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Flavorful Beef Taco Skillet Recipe Easy Homemade Tacos with Fresh Toppings

beef taco skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-skillet beef taco recipe featuring bold spices and fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juicy flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (150g) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels (thawed)
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced or sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice tomatoes (if fresh), slice jalapeño and green onions, and cube the avocado (~10 minutes).
  2. Heat the skillet: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic: Cook chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef: Crumble ground beef into the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains.
  5. Season the beef: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat evenly.
  6. Add liquids and veggies: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until mixture thickens and beef is tender. Add thawed corn kernels in the last 2 minutes.
  7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the skillet. Cover with lid or foil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and lime wedges. Serve with warm tortillas or over rice.

Notes

If your skillet isn’t oven-proof, melt the cheese by covering the pan tightly and letting residual heat do the work. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco skillet, easy tacos, homemade tacos, quick dinner, one skillet meal, fresh toppings, family dinner, Mexican recipe