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Easy Beef Taco Skillet Recipe with Black Beans and Corn for Perfect Weeknight Dinner

easy beef taco skillet - featured image

A quick and flavorful one-pan beef taco skillet combining seasoned ground beef with black beans and sweet corn, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150 g) sweet corn, fresh or frozen
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp (2 g) chili powder
  • 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat (about 375ยฐF / 190ยฐC) until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ until translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until evenly browned with no pink spots. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  6. Add the drained black beans and corn to the skillet and stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and mixture to thicken slightly.
  8. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and stir once more.
  9. If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Garnish with chopped cilantro just before serving.

Notes

If skillet looks dry during simmering, add a splash of beef broth or water to keep moist without diluting flavor. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternative. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. Avoid overcooking beans and corn to maintain texture and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco skillet, easy dinner, black beans, corn, weeknight meal, one-pan recipe, quick dinner, taco skillet