These easy beef fajitas are perfect for a family dinner! With tender beef, colorful peppers, and tasty spices, they bring a fun burst of flavor to your table.
What I love most is how quick they are to prep. Just toss everything in a pan and let the good times roll! Plus, who doesn’t love assembling their own fajitas? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Skirt steak or flank steak are both great options for fajitas. If you’re looking for a leaner choice, consider using sirloin steak. Ground beef works too if you’re in a pinch, but it will change the feel of the dish.
Bell Peppers: I used red, yellow, and orange peppers for their sweetness and color. If these aren’t available, feel free to throw in green bell peppers or even poblano peppers for a bit more spice.
Onion: I prefer using yellow onion as it adds a mild sweetness. White onion works too, while red onion will give a sharper taste. Choose what you have on hand!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are my go-to for their softness, but if you want a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are perfect. They add a nice crunch too!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Searing on Beef for Fajitas?
Getting that perfect sear on your beef creates a tasty flavor that can really enhance your fajitas. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil. A good sizzle is the sign you’re ready!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this lets your beef brown instead of steam. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let the beef cook undisturbed for the first couple of minutes to create a nice crust before stirring.
- Keep an eye on the beef; overcooking can lead to tough meat. Aim for about 3-4 minutes for perfect tenderness.
Easy Beef Fajitas Recipe Perfect for Family Dinner
Ingredients:
- Protein: 1 1/2 pounds beef skirt steak or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
- For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Extras:
- Juice of 1 lime (plus lime wedges for serving)
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In just 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious family dinner ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Spice it Up!
In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavored spice blend that will add great taste to the beef!
2. Prepare the Beef
In a large bowl, add the sliced beef and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle over half of your spice blend and toss everything together until the beef is well coated. Let this sit and soak up those flavors while you prepare the veggies.
3. Heat the Skillet
Grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Give them a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften and get a little charred. This adds great flavor!
5. Cook the Beef
Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned beef strips. Cook those for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be nicely browned and cooked through, but still tender.
6. Combine and Flavor
Mix the beef and veggies together in the skillet. Sprinkle over the remaining spice blend. Stir everything together for another minute so those flavors can really come together.
7. Finish with Lime
Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the beef and veggies. Gently toss everything to combine and get that citrusy zing!
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your fajitas with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately with warm flour or corn tortillas. You can also set out toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, or salsa for everyone to customize their fajitas!
Enjoy this colorful, flavorful, and quick beef fajitas recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!
FAQ for Easy Beef Fajitas Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! Skirt steak and flank steak work best for fajitas due to their tenderness and flavor. However, you can also use sirloin or ribeye. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the slices to prevent overcooking.
What if I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, use a pre-made fajita seasoning mix, which typically contains similar spices. Just follow the packaging instructions for the right amount to use!
How Can I Store Leftover Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with firm tofu or your favorite veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms. Cook them in the same way as the beef for a delicious vegetarian option!
