This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet brings all your favorite burrito flavors to one pot! With ground beef, beans, rice, and cheesy goodness, it’s a meal your whole family will love.
It’s super quick to make, which is great because sometimes we need dinner done fast! I like to top mine with sour cream and salsa for an extra kick—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef for its rich flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, crumbled tofu or black bean burgers work well too!
Beans: I love using both black and pinto beans for texture and protein. If you’re short on time, canned beans are perfect. You could also substitute chickpeas or lentils if you prefer something different.
Cooked Rice: Any cooked rice will do, but I usually go for brown rice for a bit of nutty flavor and extra fiber. Quinoa is another great alternative if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Cheese: I use a blend of Mexican cheeses, but cheddar or Monterey Jack alone works great too! If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a plant-based cheese or leave it out altogether.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Skillet?
The key to a flavorful skillet dish is in the seasoning and cooking technique. Start by cooking the onions until they’re soft and sweet before adding the garlic. This builds a rich base flavor!
- Use medium heat when cooking the beef to ensure it browns nicely without burning. This adds depth to the flavor.
- When adding spices, let them toast for a minute to release their full aroma before adding the beans and rice.
- Covering the skillet while the cheese melts helps trap the steam, ensuring everything heats evenly and the cheese gets deliciously gooey.
Easy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips or small tortillas (optional; for layering or serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burrito skillet takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a tasty meal ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant—this step builds the foundation of flavor!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, stirring frequently until it’s browned and no longer pink—this should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it off to keep your dish lean.
3. Spice It Up:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), along with salt and pepper. Mix everything well so that the beef is nicely coated with those spices.
4. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Add the black beans, pinto beans, cooked rice, and the drained diced tomatoes to your skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for about 3-4 minutes until everything is warmed through and well combined.
5. Cheese and Crunch:
If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some tortilla chips or broken small tortillas over the top of the mixture. Then, evenly scatter the shredded Mexican blend cheese over everything. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Final Touches:
Once the cheese has melted, take the skillet off the heat. Spoon some sour cream on top and add fresh diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped cilantro for that fresh flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot right from the skillet, or with additional tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side for dipping. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy burrito skillet with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Burrito Skillet
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly and can make the dish a bit leaner. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, just like you would with beef.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute like lentils or a bean burger mix. Just sauté them in the same way to incorporate the flavors!
Can I Prepare This Skillet in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time. Just cook the skillet as instructed, then let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat just before serving, adding fresh cheese on top for a melty finish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
