Cheesy Taco Skillet with Black Beans
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, this Cheesy Taco Skillet with Black Beans is your new go-to recipe. Packed with seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a melty blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this skillet meal delivers all the bold, zesty flavors of taco night in a single pan. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this dish comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup—making it a winner every time.
Why Cooks Rave About It
This Cheesy Taco Skillet with Black Beans has everything you love about tacos but without the hassle of assembling individual shells. The black beans add a lovely texture and plant-based protein boost, balancing the rich, savory ground beef. The duo of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melts beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible topping that’s hard to resist. Plus, the fresh cilantro garnish adds a burst of brightness that elevates the entire dish. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity, taste, and satisfying comfort food vibes—no wonder it’s a fan favorite among busy home cooks and food bloggers alike.
What to Buy
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose a lean or medium-fat option for juicy, flavorful results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the aromatics and beef.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – To infuse that signature savory punch.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – Use your favorite blend; check ingredients to ensure no pork derivatives.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed – Adds fiber and texture.
- 1 cup corn kernels – Fresh or frozen both work well for a pop of sweetness.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes – Canned or fresh; they bring juiciness and acidity.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp or mild, based on preference.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – For creamy meltiness.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped – For garnish and fresh flavor.
- Tortilla chips – Perfect for serving and scooping.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan – A 10-12 inch pan works best for even cooking.
- Cutting board and knife – For dicing onions and chopping cilantro.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To keep the ingredient ratios just right.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and breaking up the beef.
- Can opener – If using canned beans and tomatoes.
Cheesy Taco Skillet with Black Beans: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans, and if you’re using frozen corn, thaw it slightly. Shred your cheeses if they aren’t pre-shredded already.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, scoop the beef onto a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Return Beef
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine, then return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly, letting the spices coat the meat evenly.
Step 5: Mix in Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
Add the black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and allow the cheeses to melt, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese has melted into a luscious, gooey layer, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips on the side for scooping and enjoying every cheesy bite.
Dietary Customizations
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or extra black beans and mushrooms for umami.
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Cheese-Free: Omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Low Carb: Skip the corn and serve the skillet over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh salad.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to sneak in more nutrients.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t skip rinsing the black beans; it removes excess sodium and improves texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef to ensure proper caramelization.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic—it can turn bitter quickly.
- Use a lid when melting the cheese to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t dry out.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting the dish.
Save It for Later
This Cheesy Taco Skillet with Black Beans holds up beautifully as leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the cheesy goodness and prevent drying out. For meal prep, consider doubling the recipe and portioning it out for quick dinners throughout the week.
Handy Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and offers a leaner protein option. Just cook it the same way as the beef and adjust seasoning as needed.
What can I substitute for the taco seasoning packet?
You can make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This way, you control the ingredients and the spice level.
Is it okay to use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned corn works well in a pinch. Just drain it thoroughly before adding to avoid excess liquid in the skillet.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning doesn’t contain gluten. Always double-check seasoning blends or opt for homemade versions to be safe.
Don’t Miss These
- Looking for an exciting twist on stuffed peppers? Try Turkey Chorizo Stuffed Peppers for a flavorful meal.
- If you love cheesy dishes, the Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a must-try comfort food classic.
- For a plant-based burger option, check out these tasty Black Bean Burgers With Avocado Crema.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Skillet with Black Beans is a delicious, fuss-free meal that brings vibrant flavors and satisfying textures to your dinner table. The combination of seasoned ground beef, wholesome black beans, sweet corn, and melty cheese creates a scrumptious one-pan dish that the whole family will enjoy. It’s flexible, easy to customize, and pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up every cheesy bite. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this skillet recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your rotation. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how simple and tasty dinner can be!
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Cheesy Taco Skillet with Black Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans, and if you’re using frozen corn, thaw it slightly. Shred your cheeses if they aren’t pre-shredded already.
- Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, scoop the beef onto a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine, then return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly, letting the spices coat the meat evenly.
- Add the black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and allow the cheeses to melt, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the cheese has melted into a luscious, gooey layer, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips on the side for scooping and enjoying every cheesy bite.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve cheese texture.
- Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.
