This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a hearty dish perfect for busy nights. With seasoned beef, beans, and gooey cheese all cooked together, it’s like a burrito but in a bowl!
Cooking this is a breeze! I love how everything cooks in one pan—fewer dishes to wash! Plus, you can add your favorite toppings, making it fun for everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds a hearty flavor and protein to your dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tofu or tempeh sautéed with spices.
Black Beans: They bring a creamy texture and protein. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans are good alternatives. You could also use lentils but might want to adjust cooking times to ensure they’re tender.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This ingredient adds flavor and heat. If you can’t find it, you can mix plain diced tomatoes with a fresh or canned jalapeño for spice, or a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce.
Flour Tortillas: I love using flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas work well too, especially if you’re gluten-free. You can also skip the tortillas and serve the skillet over rice for a different base.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. Feel free to switch it up with pepper jack for a bit of heat or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef without Making it Greasy?
Browning ground beef correctly can make a big difference in your dish. Here are key tips to ensure it’s cooked well and not greasy:
- Start with a hot skillet. This helps the beef sear rather than stew in its own juices.
- Break the beef into small pieces with a spatula. This promotes even cooking.
- Drain excess fat after browning. Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon or ladle to remove the grease easily.
- If you want to add flavor, season with salt and pepper as it cooks but don’t add too much fat.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly browned beef without extra grease, making your burrito skillet even more enjoyable!
How to Make a Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 4 large flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: jalapeños, sliced (for added spice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, so in total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to have a delicious Ground Beef Burrito Skillet ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it away. This will keep your dish from being greasy!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Once the beef is cooked, add in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with the green chilies), corn, taco seasoning, and water. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the flavors blend beautifully!
3. Add the Tortilla Strips:
When the mixture starts simmering, reduce the heat to low. Toss in the tortilla strips, making sure they’re evenly mixed into the beef and bean mixture. This will give your dish that delicious burrito texture!
4. Melt the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Yum!
5. Top It Off:
Once the cheese is melted, take the skillet off the heat. Spoon some sour cream and pico de gallo on top of the cheesy goodness. You can add as much as you like!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro over your dish. If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños too! Serve your burrito skillet warm and dig in. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, following the same browning procedure as you would with ground beef. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor since these meats can be milder.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Adjust the amounts to your taste, and feel free to add salt and pepper!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this burrito skillet vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with an additional can of black beans or your favorite protein, such as lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the skillet in a pan over low heat, or microwave it until heated through. You may want to sprinkle a little water on top while reheating to keep it moist!
