Beef Taco Skillet

Growing up in the 80s, I always thought skillet meals from a box were some kind of magic. Now that I’m a mom, I definitely don’t want all the preservatives and extra sodium that come from boxed meal kits. But the ease of a complete meal made in a skillet in minutes? That I can appreciate. Our Beef Taco Skillet is like having the convenience of a box with all of the control of a home-cooked meal. Your kids will love the flavor, and you will love the convenience and wholesome ingredients.

We are in love with convenience at this house, but not really in love with the extra cost it usually brings. That’s where the practice of freezer meal cooking shines. It’s the best of both worlds! When you buy in bulk and cook on the weekends, you save both money and time without sacrificing flavor. We different skillet meals available for you to try. Check out the Pesto Skillet Gnocchi recipe for starters. Another family favorite is this Chorizo Sweet Potato Skillet.

If you want instant access to everything we’ve got – and it’s a lot – be sure to join the Freezer Meals 101 Club.

Beef Taco Skillet Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef, browned and cooled
• ½ onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 2 cup salsa
• 15 oz. corn, drained
• 15 oz. black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 oz. green chilies
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Ingredients for the Day of Cooking

• 6 corn tortillas 
• ¼ cup chicken broth 
• optional: avocado, cilantro and sour cream for topping

How to Make Beef Taco Skillet

Assembly Instructions

1. Place cheddar cheese in a medium freezer bag.
2. Remove excess air and seal.
3. Place all remaining ingredients in a large resealable freezer bag.
4. Mix around gently in the bag to combine.
5. Remove excess air and seal.
6. Staple both bags together above the seal and then freeze.

Cooking Instructions

1. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
2. Heat the contents of the large bag in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cut corn tortillas into strips about 2 inches long and ½-inch wide.
5. Add the tortilla strips and ¼ cup chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well.
6. Cover and reduce the heat to low.
7. Cook for another 12-15 minutes, until tortillas are tender.
8. Add shredded cheese and serve once the cheese has melted.

How do I know when the beef taco skillet is cooked?

Since the meat is pre-cooked, you really just need to heat the dish until everything is hot throughout. 8-10 minutes is plenty as long as the bag is fully thawed. If you are concerned, you can test the temperature with an instant-read thermometer and make sure it is 165ºF.

What kind of salsa should I use?

This is really a matter of personal preference. You can use a chunky salsa, a black bean salsa, or a green salsa. You could even make up several different bags, each with a different salsa. The salsa is also a way to increase the heat if you like things spicy.

Beef Taco Skillet Recipe Ideas

For added convenience, use packaged taco seasoning, or the large jar of taco seasoning you can buy at warehouse stores. Replace the spices (including salt and pepper) in our recipe with enough seasoning mix for one pound of meat.

You don’t have to use beef. Ground chicken or a meatball blend will work. Even cooked and pulled chicken will work.

If you want extra belly filling calories with this meal (teenage boys anyone?!), you can cook rice or orzo pasta to go with it.

Increase the heat with extra cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, ancho chile powder, or diced hot peppers.

This would make an incredible lettuce wrap filling!

How do I store Beef Taco Skillet Leftovers

I swear this tastes even better on day two. Save the leftovers in airtight containers and reheat them in a skillet or microwave to enjoy the dish a second or third time. Makes a perfect packed lunch for the office!

What to Serve with Beef Taco Skillet Bowls

Since this is a meal in a skillet, you don’t really need to add anything unless you want to. We always like to have sour cream, cheese, avocado, and cilantro for garnish. Mexican cornbread muffins would pair nicely.