Cowboy Beef & Bean Skillet

When you need a filling campground dinner that doesn’t require a sink full of dishes, this Cowboy Beef & Bean Skillet gets the job done. Ground beef, beans, corn, onions, and seasonings come together in one pan for a hearty meal that’s perfect after a day of hiking, fishing, or exploring. Whether you’re cooking on a camp stove, propane burner, or electric skillet, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

simplegoodfood

Cowboy Beef & Bean Skillet

Groundbeef, beans, corn, onions, and cheese cooked in one skillet.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 470

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions sliced (optional)

Method

 

Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and onion.
3. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
4. Drain excess grease if needed.

Add the Remaining Ingredients

1. Stir in the beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Finish the Dish

1. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil.
3. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Serve

1. Remove from heat.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
• Leftovers also make an excellent filling for burritos or loaded baked potatoes.