One Pot Beef Taco Skillet

This customizable “throw it all in a skillet” meal can be made with store-bought taco seasoning, or the homemade mix we include. Top with salsa, sour cream, or whatever other taco fixings you like. 

Equipment:

  • Deep cast iron skillet (with lid if possible)
    • No lid? Use tin foil
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Heat safe spoon/spatula to stir
  • Small bowl (for spice mix)
  • Heat safe gloves & grill grate (for firepit cooking) 

Ingredients: 

  • ½ lb ground beef
  • 1 15 oz can black beans
  • 1 small package of grape tomatoes OR 1 large tomato
  • 4 oz tortilla chips
  • 2 oz (or more) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 green onion

Taco Seasoning Mix: (if you’re using store bought, use 2 tbsp + ¼ tsp – or 1 packet) 

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano 
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional recommended toppings:

  • Avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Corn
  • Jalapenos
  • Corna salsa
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Fine shredded lettuce
  • Cilantro

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients for spice mix and set aside

2. Prep your toppings: thin slice green onions, halve grape tomatoes (or dice large tomatoes).

3. To your warmed skillet, add the ground beef and sauté until cooked through. (If using extra lean beef, you may need to add a few tsp of oil to prevent the beef from sticking)

          a. If using a higher fat content beef, drain any excess fat before moving to the next step.

          b. If cooking on stove, have over medium heat, if cooking over fire don’t have over direct heat.

4. While beef cooks, drain the black beans and rinse clean. Once beef is cooked, add them to the skillet along with taco seasoning. Stir gently to mix for about 2 minutes.

5. Add tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about three more minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to break down.

6. Add the tortilla chips and stir to combine.

7. Top with shredded cheese, place a lid top or gently tent with tin foil, and let heat on low heat (or off direct heat from fire) and let the cheese melt (should take about 2 minutes).

8. Sprinkle with green onions and other toppings of choice to serve. 

(Recipe adapted from Budget Bytes) 

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