This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in no time! Packed with seasoned beef, beans, rice, and gooey cheese, it’s a flavor fiesta in one pan.
With just one skillet to clean, you’ll have more time to enjoy this hearty dish. I love to top it off with salsa and sour cream—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🌯💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the protein base of the dish. For a healthier twist, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you want a plant-based option, try crumbled tempeh or lentils instead.
Black Beans: They add fiber and protein. Canned black beans are convenient, but if you have dried ones, soak and cook them beforehand. Pinto beans also work as a good substitute.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This mix gives a nice kick. If you prefer less spice, go for plain diced tomatoes and add a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the classic choice, but brown rice or quinoa can be used for added nutrition. Just remember that cooking times may vary with different grains.
Cheese: I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for their creamy melt. Feel free to swap for a pepper jack for extra heat or a dairy-free cheese if you need a substitute.
How Do I Get the Rice Perfectly Cooked in This Skillet Dish?
Cooking rice in a skillet can be tricky, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Make sure to keep an eye on the liquid levels so your rice doesn’t burn.
- After adding the rice, stir it well to prevent clumps.
- Cover the skillet tightly. This traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
- Check the rice towards the end of cooking. If it seems too dry, add a bit more beef broth or water.
Once the rice is tender and fluffy, you’ve nailed it!
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup pico de gallo (for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: tortilla chips or tortillas for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. In less than an hour, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Adding the Seasonings:
Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Stir everything around in the skillet to coat the beef evenly with the spices. This will infuse it with great flavor!
3. Mixing in the Veggies and Broth:
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir it all together until well combined. This is where your dish starts to take shape!
4. Cooking the Rice:
Add the rice to the skillet, stirring well to incorporate it into the mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Once the rice is cooked, it’s time to make it cheesy! Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the cheese has melted beautifully.
6. Finishing Touches:
Take the skillet off the heat. Now, it’s time to make it extra tasty! Top your dish with pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
7. Serving:
Serve this hearty burrito skillet directly from the skillet. You can enjoy it as is or with tortilla chips, or even wrapped in tortillas to make tasty burritos. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Cook it the same way, but be mindful that turkey and chicken can have a milder flavor, so you may want to increase the taco seasoning a bit for more flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth works just as well! Just be aware that this will change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with more black beans (or lentils) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture!
