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Healthy Beef Taco Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced small
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, Greek yogurt or light sour cream, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, jalapeño slices
  • Serving ideas: warm corn or whole-wheat tortillas, cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Method
 

  1. Warm the skillet: Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Spoon off any excess grease if needed.
  4. Season boldly: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
  5. Add veggies and beans: Stir in zucchini, tomatoes, and black beans. Pour in the broth. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Simmer to meld flavors: Reduce heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 5–7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
  7. Finish with freshness: Squeeze in the lime juice and fold in the cilantro. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve your way: Spoon into bowls over rice or quinoa, tuck into tortillas, or serve with a side of shredded lettuce and avocado. Add your favorite toppings.