Mexican Ground Beef Skillet: A Quick and Delicious One-Pan Meal

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table. As someone who loves exploring different cuisines, I find this recipe to be a perfect blend of spices, textures, and convenience. The history of this dish is rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, where ground beef is often combined with fresh vegetables and zesty seasonings to create a hearty meal that is both satisfying and quick to prepare.

People adore this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet not just for its incredible taste, but also for its versatility. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in tacos, or simply enjoying it on its own, the combination of savory beef, colorful peppers, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze! Join me as we dive into this flavorful recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Avocado slices (optional, for serving)
• Chips or tortillas (optional, for serving)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. I like to have everything prepped and ready to go before I start cooking. 2. Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. I find that using a garlic press makes this step quicker and easier. 3. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn. This helps to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid that might affect the flavor of the dish. 4. Open the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and set it aside. You can use mild or spicy tomatoes depending on your heat preference.

Cooking the Beef

5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. 6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic is simply irresistible! 7. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. 8. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. I usually tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to remove the fat, but be careful not to lose any of the delicious meat!

Adding the Flavor

9. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and cumin over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the beef is evenly coated with the spices. 10. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with the drained black beans and corn. Stir everything together until well mixed. The colors in the skillet are starting to look vibrant and appetizing! 11. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust as needed.

Simmering the Skillet

12. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 13. After 10 minutes, check the consistency. If it looks too dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. If it’s too soupy, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Finishing Touches

14. Once the mixture has reached your desired consistency, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 15. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a minute. This gives the cheese a chance to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Assembling and Serving

16. To serve, I like to scoop generous portions of the beef mixture onto plates or into bowls. You can also serve it family-style right from the skillet for a more casual dining experience. 17. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. If you’re a fan of avocado, add a few slices on top for creaminess. 18. If you like, serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side. This makes for a fun and interactive meal where everyone can build their own tacos or enjoy the beef mixture with chips. 19. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Ground Beef Skillet! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or

Conclusion:

In summary, this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their weeknight dinners with a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family and friends! For serving suggestions, consider topping your skillet with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra layer of flavor. You can also serve it over rice, in taco shells, or with warm tortillas for a fun twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition, or switch up the protein by using ground turkey or chicken. I encourage you to give this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!

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