Ready Dinner Ideas

Why Make This Recipe

This ready dinner idea is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy. With ingredients you can find easily, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

How to Make Ready Dinner Ideas

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla chips for serving

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
6. Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top.
7. Serve the ready dinner ideas with tortilla chips on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ready Dinner Ideas

Scoop the mixture onto a plate or bowl and serve it hot. Provide tortilla chips on the side for dipping. You can also top it with extra cilantro or your favorite hot sauce for added flavor.

How to Store Ready Dinner Ideas

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Tips to Make Ready Dinner Ideas

• Use lean ground beef to make the dish healthier.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra nutrients.
• Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on how spicy you like your food.

Variation

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely and add extra beans or lentils.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I serve with this dish?
Apart from tortilla chips, you can serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check the labels on the canned ingredients.

Ready Dinner Ideas

A quick, easy, and flavorful dinner option that's perfect for busy weeknights, enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels Fresh or frozen corn can be used.
• 1 packet taco seasoning Adjust based on desired spiciness.
• 1 cup shredded cheese Choose your favorite cheese.
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro For garnish.
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
• as needed Tortilla chips For serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
6. Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top.

Serving

1. Scoop the mixture onto a plate or bowl and serve it hot. Provide tortilla chips on the side for dipping.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian option. Prepare the mixture ahead of time and store in the fridge to heat when ready to serve.