavor that tomato sauce alone can’t achieve.
• Green Chiles: These add a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish. They’re also delicious in a ground beef and sweet potato skillet!
• Black Beans: A staple in Mexican cooking. Pinto beans can also be used. They’re great in Mexican taco lasagna, too!
• White Rice: This cooks quickly in the skillet, making it ideal for a one-pan meal.
• Broth: Any type of broth – beef, chicken, or even vegetable – will work for cooking the rice. Water can also be used in a pinch.
• Olives (Optional): A small can of sliced black olives adds a unique salty flavor.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend will melt beautifully and add a comforting touch. Use more or less cheese according to your preference!
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, fresh finish that complements the other Mexican flavors.

Cooking Instructions

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity as a one-pan meal!

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, and cook until slightly softened.
2. Brown the Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned.
3. Add Seasoning and Sauce: Mix the sauteed vegetables and beef together. Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, tomato paste, green chiles, and black beans. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Cook the Rice: Add the rice and broth to the skillet. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer until the rice is tender and cooked through.
5. Melt the Cheese: Remove the lid, add the olives (if using), and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. Cover again until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

And that’s it! An incredibly easy meal with minimal cleanup, ready in just 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Your Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in so many ways:

• As Is: Simply scoop a generous serving into a bowl and enjoy this simple, healthy, and delicious meal.
• Bowls: Create a customizable *bowl*! The best part about bowls is the toppings! Add guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, fresh limes, and your favorite salsa, such as this pineapple habanero salsa.
• Nachos: Spoon the ground beef mixture over a bed of tortilla chips. Add extra cheese for a truly indulgent treat. It rivals even carne asada nachos!
• Tacos: This recipe is perfect for tacos, thanks to the taco seasoning!
• Burritos: Use the ground beef mixture as a filling for large, burrito-sized soft tortillas. It’s better than anything you’ll find at Chipotle!
• Stuffed Vegetables: Use the mixture to stuff vegetables. Round zucchini (round zucchini work perfectly), peppers, or even onions (check out these Mexican stuffed onions for inspiration) are all great options.

With so many serving options, it’s easy to see why this Mexican ground beef skillet is great for meal prepping!

If you don’t like eating the same meal day after day, this recipe is perfect for switching things up!

How to Store Your Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Before refrigerating or freezing, allow the skillet to cool to room temperature.

Transfer the Mexican ground beef to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for 2-3 months.

Just like this ground beef stir fry, this Mexican skillet meal is perfect for meal prepping!

Common FAQs about Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

More Healthy Ground Beef Recipes

• Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
• Spicy Udon Noodle Skillet
• Burger In a Bowl
• Healthy Sloppy Joes
• Beef Kafta