One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Corn and Black Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful one-pan skillet featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and black beans, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro—perfect for picky eaters who love tacos. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, olive oil, small, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, 1 cup rinsed and drained canned black beans, and 1/2 cup drained diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with warm tortillas or rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Corn and Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Corn and Black Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Corn and Black Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Corn and Black Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Corn and Black Beans?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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