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Best Ground Beef Taco Skillet Ready in 15 Minutes

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A quick and easy ground beef taco skillet that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor from seasoned beef, salsa, and melted cheese, and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (240ml) salsa (your favorite jarred or homemade)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth (or chicken broth or water)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, measure out taco seasoning, salsa, tomato paste, and beef broth. Shred the cheese if using a block.
  2. Heat a large skillet (12-inch/30cm) over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if using lean beef or non-stick pan.
  3. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a brown crust. Then break it into crumbles and cook until no pink remains.
  4. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion to the empty space and cook for about 1 minute until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir everything together.
  5. If there is excess fat, tilt the skillet and spoon off all but about 1 tablespoon.
  6. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to coat. Add the tomato paste and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the salsa and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the skillet simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and flavors meld.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and cook for about 1 minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute before serving. Serve directly from the skillet with your favorite toppings and warm tortillas or taco shells.

Notes

For best flavor, let the beef develop a brown crust before breaking it apart. Use homemade taco seasoning to control sodium. Shred your own cheese for better melting. The quality of salsa matters—look for one with tomatoes listed first and no added sugar. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check labels if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef taco skillet, easy taco skillet, 15 minute dinner, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, ground beef recipe, taco recipe

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/best-ground-beef-taco-skillet-ready-in-15-minutes/