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Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet Recipe with Black Beans

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A quick and hearty Tex-Mex skillet combining ground beef, black beans, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 150 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add ground beef, crumble it into the pan, and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and nicely browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well and toast the spices for about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
  7. Add rinsed black beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and combined.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil and reduce heat to low. Let cheese melt for 3-5 minutes until gooey.
  9. Remove from heat, add desired toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado, and serve hot.

Notes

If the skillet looks dry during cooking, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Keep an eye on the cheese melting stage to avoid burning. For a golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes under watchful eyes. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco skillet, cheesy beef skillet, black beans recipe, quick Tex-Mex dinner, easy weeknight meal, skillet recipe, ground beef recipe