Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe

Gather around, my dear friend, because today I’m spilling the beans on a dish that’s sure to spice up your dinner table: the Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe. It’s a medley of flavors that collide gloriously in one pan, ensuring you spend more time savoring and less time scrubbing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Wonder: Less dishes, more deliciousness. This all-in-one meal saves time and cleanup.
  • Flavor Explosion: Every bite bursts with bold Mexican flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Healthy Yet Hearty: Loaded with veggies and lean protein, it’s both nourishing and filling.
  • Versatile Delight: Easily adaptable to vegetarian or low-carb versions, catering to diverse diets.
Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, this Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe becomes a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing fresh, vibrant colors and tastes that come together in harmony.

  • Avocado oil: Provides a mild, nutty flavor and is perfect for high-heat cooking.
  • Sweet potato: Adds a hint of sweetness and beautiful orange hue, balancing out the savory components.
  • Zucchini: Brings a soft texture and mild taste, making it the ideal veggie companion.
  • Red bell pepper: Infuses the skillet with a pop of color and slight sweetness.
  • Ground beef: The star of the dish offering rich, meaty goodness.
  • Taco seasoning: A quick and easy way to infuse bold, zesty flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to tweak this Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or tofu for a veggie-friendly version.
  • Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne if you’re craving some heat.
  • Low-Carb Variant: Swap the sweet potato with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potato

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil. Once shimmering, toss in the sweet potato cubes. Cook them for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and get slightly golden on the edges.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add diced zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Stir them around, letting them cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender yet still vibrant and colorful.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the empty space. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, and let it sizzle for 7-9 minutes until fully browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease!

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Reduce the heat and add in the black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined and the flavors begin to meld.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it melt off the heat for about 2 minutes, forming a creamy, gooey topping that’s irresistibly delicious.

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe

  • Perfect Sauté: Make sure the pan is hot before adding sweet potatoes to get that crispy exterior.
  • Veggie Timing: Cook the more delicate zucchini and peppers after the denser sweet potatoes for even cooking.
  • Cheese Melt: Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to avoid overcooking the veggies.
  • Flavor Boost: Use homemade taco seasoning for a personalized spice blend.

How to Serve Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe

Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnish your skillet with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with a side of warm corn tortillas or a simple green salad, adding balance and texture to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the skillet mix in individual ramekins for an elegant, dinner-party vibe or wrap it up in a warm tortilla for a quick, hand-held meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of the skillet in freezer-safe bags or containers, keeping it on hand for a quick, convenient meal.

Reheating

Reheat your skillet gently in a pan over medium heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this recipe spicy?

    Absolutely! Throw in a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat to your liking.

  2. What can I use instead of ground beef?

    You can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based proteins like lentils or crumbles.

  3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, just ensure that your taco seasoning is free of gluten and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free meal.

  4. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

    Definitely! Fresh corn can be a delightful addition, offering a sweet crunch to the dish.

Final Thoughts

Invite the flavors of Mexico into your kitchen with this Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe. It’s an easy, tantalizing adventure that awaits at your dinner table. Dive in and let each bite transport you to a fiesta of tastes!

Print
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Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe

Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 567 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Mexican Beef and Veggie Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables, all topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, it’s customizable and packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Skillet:

  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
  • 1 small zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 small red onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1/3 cup homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 cup Mexican-style or Monterey Jack shredded cheese blend

Optional Garnishes:

  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 34 sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook Sweet Potato: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add avocado oil and sweet potato cubes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly browned and tender.
  2. Add Vegetables: Add zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are just tender and fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the empty side and cook for 7-9 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet contents. Cover with a lid and let sit off the heat for 2 minutes until cheese has melted.
  6. Serve: Remove the lid, garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions, and serve hot, right from the skillet.

Notes

  • This skillet meal is versatile and can be customized with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or salsa.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles, tofu, or additional beans.
  • For extra zest, add a squeeze of lime or hot sauce before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 cups)
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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