Taco-Seasoned Beef and Black Bean Skillet

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An easy one-pan taco skillet with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and spices perfect for quick weeknight dinners or taco bowls. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and 1 can (14.5 oz) drained diced tomatoes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. If desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the skillet for 2 minutes to melt before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Seasoned Beef and Black Bean Skillet 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 Taco-Seasoned Beef and Black Bean Skillet?

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 Taco-Seasoned Beef and Black Bean Skillet?

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 Taco-Seasoned Beef and Black Bean Skillet 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 Taco-Seasoned Beef and Black Bean Skillet?

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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