Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet takes all the best elements of a burrito and turns them into a simple, one-pan meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and rice gives you a delicious balance of protein, fiber, and carbs, while the melted cheese adds that comforting richness. You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite burrito toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, making it perfect for a family-friendly dinner. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require much cleanup!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn (or fresh corn)
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat (if your ground beef is lean, you might not need oil). Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Season the beef: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to coat the beef evenly in the seasoning. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water to help the seasoning coat the beef.
Add the beans and corn: Stir in the black beans and corn, and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Add the rice: Stir in the cooked rice and mix everything together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the rice and combine all the flavors.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, for extra nutrition. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for added flavor.
Spicy version: If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the skillet or as a topping.
Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can still use the taco seasoning for flavor.
Low-carb version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to make this dish lower in carbs.
Top with fried egg: For an extra protein boost, top the skillet with a fried egg for a fun, breakfast-style twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork would work well in this recipe. Simply substitute the ground beef with your preferred meat and cook accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and use additional beans (such as pinto or kidney beans) or a meat substitute. You can also add more veggies to make the dish heartier.

What type of rice should I use?

You can use any type of rice you prefer. White, brown, or even cauliflower rice are all great options. Pre-cooked rice works best for this recipe, but you can also cook rice from scratch beforehand.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it as instructed and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet for up to 1-2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet.

Can I use different beans?

Yes! You can swap the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other type of beans you prefer.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, mix in some diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the skillet. You can also add more red pepper flakes to the taco seasoning.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, you can make the dish without cheese if you prefer a dairy-free or lighter option. You can also substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings all the best flavors of a burrito into one convenient, one-pan meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and rice, topped with melted cheese, creates a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you serve it with your favorite toppings or make it your own with additional ingredients, this dish is sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.