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Close-up of a delicious weeknight ground beef recipe topped with fresh tomatoes, avocado, jalapenos, and a creamy sauce.

Weeknight Ground Beef Skillet with Salsa Ranch

This easy ground beef skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making dinner stress-free.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Meat
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup Homemade Taco Seasoning (or taco seasoning of choice) more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup water
  • to taste Fine salt and black pepper
For the Salsa Ranch
  • 1/2 cup salsa of choice
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup ranch of choice Homemade or bottled for egg-free use this one
Optional for serving
  • 1 cooked rice or cauliflower rice Serve over
  • 1 Shredded lettuce topped with your choice of
  • 1 Tortilla chips topped with your choice of
  • 1 Diced tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes topped with your choice of
  • 1 Sliced black olives topped with your choice of
  • 1 Shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, or crumbled cotija cheese topped with your choice of
  • 1 Diced or quick-pickled red onions topped with your choice of
  • 1 Diced avocado or Homemade Guacamole topped with your choice of
  • 1 Salsa Ranch Dressing topped with your choice of
  • 1 Fresh, chopped cilantro, thin-sliced jalapeño, and/or lime wedges topped with your choice of

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break up the meat using a large wooden spoon or a spatula. Cook for 7-9 minutes or until beef is cooked through and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain, if needed.
  2. Return the skillet with beef to the stove and reduce the heat to medium. Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Stir until sauce and seasonings are well combined with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes or until hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Prepare the Salsa Ranch: In a small bowl, stir together the salsa, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  4. Assemble the bowls with optional serving suggestions.
  5. Leftovers may be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

This recipe is designed for home cooks looking for quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight meals. It uses simple ingredients and comes together in under an hour, offering comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors.

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