Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner

Ever have one of those nights where you’re staring into the pantry, willing a dinner idea to magically appear? Friend, we’ve all been there, and that’s exactly why this Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet recipe is about to become your weeknight superhero. It’s the kind of satisfying, one-pan meal that comes together faster than you can say “What’s for dinner?” with minimal cleanup and maximum, crowd-pleasing flavor. So grab your favorite skillet, and let’s get cooking.

Top Reasons To Make It

Why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways. First up, it’s a true one-pan wonder. From browning the beef to melting that glorious cheese, everything happens in a single skillet. That means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. Second, it’s incredibly fast. You can have this hearty meal on the table in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights. And finally, it’s endlessly adaptable. Got a picky eater? Swap out the veggies. Need to stretch it for a bigger crowd? Toss in some extra beans. It’s the forgiving, flexible dinner hero you need in your rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing our aromatics.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed base.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory depth.
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced: For a pop of color and crunch.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s a savory dish without it?
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning, or 2 tablespoons homemade: For that iconic, flavorful punch.
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel): Brings a little tang and mild heat.
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: For extra fiber and protein.
• 1 cup beef broth: Creates the perfect saucy consistency.
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked: A fantastic, hearty filler the whole family loves.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because everything’s better cheesy.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro.

Instructions

1. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the veggies begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and vegetable mixture. Give everything a good stir to coat it all in those delicious spices.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles (with their juices), the rinsed black beans, the beef broth, and the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir it all together until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Give it a stir about halfway through.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Preheat your broiler. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire top of the skillet.
7. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching it closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden in spots. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for whatever you have on hand. For a lighter option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Not a fan of black beans? Kidney or pinto beans work just as well. If you’re out of macaroni, any small pasta shape like shells or rotini will do the trick. And honestly, if you’re looking to sneak in more veggies, a handful of frozen corn or some chopped zucchini stirred in with the peppers is a delicious and easy win.

Pro Tips For Perfect Flavor

• Don’t skip browning the onions and peppers with the beef. That extra few minutes of sautéing builds a ton of foundational flavor.
• Use a good, quality taco seasoning you love. It’s the star of the spice show here!
• Make sure to use a skillet that’s large enough to hold everything comfortably. A 10 or 12-inch skillet is perfect.
• Watch that broiler! It goes from perfectly melted cheese to a burnt mess in seconds. No one wants that.
• Let the skillet sit for 5 minutes after it comes out from under the broiler. This helps the saucy goodness thicken up just right.
• And my best tip? Get the kids to set the table while it’s simmering. Teamwork makes the dinner dream work.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This cheesy skillet is a complete meal all on its own. So good. But if you want to round things out, a simple side salad with a bright lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Some warm, buttered tortillas or a basket of crispy tortilla chips for dipping are also never a bad idea. It’s the ultimate comfort food that satisfies every single time.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet for avoiding mushy pasta. Just warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tiny splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave single portions in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the pasta can become a bit grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your taco seasoning and beef broth are certified gluten-free. It’s an easy swap for easy healthy dinner options.
• How can I make this spicier? If your family loves heat, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning. It’ll give it a fantastic kick.
• Is this one of those cheap dinners for a family? You bet. Using pantry staples like pasta, beans, and basic spices keeps the cost per serving wonderfully low.
• What other quick dinner ideas use these ingredients? This base is so versatile! You could easily turn it into a taco pasta bake or use it as a super hearty filling for burritos.