Taco-Spiced Ground Beef Skillet with Charred Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick skillet dish of ground beef seasoned with taco spices, combined with charred bell peppers for a flavorful weeknight meal. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, small, finely chopped onion, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are charred and softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 small finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté with the peppers for 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Push the veggies to the side and add 1 lb ground beef to the center. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Spiced Ground Beef Skillet with Charred Peppers 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 Taco-Spiced Ground Beef Skillet with Charred Peppers?

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-Spiced Ground Beef Skillet with Charred Peppers?

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 Ground Beef Skillet with Charred Peppers 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 Ground Beef Skillet with Charred Peppers?

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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