Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a one-pan meal that delivers all the bold, hearty flavors of a classic burrito—without the extra work! Made with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, cheese, and salsa, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something satisfying and easy.
I first made this when I wanted a burrito but didn’t feel like wrapping tortillas, and it was an instant hit! The seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and warm spices blended perfectly, creating a comforting and delicious skillet meal. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
What’s great about Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is how customizable it is. You can add bell peppers for extra crunch, swap in chicken or turkey for a leaner option, or top it with sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips, in a bowl, or wrapped in a tortilla, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite!
Perfect for:
- Busy weeknight dinners
- Family-friendly meals
- Mexican food lovers
- Meal prep and leftovers
- One-pan cooking enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet will become a staple in your kitchen:
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and comforting flavors.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese on top makes every bite rich and satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- No Tortillas Needed: Enjoy all the burrito flavors without the extra carbs.
- Family Approved: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples for a delicious yet economical meal.
- Mexican-Inspired Flavor: Bold, zesty seasoning gives it an authentic touch.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 42g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Salsa or hot sauce
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein.
- Black Beans: Adds fiber, protein, and a hearty texture.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings zesty, slightly spicy flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy, indulgent topping.
- Rice: Absorbs all the flavors while making the dish satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in Spices: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add Rice and Beans: Mix in the uncooked rice and black beans.
- Pour in Liquids: Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Covered: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Finish the Dish:
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or your favorite toppings. Serve hot.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Ground Beef Burrito Skillet:
- With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the skillet mixture with crunchy tortilla chips.
- In a Burrito Bowl: Serve over shredded lettuce with extra toppings.
- Wrapped in a Tortilla: Turn it into a burrito by rolling it in a warm flour tortilla.
- With a Side of Guacamole: Avocado pairs beautifully with the bold flavors.
- As a Stuffed Pepper Filling: Spoon into halved bell peppers and bake.
- With a Fried Egg on Top: Add a sunny-side-up egg for a breakfast twist.
- With a Side of Salsa: Serve with fresh salsa or pico de gallo.
- Topped with Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
- In a Quesadilla: Use the mixture as a cheesy quesadilla filling.
- With a Lime Wedge: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors.
Additional Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef – Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 beef to reduce excess grease while keeping the dish flavorful.
- Toast the Spices – Briefly cooking chili powder, cumin, and paprika in the pan before adding the beef enhances their depth of flavor.
- Add a Smoky Kick – Stir in a teaspoon of chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a subtle heat and smoky richness.
- Deglaze the Pan – If bits stick to the bottom, add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce to lift the flavorful browned bits.
- Use Fresh Toppings – Garnish with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or pickled jalapeños for a vibrant contrast.
- Cheese Matters – Blend different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a richer, meltier topping.
- Customize the Beans – Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans all work well—choose based on your preferred texture.
- Make It Creamy – Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Go Low-Carb – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or diced zucchini for a lighter version.
- Turn It into a Meal Prep Favorite – Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for quick lunches throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
- Taco-Style Skillet: Add taco seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin.
- Loaded Nachos: Serve over tortilla chips and bake for a cheesy nacho platter.
- Southwest Chicken Skillet: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Tex-Mex Casserole: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: A deep skillet works best for even cooking.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up beef.
- Lid for Skillet: Helps steam and cook the rice properly.
- Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. - What kind of tortillas work best for this recipe?
Flour tortillas are ideal since they hold up well when mixed in the skillet, but you can also use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to give it more heat. - Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes! Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans make a great addition for extra protein and texture. - What toppings go well with this skillet meal?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocados, chopped cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges. - Can I use leftover rice instead of cooking fresh?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked rice saves time and works just as well. Just add it toward the end and let it warm through. - How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use corn tortillas and check that all seasonings and sauces are gluten-free. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a one-pan meal that delivers all the bold flavors of a classic burrito without the fuss of rolling! Juicy, seasoned ground beef is cooked with rice, beans, tomatoes, and melty cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Each bite is packed with Tex-Mex goodness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is easy to customize—add bell peppers for extra crunch, spice it up with jalapeños, or swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Serve it with tortilla chips, in a warm tortilla, or topped with sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro for the ultimate burrito bowl experience.
I can’t wait to see how your Ground Beef Burrito Skillet turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!
