Follow these simple instructions to create a mouthwatering Ground Beef Taco Skillet in no time. This recipe is designed to be easy and efficient, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Place a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best, at least 12 inches in diameter) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for rendering out fat and ensuring a flavorful base for your skillet.
2. Sauté the Onion and Bell Peppers: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the bell peppers are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing these vegetables first enhances their sweetness and integrates their flavors into the dish. Ensure you are stirring regularly to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
3. Add Corn and Black Beans: Stir in the corn kernels and rinsed black beans into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the corn and black beans to warm through. This step brings in additional textures and flavors, making the skillet more hearty and satisfying. Frozen corn should be slightly thawed to ensure even cooking.
4. Season with Taco Seasoning and Diced Tomatoes: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the spices. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together to combine. The taco seasoning infuses the skillet with classic taco flavors, while the diced tomatoes add moisture and a touch of acidity.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step deepens the overall taste profile of the dish. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simmer for a bit longer, stirring more frequently.
6. Top with Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat (if not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish at this point). Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the skillet. Ensure the cheese covers the entire surface for even melting and a cheesy crust.
7. Melt the Cheese (Broil Option): You have two options to melt the cheese:
   • Oven Broiling (Quick Melt): If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler on the top rack of your oven. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly golden brown in spots. Watch it closely to prevent burning! Broiling is a fast way to get beautifully melted and slightly browned cheese.
   • Stovetop Melting (Gentle Melt): Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. This is a gentler method and avoids any risk of burning the cheese, especially if you are less familiar with broiling.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven or stovetop. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the cheesy skillet. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly. Offer your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, avocado, salsa, hot sauce, and tortilla chips or lettuce wraps for a customizable and enjoyable meal.