Skillet Tex-Mex Mince with Spiced Black Beans

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

A quick, flavor-packed Tex-Mex ground beef skillet with tender black beans and smoky spices, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 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 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small finely chopped jalapeño to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no pink remains.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1 cup diced tomatoes, then add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing flavors to blend and liquids to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Tex-Mex Mince with Spiced 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 Skillet Tex-Mex Mince with Spiced 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 Skillet Tex-Mex Mince with Spiced 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 Skillet Tex-Mex Mince with Spiced 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 Skillet Tex-Mex Mince with Spiced 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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