Happy July, friends!! I hope your month is off to an amazing start + you’re soaking in some warm, relaxing summer days. I also hope you aren’t spending too much time in the kitchen — if there’s ever a time to go a little minimalist when cooking, I think it’s when the sun in shining + there are memories to be made with family + friends. With that being said… here is a meal that’s PERFECT for sweet summertime: MY ONE-PAN CHEESY TACO SKILLET SALAD.

It checks alllll the boxes:

• Less than 30 minutes to make
• Less than 10 ingredients required (lots of optional add-ins though!)
• A one-pan meal (less dishes is always a positive in my mind)
• Healthy AND satisfying
• Goes great with a marg 😉

I call it a Taco Skillet Salad because you cook it all up in one skillet and place it on top of a bed of greens. However, this recipe is super versatile + can be easily adapted to your preferences/what you have on-hand. Don’t want it to be a traditional salad? You can put the skillet mixture in taco shells or serve with rice + beans!

Here are some more easy swap ideas:

• Ground beef — Ground turkey
• Jalapeño peppers — Bell peppers
• Can diced tomatoes — Fresh tomatoes
• Homemade taco seasoning — Packet taco seasoning
• Romaine lettuce — Quinoa/rice/beans

My favorite way to cook (and do just about anything in life 😉 ) is without rules. My recipes are intended to be flexible + serve as a guide for you to make them your own.

Here are a couple of other healthy Mexican-inspired recipes I think you’ll love:

• Healthy Tex-Mex Breakfast Bowl
• Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas

Now, let’s get into this quick + easy recipe!

One-Pan Cheesy Taco Skillet Salad

Serving Size: 4
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2-3 jalapeño peppers, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• Taco Seasoning (Or make your own! My favorite spice combination is: 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon oregano)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese
• 3-4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

Optional Toppings/Add-Ins:

• Tortilla chips
• Avocado
• Green onions

DIRECTIONS:

1. Over medium-high heat, brown meat in a large skillet for 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, jalapeños, and garlic. Stir together and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and spices. Cook for 3-5 more minutes.
4. Top with layer of shredded cheese.
5. Place on bed of romaine lettuce. Add, tortilla chips, green onions, avocado, hot sauce, and any other toppings desired!

If you try this meal, will you snap a photo and tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below? I would love to see how your Taco Skillet Salad turns out + how you make it your own!