This One Pan Taco Skillet is an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in about 20 minutes! It’s cheesy, filling, packed with classic taco flavors, and made almost entirely in one skillet—which means fewer dishes at the end of the night.

It’s also one of those recipes that’s incredibly easy to customize based on what you already have in your fridge. Add extra bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, corn, or whatever veggies need to be used up. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

The corn tortillas get mixed right into the skillet and soften slightly while still giving the dish that delicious taco-meets-nachos feel. Finish everything with plenty of melted cheese and your favorite taco toppings for a simple dinner the whole family can customize.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Skillet

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it:

• Is ready in about 20 minutes
• Uses just one skillet
• Requires simple, easy-to-find ingredients
• Can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand
• Works with ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• Is easy to make your own with different toppings

It’s also a great option when everyone likes their tacos a little differently. Put avocado, salsa, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, and extra cheese on the table and let everyone add their own toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup taco sauce
• 2/3 cup shredded cheese
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into chip-size pieces

For Serving

Try topping your taco skillet with:

• Diced avocado
• Chopped tomatoes
• Salsa
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Jalapeños
• Green onions
• Extra shredded cheese
• Lime wedges

How to Make a One Pan Taco Skillet

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Make sure you’re using an oven-safe skillet so you can transfer it directly from the stovetop to the oven.

2. Sauté the Onion

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and diced red onion.

Cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.

3. Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and taco seasoning to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks.

Cook for a few minutes, then add the diced bell pepper and black beans.

Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, or until the beef is cooked completely through and the peppers have begun to soften.

4. Add the Taco Sauce, Cheese, and Tortillas

Stir in the taco sauce.

Add about half of the shredded cheese along with the pieces of corn tortilla. Gently stir everything together until evenly combined.

5. Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the skillet.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Add Your Toppings

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and add your favorite toppings.

Serve warm with avocado, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, sour cream, or anything else you love on tacos!

Easy Ingredient Swaps

One of the best parts about this taco skillet recipe is how flexible it is.

Ground beef: Swap it for ground turkey or ground chicken.

Black beans: Pinto beans would work well too.

Bell pepper: Use any color you have on hand.

Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack are all delicious.

Corn tortillas: Flour tortillas can work in a pinch, although the texture will be a little different.

Taco sauce: Use your favorite mild, medium, or spicy taco sauce depending on how much heat you want.

Add Some Extra Veggies

This is an easy recipe for sneaking a few more vegetables into dinner. Along with the bell pepper and onion, try adding:

• Diced zucchini
• Chopped spinach
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Diced poblano peppers
• Chopped kale

For vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms that release more moisture, sauté them for a few minutes before adding the beans and tortillas.

What to Serve With Taco Skillet

This skillet is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you could also pair it with:

• A simple side salad
• Mexican-style rice
• Cilantro lime rice
• Chips and guacamole
• Corn salad
• Fresh fruit
• Roasted vegetables

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the skillet back in the oven until warmed through. The tortillas will become softer after being refrigerated, but the flavor is still delicious.

One Pan Taco Skillet Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 lb ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup taco sauce
• 2/3 cup shredded cheese
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into chip-size pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
4. After a few minutes, add the bell pepper and black beans. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the meat is completely cooked through.
5. Stir in the taco sauce.
6. Add half of the shredded cheese and the tortilla pieces. Stir until combined.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
9. Remove from the oven and serve with avocado, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, sour cream, or your other favorite taco toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken both work well in this recipe. If you’re using very lean meat, you may want to add a little extra oil when cooking it.

Can I make this taco skillet spicy?

Yes! Use spicy taco seasoning or taco sauce, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper. You could also top the finished skillet with hot sauce.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Zucchini, spinach, corn, mushrooms, and additional peppers are all great additions.

What kind of cheese works best?

A Mexican cheese blend is an easy option, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses will all work.

Do I need an oven-safe skillet?

For the easiest one-pan method, yes. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, simply transfer the taco mixture to a baking dish before adding the final layer of cheese and baking.

The Perfect Easy Weeknight Dinner

If you love tacos but want something even easier than assembling individual tacos, this One Pan Taco Skillet is such a good option. Everything cooks together in one pan, you can add whatever veggies you have in the fridge, and dinner is ready in about 20 minutes.

It’s simple, customizable, cheesy, and exactly the kind of easy dinner recipe worth keeping in your weeknight rotation.