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Quick 20-Minute Taco Skillet Recipe Easy Zesty Cheesy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy taco skillet recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, spices, beans, and melted cheese for a zesty, comforting dinner ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170 g)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat a large 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 softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well and let spices toast for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices and add rinsed black beans if using. Stir to combine, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil and turn off heat. Let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until gooey and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and optional toppings immediately.

Notes

If no lid is available, cover skillet loosely with aluminum foil or a large plate to melt cheese. Avoid overcooking during simmer to prevent drying out. For vegetarian version, substitute beef with diced mushrooms and cooked lentils. For low-carb, omit beans and serve over cauliflower rice or roasted veggies. Adding a squeeze of fresh lime at the end brightens flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco skillet, quick dinner, cheesy taco recipe, ground beef skillet, easy weeknight meal, zesty taco, 20-minute dinner

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-20-minute-taco-skillet-recipe-easy-zesty-cheesy-dinner-idea/