This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a one-pan wonder! With tasty ground beef, beans, rice, and cheese all cooked together, it’s a complete meal that’s super easy to make.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together. Plus, it makes for great leftovers, if there’s any left! I often top it with fresh avocado and sour cream for a yummy twist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for less fat. You can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber to the dish. If you don’t have them, try kidney beans or pinto beans. Canned lentils could work too for a different twist!
Rice: White rice cooks faster, while brown rice is heartier and healthier. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if you switch types to get that perfect texture.
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, beef broth is great, but vegetable broth or chicken broth works too. Even water can be used in a pinch if you season the dish well!
Taco Seasoning: You can make your own with spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder if you don’t have a packet. This way, you can adjust the spice level to your liking!
How Do You Get the Beef Just Right?
Cooking the ground beef properly is key to getting the best flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned. If there’s too much fat, drain it before adding seasoning.
- The beauty of this step is developing a nice brown color on the meat, which adds a lot of depth to the dish. Don’t rush this part!
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced tomatoes
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at about 40 minutes total to enjoy a hearty and delicious Ground Beef Burrito Skillet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef:
Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Keep an eye on it, and if there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain it off.
2. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and stir well to coat the meat with all that delicious flavor. This is what will give your skillet that yummy burrito taste!
3. Combine Other Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (along with their juices), and the beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until well mixed, making sure the rice is well incorporated into the mixture.
4. Cook the Rice:
Bring the skillet mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This will cook the rice and allow all the flavors to blend while the liquid is absorbed. Just check occasionally to make sure it isn’t sticking!
5. Add Salsa and Cheese:
When the rice is tender, add the salsa to the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is melted and mixed up, it’s time to serve! Scoop out your delicious Ground Beef Burrito Skillet onto plates and top each serving with dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and some diced tomatoes if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef for Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure your meat is cooked thoroughly before mixing in the other ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, water works just fine! You could also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or chicken broth for added depth. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning according to taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Microwave reheating is also an option—just heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
