This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to make! Filled with seasoned beef, rice, and beans, it’s a flavorful treat the whole family will love.
Honestly, this dish is like a cozy hug in a bowl! I like to top it with cheese and fresh avocado for a little extra yum. Trust me, leftovers hardly ever make it to the fridge! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for this skillet dish to keep it a bit healthier. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, offering a lighter flavor.
Black Beans: These beans add protein and fiber. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can work instead. Canned options are super convenient—just drain and rinse them!
Corn: Fresh corn is great if it’s in season, but frozen corn is just as good and saves time. You could even use canned corn in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well!
Taco Seasoning: I usually go for store-bought taco seasoning for convenience, but you can mix your own with cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder if you have those spices at home.
Tortilla Chips: Using slightly crushed tortilla chips adds crunch, but you can swap them for tortilla strips or even homemade tortillas cut into pieces.
How Can I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted?
Melting the cheese is key to that gooey deliciousness. Here’s how to do it right:
- After folding in the tortilla chips, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the heat and steam, helping the cheese melt faster.
- Keep an eye on it for 2-3 minutes until you see it bubbling. If you like it extra cheesy, feel free to add more than the recipe suggests!
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 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 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and/or Monterey Jack)
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, avocado, or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Burrito Skillet takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks so it browns evenly. If there’s any excess fat in the skillet, drain it off to keep your dish nice and healthy.
2. Mixing in the Flavors:
Next, add in the drained black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and the can of diced tomatoes (make sure to include the juices). Stir everything together thoroughly. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to let those delicious flavors blend together.
3. Adding the Crunch:
Now it’s time to gently fold in the slightly crushed tortilla chips. Mix them in carefully so they get mixed throughout the beef and bean mixture, adding that perfect crunch to your skillet.
4. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of your skillet mixture. Cover it with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is nice and bubbly.
5. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and add dollops of sour cream and fresh salsa right on top. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and if you like, add any optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños or avocado for an extra kick!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and serve hot straight from the skillet! Enjoy this hearty meal with family or friends. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute Turkey or Chicken for the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, as turkey might take a couple of extra minutes to brown compared to beef.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own taco seasoning using a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Use about 2 tablespoons of your homemade blend for this recipe.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm on the stove and add a splash of water to rehydrate the mixture if it looks dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra veggies. Just sauté them with the ground beef at the beginning to ensure they’re cooked through.
