Dinner

Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

ByClara Bennett February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Taco Skillet is a flavorful, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining seasoned ground beef, peppers, beans, and cheese, it’s loaded with Tex-Mex goodness that the whole family will love.

A white pan filled with a layered dish showing a mix of cooked black beans, red and green bell peppers, rice, and ground meat as the base layer, topped with melted cheese that has a golden brown texture. On one side, several triangular yellow tortilla chips are arranged standing up, and on the other side, slices of green avocado fan out neatly. There are fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top and two lime wedges placed near the chips. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion, showing the melty, colorful filling underneath. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh cilantro leaves around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 diced yellow onion
1 diced red bell pepper
1 diced green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 ½ cups cooked rice
1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes and chiles
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican four cheese blend
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
Sliced avocado, for serving
Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the beef is evenly browned and the vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Step 3: Add the fire roasted diced tomatoes and chiles along with the drained and rinsed black beans. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 4: Mix in the cooked rice and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet under the broiler on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and top with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with firm tofu or extra black beans.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Add jalapeños for extra heat or corn kernels for a touch of sweetness.
Leftover taco seasoning can be stored for future use in other dishes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a little water if needed to keep the dish moist.

How to Serve

A white deep dish filled with a layered baked casserole, starting with a base of white rice mixed with black beans and small diced red and green bell peppers, topped with a golden-brown melted cheese layer that is stretchy and gooey, sprinkled with chopped fresh green cilantro. On one side, thin slices of avocado are neatly arranged over the rice layer. At the front, two bright green lime slices rest on top, adding brightness to the dish. A dark wooden spoon lifts a portion of the casserole, showing the melted cheese stretching from the dish to the spoon over the colorful vegetable and rice mix. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning does not contain gluten. Always check labels to be sure.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the skillet up to the step before melting the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the cheese and broil until melted.