One-Pan Beef Burrito Skillet: Your Easiest, Quickest Weeknight Mexican Dinner
If you’re anything like me, Mexican food holds a special place in your heart – and on your dinner table! The vibrant flavors, the comforting textures, and the endless possibilities for customization make it a perennial favorite. There’s truly nothing better than a delicious, satisfying meal that transports your taste buds south of the border. And when that meal comes together in just one pan, in under 20 minutes, it’s not just a meal; it’s a weeknight triumph!
Our love for Mexican-inspired dishes is certainly a shared sentiment, given how popular recipes like our Mexican Rice Skillet have become. So, prepare to fall in love with this incredible Beef Burrito Skillet. It brings all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic beef burrito into a convenient, deconstructed format, making taco night even simpler and arguably more delicious!
Imagine this: a bustling weeknight, hunger pangs setting in, and you’re contemplating takeout. Stop right there! This Beef Burrito Skillet swoops in as your culinary hero, ready to be served almost as fast as you can set the table. It’s an ingenious combination of seasoned taco meat, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and flavorful salsa, all simmered together. The magic touch? Flour tortillas, cut into strips, are stirred directly into the mix, soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce and softening to perfection. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that truly mimics a beef burrito, but with the added ease of a skillet meal.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Beef Burrito Skillet
- Unbeatable Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
- Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, this meal is ready in approximately 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Family Favorite: It’s packed with familiar, comforting flavors that even picky eaters will adore. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Customizable: The base recipe is fantastic, but the real fun begins with toppings! Everyone can personalize their serving with their favorite additions.
- Economical: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Your Beef Burrito Skillet
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. For precise measurements, make sure to check the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground Beef: We recommend lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to use what you prefer. For a lighter twist or a change of pace, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes that still absorb the taco seasoning beautifully.
- Taco Seasoning: A good quality taco seasoning is key to authentic flavor. You can use a convenient store-bought packet, or elevate your dish with our flavorful Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe, which is fantastic to keep on hand for all your Mexican cooking needs.
- Frozen Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely texture. No need to thaw beforehand; just toss it in!
- Black Beans: A fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the skillet to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
- Water: Essential for helping the taco seasoning develop its full flavor and ensuring the mixture has the right consistency.
- Salsa: Your choice of salsa will heavily influence the flavor profile. Opt for mild, medium, or hot, depending on your family’s preference. A chunky salsa adds more texture, while a smoother one will blend more seamlessly.
- Flour Tortillas: The star ingredient that transforms this into a “burrito” skillet. Cut them into thin strips so they can easily soften and integrate into the meaty, saucy mixture. They become wonderfully tender and infused with flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy, tangy finish. Feel free to use a Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor.
Customize with Your Favorite Burrito Toppings!
While the skillet itself is incredibly flavorful, the toppings truly make it your own. Set up a topping bar and let everyone create their perfect plate!
- Diced Avocado or Guacamole: For a creamy, rich contrast.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool, tangy element that balances the spices.
- Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, for an extra kick of heat.
- Diced Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo: For freshness and a pop of color.
- Black Olives: A classic taco topping that adds a salty, savory note.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brightens up the dish with its herbaceous flavor.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: For added crunch!
How to Make Beef Burrito Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is designed for maximum ease without sacrificing flavor. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal in minutes.
- Prepare the Taco Meat: Begin by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan to ensure a less greasy, more flavorful final dish. Stir in the taco seasoning along with the specified amount of water, allowing the spices to fully coat the meat and create that classic taco flavor.
- Add the Mix-Ins: Introduce the frozen corn, drained and rinsed black beans, and your chosen salsa to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and some of the liquid to absorb, creating a rich, thick sauce.
- Incorporate the Tortillas: Take your flour tortillas, cut into thin strips, and stir them directly into the simmering meat mixture. Continue stirring gently until the tortilla strips are thoroughly coated and begin to soften. They will absorb the delicious taco seasoning and salsa, transforming into tender, flavorful “burrito” pieces within the skillet.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the tortillas are soft, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. The warmth from the skillet will gently melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey layer.
And just like that, your Beef Burrito Skillet is ready! Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately for a fresh, hot meal.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Skillet
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet to allow the beef to brown properly and for all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Season to Taste: After adding the salsa and seasoning, taste the mixture. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili powder if you desire more heat.
- Tortilla Texture: If you prefer your tortillas slightly firmer, reduce the simmering time after adding them. For very soft tortillas, let them simmer a bit longer.
- Freshness Factor: Always use fresh, vibrant toppings for the best contrast in flavor and texture.
Variations and Customizations for Your Burrito Skillet
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Protein Swaps: As mentioned, ground chicken or turkey work beautifully. For a vegetarian option, try using cooked lentils, extra black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Add More Veggies: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers with the ground beef. You could also stir in zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potato cubes (pre-cooked) for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up (or Down): Control the heat by choosing a mild or spicy salsa. Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce if you like it fiery. For less heat, omit jalapeños from toppings.
- Cheese, Please!: Experiment with different types of cheese like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses.
- Grain Bowls: If you’re out of tortillas or prefer a gluten-free option, serve the skillet mixture over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make delicious burrito bowls.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Beef Burrito Skillet is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.
- Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely. Transfer the skillet mixture to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked skillet mixture (without the cheese topping if possible, as cheese can sometimes alter texture when frozen and reheated). Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger quantities, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry. Add fresh cheese during reheating if you previously froze it without cheese.
So, next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what’s for dinner, remember this incredibly easy and flavorful Beef Burrito Skillet. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with your entire family, delivering all the beloved flavors of Mexican cuisine in a fraction of the time, and with minimal fuss. Enjoy!
Beef Burrito Skillet
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Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 4 flour tortillas, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings
- Diced Tomatoes
- Diced Avocados
- Sour Cream
- Cilantro
- Jalapeno
- Black Olives
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Break up any large chunks. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water until the meat is well coated and the seasoning is dissolved.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 package taco seasoning
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Mix in the frozen corn, drained and rinsed black beans, and salsa. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the water has absorbed and the sauce has thickened slightly.1 cup frozen corn kernels, 15 oz black beans, 1 cup salsa, 1 ¼ cup water
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Add the flour tortilla strips to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until all the strips are well coated in the meat and sauce mixture. Allow them to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until they have softened and absorbed the flavors.4 flour tortillas
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Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes, or until gooey and bubbly.1 cup cheddar cheese
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Remove from heat. Garnish generously with your desired toppings and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
More Easy Mexican-Inspired Dinner Recipes To Try
If you loved this Beef Burrito Skillet, you’ll definitely want to explore these other quick and flavorful dinner ideas:
- Dorito Taco Salad
- Mexican Pizza
- Creamy Salsa Chicken
- Frito Taco Pie
- Chicken Tostadas
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