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One-Skillet Ground Beef Recipe for Easy Flavorful Taco Tuesday

one-skillet ground beef recipe - featured image

A quick and easy one-skillet ground beef recipe packed with bold taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknights and Taco Tuesday. Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water or beef broth
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned.
  4. Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly mix the spices into the meat. Keep heat at medium to prevent burning spices.
  5. Pour in ¼ cup water or beef broth to keep the beef moist. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Turn off heat and squeeze juice of half a lime over the beef. Stir to brighten flavors.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
  8. Serve hot in warm tortillas, over rice, or in bowls with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Use medium to medium-high heat to avoid burning spices. Break up meat gently to maintain texture. Finish with lime juice for brightness. Add extra water or broth if beef dries out. Variations include adding cayenne pepper or jalapeño for heat, swapping beef for tofu or lentils for vegetarian option, or serving over cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, taco recipe, one skillet, easy dinner, weeknight meal, taco Tuesday, quick recipe, flavorful beef