Quick Sauteed Tex Mex Beef Recipe

This Tex Mex beef skillet is my ultimate go-to for a quick and flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes—spicy, tangy, and satisfying! Plus, it’s an easy way to pack in some veggies, and that burst of lime juice at the end really ties everything together. 🌮✨

I love meals that are quick, flavorful, and pack a punch. My Quick Sautéed Tex Mex Beef does just that.

Riffing off the classic taco filling, this dish combines ground beef with an aromatic blend of cumin and chili powder, which is so much more satisfying than the typical taco seasoning. There’s nothing fancy going on here, but the richness of the beef and the beefy broth make this very nutritious (and sadly, my Mexican American friends who enjoy this dish tell me it could really use some crunched-up Doritos).

Quick Sauteed Tex Mex Beef Recipe Ingredients

• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fat, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ground beef: High in protein and iron, provides a robust savory base.
• Garlic: Aromatic, contains allicin which offers various health benefits.
• Onion: Enhances flavor, source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.
• Chili powder: Adds heat, contains capsaicin known for metabolism-boosting effects.
• Corn: Adds sweetness, source of complex carbohydrates and fiber.
• Black beans: Provides fiber and protein, supports healthy digestion.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Offers acidity, vitamin C, and slight heat.
• Fresh cilantro: Refreshing flavor, source of vitamins A, C, and K.
• Lime juice: Adds tanginess, high in vitamin C, boosts flavor and freshness.

Quick Sauteed Tex Mex Beef Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

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How to Make this Quick Sauteed Tex Mex Beef Recipe

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil.

2. Add the onion (chopped) and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. In the meantime, prepare the rest of your ingredients and get ready to add them to the pot.

4. In a skillet, add the ground beef, and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook it until it is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. If there is excess grease, drain it before proceeding.

5. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Combine thoroughly to envelop the beef in the spice mix.

6. Include the corn kernels, black beans, and two tablespoons of tomato paste in the frying pan. Mix well.

7. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the blend bubble gently for around 5 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to fully integrate.

8. Taste and, if needed, adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices to your preference.

9. Mix in well the chopped cilantro and lime juice.

10. Serve the hot sautéed Tex Mex beef, with more cilantro if you like, as a main dish.

Quick Sauteed Tex Mex Beef Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and breaking apart the beef)
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife (for chopping onion, garlic, and cilantro)
5. Garlic press (optional, if preferred for mincing garlic)
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Citrus juicer (optional, for juicing the lime)
9. Colander (for draining and rinsing black beans)
10. Bowl (to hold prepped ingredients)

FAQ

• What type of ground beef should I use?Any kind of ground beef can work, but it is better to use lean ground beef (like 90% lean) to cut down on any extra fat. Of course, extra fat usually means extra flavor, but the flavor kind of takes care of itself when you use ground beef that is 90% lean or better.
• Can I use other types of beans instead of black beans?Certainly, you may swap out black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans, but the flavor will differ somewhat.
• Is there a substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?If you would prefer not to use or do not like the taste of cilantro, you can substitute fresh parsley.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?You can definitely leave out the ground beef and add even more black beans and sweet corn to make a delicious, meat-free version.
• How should I serve this dish?There are ways to serve it, and they are:

  1. In a taco shell.
  2. Over rice.
  3. With tortilla chips.

  Any of these options can yield a Tex-Mex experience if you use the right accompaniments (guacamole, sour cream, etc.) and follow through with some salsas.

• What can I use instead of lime juice?If you don’t possess lime juice, you can use lemon juice instead. The flavor won’t be precisely the same, of course, but it’ll work.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?It is indeed possible to make it in advance and store it in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days. Prior to serving, warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Quick Sauteed Tex Mex Beef Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. Both are lighter options.
Substitute a red onion for a small onion for a shade different flavor.
Substitute fresh garlic with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
If you would like less spice, you can substitute plain diced tomatoes for the tomatoes with green chilies.
Substitute cilantro with parsley for a different herbal quality. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, use parsley in this dish for an entirely different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Aromatics Before adding the onion to the skillet, consider adding a pinch of salt. This helps draw out moisture from the onion, allowing it to cook more evenly and quickly, intensifying its flavor.

2. Deglaze the Pan After browning the beef, use a splash of beef or vegetable broth (or even water) to deglaze the pan. This will lift any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.

3. Spice Boost Toast the cumin and chili powder in the skillet briefly before adding the beef. This can help bring out the oils in the spices and enhance their flavor profile.

4. Corn Variation If using fresh corn, consider charring it briefly in a separate dry skillet before adding it to the dish. This will add a smoky depth to the flavor.

5. Rest Before Serving After mixing in the cilantro and lime juice, let the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat, covered, to allow the cilantro and lime flavors to meld with the other ingredients.