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Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet

A delightful one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and colorful vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spices
  • 2 tbsp chili powder Adds a warm, smoky flavor.
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika (optional) Enhances the depth of flavor.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin Earthy and aromatic.
  • 1 tsp ground coriander Adds a hint of citrus and freshness.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Contributes a lovely herbaceous note.
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper For a touch of heat.
  • ½ tsp salt Enhances all the flavors.
Main Ingredients
  • 2 tsp olive oil Provides a rich base for sautéing.
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced Sweet and aromatic when cooked.
  • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced Crisp and juicy.
  • 1 lb 90% lean ground beef The star of the dish.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds a delicious punch to the flavor.
  • ½ cup chicken broth Keeps the dish moist.
  • ½ cup canned tomato sauce Provides a tangy sweetness.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce For a rich umami flavor.
  • 2 oz cream cheese Creates a creamy texture.
  • 2 oz cheddar cheese, grated (1/2 cup) Melts beautifully.

Method
 

Preparation of Spices
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 6 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl.
Cooking the Beef
  1. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up until it’s no longer pink—about 5 minutes.
Adding Garlic and Spices
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the beef and stir to coat.
Combining All Ingredients
  1. Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet. Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Thickening the Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.
Adding Cheeses
  1. Stir in the cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese until melted smoothly.
Serving
  1. Serve over egg noodles or rice, or with taco fixings.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for lentils or mushrooms. Experiment with cheeses; pepper jack adds a spicy kick. If you prefer an extra saucy dish, increase the chicken broth or tomato sauce.