This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a fun and quick dish! It’s packed with savory beef, colorful veggies, and hearty beans, all in one pan. What’s not to love about that?
Honestly, it’s a lifesaver for busy nights. I often add extra cheese on top because, let’s face it, more cheese makes everything better! 🧀 Enjoy it with some tortilla chips for crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein of the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Both work well in this recipe!
Black Beans: These add a great texture and protein boost. If you’re not a fan, try using kidney beans or pinto beans instead. You could also leave them out and add more veggies for a fresh twist.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought works fine, but homemade is even better! Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt for a personal touch. Customize it to suit your spices at home!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are a classic combo. If you want to change it up, pepper jack adds a spicy kick, and for a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Rice: Long-grain rice is perfect here, but you can use brown rice for added nutrition or quinoa for a different texture. Remember, cooking times may vary!
How Do I Ensure My Rice Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice can be tricky, but there are a few tips to nail it down! The key is the right heat and timing.
- Combine the rice and liquid properly in the skillet. Make sure everything is mixed well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low!
- Cover the skillet and set a timer for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often to keep steam in!
- Check if the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. If not, cover and let it sit a few more minutes.
Using these steps will help you achieve fluffy, perfectly cooked rice for your burrito skillet!
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup corn (can use frozen or canned)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes and cilantro)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Ground Beef Burrito Skillet takes about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking, followed by 20 minutes of simmering for the rice to cook, and an additional 5 minutes for melting the cheese. A quick and satisfying meal for everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the hot skillet. Once it’s sizzling, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Stir and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain some off, but keep a little for flavor!
2. Adding Seasoning:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and mix it in well. Cook for another 2 minutes until it’s fragrant—this is when the magic happens!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (and their juices), corn, and long-grain rice into the skillet. Carefully pour in the beef broth and stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cooking the Rice:
Bring this delicious mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the broth. Stir occasionally to be sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
5. Melting the Cheese:
After 20 minutes, check if the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If it is, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Adding Toppings:
Take off the heat once the cheese is melted and bubbly. Now, it’s time to add some delicious toppings! Spoon on the sour cream, fresh pico de gallo, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro to finish it off.
7. Enjoy:
Your warm and hearty Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is ready to enjoy! Serve it directly from the skillet for a delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that it may have a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more taco seasoning or spices to enhance the flavor profile.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you’re looking for a substitute for beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth works perfectly! Just keep in mind that chicken broth will subtly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
