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Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet

A delightful mélange of savory beef, crunchy vegetables, and gooey cheese, all cooked in one skillet for an easy and comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 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, spicy kick.
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika (optional) Introduces a subtle, smoky depth.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin Infuses the skillet with earthy flavors.
  • 1 tsp ground coriander Offers a bright, citrusy note.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Adds a hint of herbaceousness.
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper Provides extra heat.
  • ½ tsp salt Enhances the flavors.
Vegetables
  • 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the vegetables.
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced Sweet and aromatic.
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced Adds color and crunchy texture.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Introduces a pungent element.
Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb 90% lean ground beef The main protein of the dish.
  • ½ cup chicken broth Adds moisture.
  • ½ cup canned tomato sauce Contributes a sweet and tangy base.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce) Enhances umami flavor.
  • 2 oz cream cheese Creates a creamy texture.
  • 2 oz cheddar cheese, grated (1/2 cup) Melts beautifully.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the spice ingredients: chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, coriander, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Set aside.
Cooking the Vegetables
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 6 minutes until softened. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
Cooking the Beef
  1. Return the skillet to heat and add the ground beef, cooking while breaking it up until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Adding Spices
  1. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the browned beef, stirring to coat evenly, about 20 seconds.
Simmering
  1. Add the cooked peppers and onions back to the skillet, along with tomato sauce, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Incorporating Cheese
  1. Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth and melted.
Serving
  1. Serve over egg noodles or rice, or with taco fixings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.

Notes

For added flavor, try marinating the ground beef with some spices beforehand. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper. Experiment with different types of cheese for a twist.