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Quick Ground Beef Taco Skillet Recipe with Black Beans and Corn

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A fast and flavorful skillet dinner combining ground beef, black beans, and corn with classic taco spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (150 g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and slightly softened. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart evenly with a spatula until browned and no pink remains.
  4. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid sogginess.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat and toast spices for about 1 minute.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce, stir to combine, lower heat to medium, and simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Stir in black beans and corn, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder. Add a splash of water or broth if too thick.
  9. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet and toss in chopped cilantro if using.

Notes

Brown the beef properly for best flavor. Use fresh spices for vibrant taste. Avoid overcooking beans and corn to keep texture. Drain excess fat to prevent sogginess. Let skillet rest off heat for a couple of minutes before serving to let flavors settle. Can be customized with toppings or substitutions like ground turkey or vegetarian options.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, taco skillet, black beans, corn, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, skillet dinner