Sautéed Ground Beef with Roasted Corn and Black Beans

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

A hearty, flavorful skillet dish featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with smoky roasted corn and tender black beans. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, roasted corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for another 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup roasted corn kernels and 1 cup drained black beans, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice for brightness before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ground Beef with Roasted Corn and Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Ground Beef with Roasted 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ground Beef with Roasted 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 Sautéed Ground Beef with Roasted 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 Sautéed Ground Beef with Roasted Corn and Black Beans?

Mexican beef 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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