Easy Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe : 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Looking for quick dinner ideas that the whole family will love? This Beef Burrito Skillet is your answer! Packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, this one-pan wonder delivers all the flavors of your favorite burrito without the hassle of rolling. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

This easy hamburger meat recipes combines simple ingredients with bold Mexican flavors, making it one of the best ground meat recipes for dinner. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting a casual gathering, this lazy dinners solution will become your go-to recipe. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one frying pan!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Burrito Skillet

This recipe checks all the boxes for modern home cooks. It’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and requires minimal prep work. You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner ideas with ground beef fast.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time with your family
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your preferences
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget
• Kid-Friendly: Familiar flavors that even picky eaters enjoy
• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day

Ingredients You’ll Need

This beef burrito skillet uses simple, accessible ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious easy meals with ground beef:

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this hamburger meat recipes is its flexibility. Here are some easy swaps to customize your skillet:

• Protein Options: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter alternative
• Bean Varieties: Swap black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans
• Tortilla Choices: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or tortilla chips for extra crunch
• Spice Level: Add jalapeños or use spicy salsa for extra heat, or use mild salsa for kid-friendly versions
• Cheese Options: Try pepper jack for spice, or use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect beef burrito skillet. Make sure you have your frying pan and kitchen utensils ready before you start!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break up any large chunks for even cooking. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan using a spoon or by carefully tilting the frying pan and removing the grease.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Simmer

Return the skillet to the stove and reduce heat to medium. Add the taco seasoning, water, chunky salsa, and drained black beans to the browned beef. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and beans nicely. The water will reduce and create a flavorful, cohesive filling. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: Add Tortilla Strips and Cheese

While the mixture is still hot, gently stir in the tortilla strips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the skillet. The strips will soften slightly from the heat and moisture, creating that authentic burrito texture. Next, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the entire skillet. Remove the pan from the heat completely and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without making it greasy.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Once the cheese has melted beautifully, add a generous dollop of sour cream right in the center of the skillet. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the entire dish for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is still gooey. This dish is best enjoyed straight from the frying pan for that authentic, rustic presentation!

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Burrito Skillet

Take your quick and easy dinner recipes to the next level with these expert tips:

• Don’t Skip Draining: Always drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent a greasy final dish
• Thickness Matters: If your sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of water
• Fresh Tortillas: Use fresh, soft tortillas rather than stale ones for the best texture
• Cheese Melting: Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming rubbery
• Serving Size: This recipe easily feeds 4-6 people, perfect for family dinners
• Prep Ahead: Brown the meat and prep ingredients earlier in the day to speed up dinner time

Serving Suggestions

This versatile healthy dinner recipes pairs beautifully with various sides and toppings. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Classic Accompaniments: Serve with Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, or Spanish rice
• Fresh Sides: Add a simple green salad, corn salad, or guacamole on the side
• Extra Toppings: Offer diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, or pickled jalapeños
• Chips and Dip: Serve tortilla chips alongside for scooping
• Beverage Pairings: Complement with ice-cold beer, margaritas, or fresh limeade

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This beef burrito skillet makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches:

Refrigerator Storage

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tortilla strips will soften more as they sit, but the flavors will continue to meld together beautifully. Keep toppings like sour cream and green onions separate and add fresh when reheating.

Freezer Storage

You can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. However, for best results, freeze it before adding the tortilla strips, cheese, and toppings. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add fresh tortilla strips, cheese, and toppings.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a frying pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry, and top with fresh cheese, sour cream, and green onions before serving.

Nutritional Information

This ground meat recipes for dinner provides a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 6g

For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the cheese, and use low-fat sour cream. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to increase the nutritional value.

Recipe Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, experiment with these creative variations:

Breakfast Burrito Skillet

Add scrambled eggs to the mixture and serve for brunch. Include breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, and add diced potatoes for a hearty morning meal.

