Taco-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet

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

A quick skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef and black beans with classic taco spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner or taco filling. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound lean ground beef, tablespoon 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 380 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 small diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and 1 can (14 oz) drained chopped tomatoes.
  5. Step 5: Season with 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well and reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Step 6: Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Spiced 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-Spiced 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 pound lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Skillet?

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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