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Best Easy 15-Minute Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

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A quick and easy one-skillet dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tender tortilla strips, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)
  • 4–6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, hot sauce, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: dice the onion, mince the garlic, cut the tortillas into strips, and open the can of diced tomatoes.
  2. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the ground beef. Break it up into large chunks and let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes for browning. Then break into smaller pieces and stir. Cook for about 4 minutes total until no pink remains.
  4. Add the onion and garlic. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir to coat evenly and let it cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  6. Pour in the water and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
  7. Stir in the tortilla strips gently. Let them cook for 1 minute to soften and absorb some sauce.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 1 minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 30 seconds for a golden top.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

Notes

For best results, let the beef brown undisturbed for 2 minutes. Don’t skip the water—it helps create the sauce. For extra crunch, toast tortilla strips separately in a little oil before adding. Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco skillet, ground beef, cheesy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, 15-minute recipe, one-skillet

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/best-easy-15-minute-cheesy-ground-beef-taco-skillet/