Chicken Burrito Skillet

Use ground chicken or diced cooked chicken breast instead of beef. This makes it one of the best ground chicken recipes for those looking for a lighter protein option.

Vegetarian Burrito Skillet

Skip the meat entirely and double the beans. Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor.

Spicy Southwest Skillet

Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, mix in some corn, and finish with hot sauce. This version is perfect for spice lovers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure perfect results every time by avoiding these common pitfalls:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Use a large enough skillet to prevent steaming instead of browning
• Skipping the Simmer: Let the sauce thicken properly for the best consistency
• Adding Cheese Too Early: Wait until you remove from heat to prevent rubbery cheese
• Forgetting to Drain Beans: Always rinse and drain canned beans to remove excess sodium
• Using Cold Toppings on Hot Food: Let cold sour cream come to room temperature slightly before adding

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this beef burrito skillet ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown the beef and prepare the base mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in your frying pan, then add the tortilla strips, cheese, and toppings. This makes it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners.

What’s the best ground beef to use for this recipe?

For the best balance of flavor and texture, use 85/15 ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat). This ratio provides enough fat for flavor without being too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works well too, though you may need to add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Avoid anything leaner than 93/7 as it can result in dry, crumbly meat.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully and add a slightly different texture and authentic Mexican flavor. You can also use tortilla chips for extra crunch. Cut corn tortillas into strips the same way you would flour tortillas, or crush tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the top just before serving for a crunchy topping.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and check that your taco seasoning and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. Most salsa and canned beans are naturally gluten-free, but always read labels to be sure. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe doubles easily. You’ll need a very large skillet or you can use two separate frying pans. Alternatively, you can prepare it in a large pot on the stovetop or even in a 9×13 inch baking dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This makes it perfect for parties, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.

What can I serve with beef burrito skillet?

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with Mexican rice, refried beans, chips and salsa, guacamole, or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, serve with lime wedges, extra sour cream, and hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their portion.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choices. Most standard versions are mild to medium. For a milder version, use mild salsa and reduce the taco seasoning slightly. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños, use spicy salsa, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicier.

Can I use a different type of beans?

Definitely! While black beans are traditional, you can substitute pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans. Each type brings a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish. You can also use a combination of beans for variety. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans (except refried beans) before adding them.

Kitchen Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes cooking this recipe even easier. Here are the essential items used in this beef burrito skillet:

• Frying Pan – A large, sturdy skillet is essential for this one-pan recipe
• Kitchen Utensils – Wooden spoons and spatulas for stirring and serving
• Chef’s Knives – For chopping vegetables and slicing ingredients
• Cutting Board – Essential for safe food prep
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – For accurate ingredient portions
• Mixing Bowls – Helpful for organizing prepped ingredients

Final Thoughts

This Beef Burrito Skillet is truly one of the best easy hamburger meat recipes you’ll find. It combines convenience, flavor, and versatility in one delicious package. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick dinner ideas, a college student seeking easy meals with ground beef, or anyone who appreciates lazy dinners that don’t compromise on taste, this recipe is for you.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can make it exactly as written for a crowd-pleasing meal, or customize it to fit your dietary needs and taste preferences. It’s proof that healthy dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that brings the whole family to the table.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, reach for that pound of ground beef and whip up this satisfying skillet meal. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment. Click on any url to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!

Easy Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe : 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Beef Burrito Skillet delivers all the flavors of your favorite burrito in just 30 minutes!

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 6
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning

1 cup water

1 cup chunky salsa

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

4 (6 inch) soft flour tortillas, sliced into 1-inch strips

1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown beef until no longer pink. Drain.

2. Add taco seasoning, water, salsa, and beans. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low.

3. Stir in the tortilla strips and then top with cheese. Remove skillet from heat and let cheese melt.

4. Top with sour cream in the center and sprinkle with green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa.

You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For meal prep, prepare the base without tortilla strips and cheese, then add fresh when reheating.