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Taco cream cheese skillet in cast iron pan with toppings

Taco Cream Cheese Skillet: Your One-Pan Dinner Lifesaver

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A one-pan weeknight hero! Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with taco flavor this taco cream cheese skillet is fast, comforting, and endlessly customizable.

  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 hearty servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • Optional:
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers or onions
  • Toppings:
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  2. Season: Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  3. Add salsa and cream cheese: Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Cheese it up: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes more until melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve: Spoon into taco shells, over rice, with chips, or in lettuce wraps. Add your favorite toppings!

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, stir in 1 tbsp sour cream at the end.
  • Want to lighten it up? Use ground turkey and low-fat cream cheese.
  • Make it spicy with hot salsa or a dash of cayenne.
  • Author: EMMA
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Low Calorie