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Quick One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet Recipe with Easy Lime Crema

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A quick and easy one-pan ground beef taco skillet with warm spices and a refreshing lime crema, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup black beans (about 165g), drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (about 100g), cheddar or Mexican blend (optional)
  • For the lime crema:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (120ml)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper; cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, avoiding burning.
  4. Add ground beef in one layer; let sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crust, then break up and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne over the beef; stir to coat evenly.
  6. Add canned diced tomatoes with juices and drained black beans; stir and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes to thicken. Add water or broth if too dry.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over skillet; cover and let melt for 2-3 minutes until gooey.
  8. Meanwhile, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth to make lime crema.
  9. Serve skillet hot with a drizzle of lime crema and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Notes

Use room temperature beef for better browning. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Toast spices briefly in the hot meat to release oils. Simmer uncovered to thicken sauce. Add water or broth if mixture gets too dry. Lime crema balances warm spices and is highly recommended. Variations include swapping ground beef for turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options like tempeh or lentils. Cheese can be omitted or substituted with queso fresco.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef taco skillet, one-pan dinner, quick taco recipe, lime crema, easy weeknight meal, Mexican skillet

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/quick-one-pan-ground-beef-taco-skillet-recipe-with-easy-lime-crema/