Why I Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Taco Beef Skillet is one of those dinners I know everyone will be excited to eat. Everything cooks in one pan, it’s packed with protein, and it has all the flavors of taco night without all the extra prep. The seasoned ground beef, peppers, onions, pinto beans, and salsa create a hearty, flavorful base, while the blended cottage cheese melts right in for an extra creamy texture and a boost of protein. It tastes like the perfect mix between a cheesy taco casserole and your favorite taco dip, and it’s just as delicious scooped up with tortilla chips as it is served over rice or tucked into warm tortillas.

Enjoying The Leftovers

This skillet is just as good the next day. Scoop it into tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or baked potatoes, or serve it over rice for another easy meal. It’s also perfect for dipping with tortilla chips when you’re craving a quick snack.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious.

Reheating

Warm the skillet in a pan over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. If the mixture thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it before serving.

A pan with ground beef taco skillet in it, topped with sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
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Ground Beef Taco Skillet

This Cheesy Taco Beef Skillet is an easy one-pan dinner made with seasoned ground beef, peppers, onions, pinto beans, salsa, blended cottage cheese, and melty cheese. Packed with protein and bold taco flavor, it's perfect for serving with tortilla chips, over rice, or tucked into tacos for a quick family-friendly meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
US M
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • 1 can of pinto beans
  • 1 cup of salsa
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, blended
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
  • Tortilla chips
Optional toppings
  • Sliced avocado
  • Diced jalapenos
  • Cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Hot sauce
US – M

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400℉.
  • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some avocado oil. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion and sauté for a few minutes until they’re soft.
  • Next, add the ground beef and cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease if needed.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning along with the amount of water listed on the packet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, until it thickens.
  • Meanwhile, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir it into the beef mixture along with the salsa.
  • Top everything with an even layer of shredded cheese. Pop the skillet into the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just a little golden. (No oven-safe pan? Just cover the skillet with a lid until the cheese melts through.)
  • Serve hot and top with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or any of your favorite fixings. Scoop it up with tortilla chips, tuck it into taco shells, or just grab a fork and dig in. Enjoy!

Equipment

saute pan
cutting board
measuring cups

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 4g