Craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the bold, zesty flavors of the Southwest with the convenience of a one-pan wonder? Look no further! This Easy Southwestern Skillet Bake is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a sizzling skillet packed with seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese – all coming together in less time than it takes to order takeout!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can of black beans (drained), 1 cup of corn, 1 cup of salsa, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add the drained black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and salt and pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to heat through.
- After simmering, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. You can garnish with additional toppings such as chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
- Serve the Southwestern skillet bake hot, directly from the skillet, and enjoy your meal with tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize excess grease while maintaining great flavor.
- Drain Thoroughly: After cooking the beef, make sure to drain all excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to customize the heat level by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like pepper jack for added zest or a Mexican cheese blend for more authenticity.
- Make It a Complete Meal: Serve with warm tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, or a fresh side salad to round out the dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This skillet bake reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
- Quick Variations: Try substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 439kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
