One-Pan Wonder: Easy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe

Craving a satisfying and delicious burrito but don’t want the hassle of individual wrapping? This **Easy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet** is your answer! It’s a one-pan wonder packed with all the flavors you love in a burrito – seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings – all cooked together in a single skillet. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or feeding a crowd. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

This isn’t just another ground beef recipe; it’s a culinary shortcut that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Forget rolling burritos; we’re scooping all that goodness straight from the skillet. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace this delicious and family-friendly recipe.

## Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet:

* **Easy & Fast:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your delicious creation.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite toppings, swapping out ingredients, or adjusting the spice level.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of a burrito in a fun and accessible skillet format.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Made with simple and affordable ingredients, this recipe is a great way to stretch your grocery budget.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to adjust quantities based on your personal preferences.

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 medium (any color), chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Taco Seasoning:** 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (8 ounce) can
* **Cooked Rice:** 1 1/2 cups (cooked white or brown rice)
* **Black Beans:** 1 (15 ounce) can, rinsed and drained
* **Corn:** 1 (15 ounce) can, drained (optional)
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2 cups (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
* **Water:** 1/2 cup
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapenos

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Ground Beef:** You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Taco Seasoning:** Make your own taco seasoning blend by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This allows you to control the sodium content and spice level.
* **Rice:** Using leftover rice is a great way to save time. You can also use instant rice, but be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
* **Beans:** Pinto beans or refried beans can be used instead of black beans.
* **Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious ground beef burrito skillet. The recipe is straightforward, but paying attention to the details will ensure a perfect outcome.

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

**Why this step is important:** Browning the ground beef is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the beef to steam instead of brown. If necessary, brown the beef in batches.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
* Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**Why this step is important:** Sautéing the vegetables before adding the other ingredients helps to develop their flavor and sweetness. The garlic adds a pungent aroma that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

**Step 3: Season the Beef Mixture**

* Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water.
* Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

**Why this step is important:** Simmering the mixture allows the flavors of the taco seasoning, tomatoes, and spices to combine and penetrate the ground beef. This step is essential for creating a flavorful and cohesive dish.

**Step 4: Add the Rice, Beans, and Corn (Optional)**

* Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, and corn (if using).
* Mix well to combine all ingredients.

**Why this step is important:** This step incorporates the rice and beans, which are the essential components of a burrito. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.

**Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake (or Broil)**

* Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.

* **Option 1: Bake:** Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

* **Option 2: Broil:** Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

**Why this step is important:** Melting the cheese creates a creamy and gooey topping that adds a layer of richness to the skillet. Baking or broiling ensures that the cheese is evenly melted and bubbly.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Remove the skillet from the oven or broiler.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, green onions, and jalapenos.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Why this step is important:** Toppings add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish. They also allow you to customize the skillet to your liking.

## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Burrito Skillet:

* **Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef:** Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just browned, and then let it simmer in the tomato sauce to keep it moist.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning.
* **Use a Cast Iron Skillet:** A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly and retains heat well. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet.
* **Customize the Toppings:** The possibilities for toppings are endless! Get creative and add your favorite ingredients, such as pickled onions, pico de gallo, or roasted vegetables.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add more beans and vegetables.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Ensure your skillet is well seasoned or use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
* **Even Cooking:** Spread the ingredients evenly in the skillet before topping with cheese to ensure uniform cooking and melting.

## Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to spark your creativity:

* **Chicken Burrito Skillet:** Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
* **Vegetarian Burrito Skillet:** Omit the meat and add extra beans, vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
* **Spicy Burrito Skillet:** Add a chopped jalapeno or serrano pepper to the vegetable mixture. Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
* **Creamy Burrito Skillet:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before adding the cheese topping.
* **Breakfast Burrito Skillet:** Use chorizo sausage instead of ground beef, add scrambled eggs, and top with salsa and avocado.
* **Low-Carb Burrito Skillet:** Replace rice with cauliflower rice. Use low-carb tortillas as dippers instead of serving as a filling.
* **Add some heat**: Consider adding some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.

## Serving Suggestions:

This ground beef burrito skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

* **Serve with Tortilla Chips:** Use tortilla chips to scoop up the skillet mixture for a casual and fun meal.
* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet.
* **Serve with Guacamole and Salsa:** These classic burrito toppings add flavor and texture to the dish.
* **Make Burrito Bowls:** Serve the skillet mixture over a bed of lettuce or rice and top with your favorite burrito toppings.
* **Serve with Warm Tortillas:** Warm tortillas on the side allow everyone to create their own mini burritos.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions:

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply add the rice, beans, and cheese, and bake or broil.
* **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
* **Freezing:** The ground beef mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

* **Can I use frozen vegetables?**
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables like corn, peas, or mixed vegetables. Add them to the skillet during step 4, along with the rice and beans.
* **Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?**
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (except for the cheese), and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Top with cheese and let it melt before serving.
* **Can I use a different type of cheese?**
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Can I add a layer of refried beans to the bottom of the skillet?**
Yes, spreading a layer of refried beans on the bottom of the skillet before adding the ground beef mixture will add extra flavor and creaminess.
* **How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?**
Keep a close eye on the skillet while it’s under the broiler. Broil for only 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, move the skillet further away from the broiler or turn off the broiler and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
* **Is this recipe gluten-free?**
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and toppings. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

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## Enjoy Your Easy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet!

This one-pan wonder is a surefire way to satisfy your burrito cravings without the fuss. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love!

Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #GroundBeefBurritoSkillet – we can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces! Happy cooking!