This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a fun one-pan meal with beef, beans, and lots of gooey cheese! It cooks up quickly and has all the flavors you love in a burrito.
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s easy to clean up? I serve it with some tortilla chips on the side, and my family always races to the table. It’s cheesy goodness that makes everyone smile! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the protein base of the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re looking to go meatless, try black beans or lentils instead.
Beans: Black and pinto beans add fiber and protein. If you don’t have these, kidney beans or chickpeas work well too. Canned beans save time, but you could also cook dried beans if you prefer.
Cheese: I love using a Mexican cheese blend for its melty goodness. If you want a bit more flavor, try adding some pepper jack. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese.
Salsa: Feel free to use any salsa you like, including mild or spicy kinds! If salsa isn’t on hand, diced fresh tomatoes with some seasoning can also do the trick.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Melts Perfectly?
Getting that cheesy layer to melt just right is key! Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the cheese on top, make sure to cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Cook over low heat for a few minutes – this gentle heat ensures the cheese doesn’t burn while it melts.
- If you want a bubbly topping, you can place it under the broiler for a minute or two after covering, but keep a close eye! It can go from melted to burnt quickly.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- Tortilla chips or small torn flour tortillas (approx. 6-8 chips or 3-4 small tortillas), roughly broken
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh diced tomatoes, for topping
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This whole recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 5-7 minutes for prep and cooking the beef, then another 10-15 minutes to heat everything up and let the cheese melt perfectly. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onion:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and diced onion. Use a spoon to break the beef apart while it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef turns brown and the onion becomes soft (this should take about 5-7 minutes). If there’s extra grease, drain it off to keep the dish from being too greasy.
2. Spice It Up:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Toss in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are evenly mixed in.
3. Add Beans and Salsa:
Stir in the black beans and pinto beans, followed by your salsa (or the diced tomatoes with green chilies). If you chose to use rice, add that too. Mix everything well and cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Layer with Chips:
Lower the heat to low. Sprinkle the tortilla chips or torn tortillas evenly on top of the beef and bean mixture. This adds a nice crunchy texture!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chips. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely. This step is key for that gooey, cheesy topping!
6. Add Toppings:
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, take the skillet off the heat. Top it off with dollops of sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve It Up:
Dig in! Serve this cheesy burrito skillet hot, right from the skillet, and enjoy a tasty, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering!
Enjoy your easy, cheesy, one-pan ground beef burrito dinner!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for those looking for a leaner option. Just cook it in the same way as the ground beef until fully cooked through.
How Do I Make This Vegetarian-Friendly?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with more beans or cooked lentils. Just make sure to season it well to keep the flavor balanced. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition!
What If I Don’t Have Salsa?
No problem! If you don’t have salsa on hand, you can use diced tomatoes and add some chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to give it a similar flavor. You could also simply use some tomato sauce with spices!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
