Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, salsa, beans, and corn, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup salsa (medium or mild)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (28g)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- Optional: Sour cream for topping
- Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup diced bell peppers
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, drain beans, and grate cheese.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in salsa, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Mix well and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover with a lid or foil and let sit for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Uncover and gently stir the cheese into the beef mixture or leave on top. Serve immediately with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Notes
Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Do not skip searing the beef for better flavor. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of broth or cream cheese. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free taco seasoning and salsa.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 28
Keywords: cheesy ground beef skillet, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, easy beef recipe, family friendly dinner, budget friendly meals