Cheesy Taco Skillet
This Cheesy Taco Skillet is a quick and easy meal that combines all the classic taco flavors into a single pan. With seasoned ground beef (or chicken), melted cheese, and your favorite taco toppings, it's a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy nights. The skillet is versatile, and you can customize it with your preferred ingredients, making it a family-friendly meal everyone will love!
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or sauté pan (12 inches)
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 small bowl (for mixing taco seasoning)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 packet 1 oz/28g taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup 120 ml water
- 1 cup 150g diced bell pepper (optional)
- 1 cup 240 ml salsa
- 1 cup 120g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup 120g shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion and bell pepper (if using). Measure out the taco seasoning, water, and salsa.
Cook the Ground Meat:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.
Add the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Season the Meat:
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet, stirring to combine.Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened and fully incorporated.
Add Salsa and Cheese:
- Stir in the salsa and top the skillet with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 3-5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Customizations: Feel free to swap the cheese for other varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend cheese for a spicier flavor.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes like Beyond Meat work well in this dish.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice up the skillet.
- Toppings: Consider adding fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime to garnish for extra freshness.
- Make it Low-Carb: For a low-carb option, skip the tortilla chips and serve the cheesy taco skillet over a bed of lettuce or with keto-friendly tortillas.