When I’m in the mood for something hearty, full of flavor, and easy to clean up, this One-Pot Black Bean Picadillo Skillet is my go-to. It’s a simple, satisfying dish loaded with ground beef or turkey, black beans, diced tomatoes, and warm spices — all simmered together in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal effort. Inspired by Chef Maniac, this recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and here’s why it always works:
- One pot, zero stress — Everything comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup.
- Rich, bold flavors — Cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder create a savory base that’s anything but boring.
- Protein-packed — The combination of ground meat and black beans makes this both hearty and satisfying.
- Versatile and customizable — Swap out proteins, adjust spices, or add toppings based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped olives (optional, but adds a briny kick)
- Cooked rice for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
I heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and fully cooked. Then, I drain any excess fat to keep the dish light but still flavorful.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Next, I add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they’re softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Flavors
I stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture comes together quickly and fills the kitchen with amazing aromas.
4. Simmer and Finish
I let everything simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Just before serving, I stir in chopped olives if I’m using them for that briny punch.
5. Serve Hot
I spoon the picadillo over warm cooked rice and serve it hot with extra garnishes like fresh cilantro or lime wedges if I have them on hand.
Pro Tips for the Best Picadillo Skillet
- Don’t skip the tomato paste — It adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option — It absorbs all the flavor without feeling heavy.
- Double the batch — This dish reheats beautifully and makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
What to Serve with Black Bean Picadillo
While it’s fantastic over rice, I love to round out the meal with:
- Warm flour tortillas to scoop everything up.
- A simple avocado salad with lime juice and salt.
- Tostones or plantain chips for a fun, crunchy side.
- A side of black beans and corn salsa for extra freshness.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just skip the ground meat and double up on the black beans or use lentils for a plant-based twist.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Definitely. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Q: Can I use other beans?
A: Absolutely! Pinto beans or kidney beans are great substitutes if you’re out of black beans.
Why This Black Bean Picadillo Skillet Needs to Be in Your Dinner Rotation
This One-Pot Black Bean Picadillo Skillet is one of those dishes that’s easy to make, full of bold flavors, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, an easy make-ahead lunch, or something satisfying that the whole family will love, this recipe delivers every time. It’s hearty, comforting, and just the right balance of savory and smoky.
For more simple and flavor-packed one-pot meals, check out Chef Maniac. And if you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how you make it your own — do you add spice, switch up the beans, or serve it with something unexpected?
Savory, Hearty, and Simple – Black Bean Picadillo Skillet You Can Make in One Pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Stir in the black beans and diced tomatoes. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
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