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To make a tasty Cheesy Fiesta Taco Skillet, you need: - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich and savory dish. The ground meat is the base. The beans and corn add texture and flavor. Taco seasoning brings zest, while the tomatoes and peppers add freshness. For the best melting cheese, I recommend using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well and create a creamy texture. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick. To make the cheese blend even better, mix in some mozzarella. It adds stretchiness, which is fun! Use about two cups of cheese to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious. To finish your dish, use fresh cilantro for a bright touch. It adds a pop of flavor. Also, consider serving sour cream and avocado on the side. They add creaminess and balance the spices. These garnishes make the dish look pretty too! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing vegetables Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one diced onion and one diced bell pepper. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. This step adds great flavor to your dish. - Browning the meat Next, add one pound of ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked. If there is excess fat, drain it carefully. - Combining ingredients Now, stir in one packet of taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. Add one can of drained and rinsed black beans, one can of drained corn, and one cup of diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is warm. - Melting cheese Sprinkle two cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is the magic moment when your dish turns cheesy and delicious! - Garnishing tips Once the cheese melts, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. It adds a nice fresh touch to the dish. - Serving suggestions Serve the Cheesy Fiesta Taco Skillet hot. You can add sour cream and avocado on the side for extra creaminess. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy it straight from the skillet! To get the best flavor, use fresh spices. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, add zing. I like to start by cooking the onions and peppers. This softens them and builds a great base. Make sure to stir often so nothing burns. For even cooking, chop your veggies and meat into similar sizes. This helps everything cook at the same rate. If you notice some spots cooking faster, give them a stir. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the taco seasoning packet with gluten-free spices. You can mix chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a tasty blend. Use gluten-free corn tortillas on the side if you want. If you want less spice, use less taco seasoning or choose a mild one. You can also skip the garlic powder or use fresh garlic for a milder taste. Pair this skillet with a simple salad or rice. Rice adds a nice texture and can soak up the flavors. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. It will last for up to three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Pro Tips Choose Lean Meat: Using ground turkey not only makes this dish healthier, but it also absorbs the flavors beautifully. If you prefer beef, opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content. Customize Your Spice Level: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the skillet while cooking. Adjust the taco seasoning to your taste as well. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and tomatoes can elevate the flavor of your dish. If using canned tomatoes, go for fire-roasted varieties for an extra kick. Serve with Toppings: Enhance the dish by offering a variety of toppings such as sliced olives, diced green onions, or a squeeze of lime to give it a fresh, zesty finish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in Cheesy Fiesta Taco Skillet. If you want a vegetarian dish, use lentils or extra beans instead of meat. You can also swap in mushrooms for a meaty texture. For protein choices, chicken or pork work well. You can use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken. To add heat, toss in jalapeños. Fresh or pickled jalapeños bring a great kick. For a unique flavor, try different spice blends. You can use chili powder, smoked paprika, or even curry powder for a twist. Each blend adds a new layer of taste. Get creative with how you serve the dish. You can layer it in bowls or serve it in taco shells. For a party, use small portions in cups. Garnish each serving with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or avocado. This makes the dish look fancy and fun. To keep your Cheesy Fiesta Taco Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool first. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Be sure to reheat it well before serving. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date. It lasts for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. You can get creative with leftovers! Try using the skillet in tacos or burritos. Mix it into scrambled eggs for a fun breakfast. You can also top a baked potato with it for a tasty twist. The options are endless! To add some heat, try these simple tips: - Mix in diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. - Use spicy taco seasoning instead of the regular kind. - Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mix. - Top with sliced fresh chili peppers before serving. These options let you control the spice level to suit your taste. Absolutely! Here are some tasty cheese swaps: - Pepper Jack adds a nice kick with creaminess. - Gouda brings a rich flavor that melts well. - Queso Fresco offers a fresh and crumbly finish. Feel free to get creative with your favorite cheese blends! Pair this dish with these sides: - Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice balances the flavors. - Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make a great snack. - Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness. For drinks, try: - Soda: A cold soda complements the flavors well. - Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade pairs nicely. These options enhance your meal and make it more fun! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Cheesy Fiesta Taco Skillet. We looked at key ingredients, cheese options, and tasty garnishes. The step-by-step guide helped with preparation and cooking methods. You learned useful tips for flavor and storage. We even discussed fun variations and storage ideas. By following these steps, you can create a fun and tasty meal. Enjoy making your own Cheesy Fiesta Taco Skillet, and share it with friends and family!

Cheesy Fiesta Taco Skillet

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped fresh cilantro
  • for serving sour cream and avocado (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
  • Add the ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat the meat and vegetables.
  • Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Mix everything together and allow to cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro.
  • Serve hot with optional sour cream and avocado on the side for added creaminess.

Notes

Serve with sour cream and avocado for added creaminess.
Keyword cheesy, easy meal, skillet, taco