This is one of those dinners that feels fun and comforting — but is actually full of good-for-you ingredients and totally fuss-free.

The Skillet Black Bean Taco Bake is everything you love about taco night: bold flavors, melty cheese, hearty beans, and plenty of toppings — but it’s all baked up in one pan for easy cleanup and big summer flavor.

Perfect for Meatless Monday, taco Tuesday, or really any weeknight when you want something quick, filling, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small red onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1½ cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or dairy-free cheese

• Optional: sliced green onions, cilantro, avocado, hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté the veggies
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook 5–6 minutes, until softened.

2. Add the beans & spices
   Stir in black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook another 2–3 minutes, stirring to combine.

3. Top with cheese & bake
   Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to a 375°F oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

4. Serve with toppings
   Top with green onions, avocado, cilantro, or anything you love. Scoop and serve like a casserole or with tortilla chips for dipping!

Sarah’s Tips:

• Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based cheese — it melts beautifully!

• Add protein: Stir in quinoa or cooked shredded chicken if you want to bulk it up.

• Make it a dip: Serve warm with tortilla chips or over greens as a taco salad bowl.

• Leftover magic: Use leftovers in wraps, tacos, or scrambled eggs the next morning.

Flavorful Conclusion:

This Skillet Black Bean Taco Bake is cozy, cheesy, and bursting with summer flavor. It’s the kind of dinner that feels fun and relaxed — like a backyard taco night, but without all the dishes. With clean ingredients and tons of texture, it’s a healthy comfort food win for any night of the week.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 19g

• Carbs: 36g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 6g