These easy beef fajitas are tasty and perfect for family dinners! With juicy strips of beef, colorful peppers, and spices, they bring a little fiesta to your table.
I love how everyone can build their own fajitas, making it fun for kids and adults alike! Just grill, wrap, and enjoy together—it’s a yummy way to share a meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: These cuts are flavorful and perfect for fajitas. If you can’t find them, try using sirloin or chicken for a lighter option. Ground beef could also work, though the texture will be different.
Bell Peppers: I like using a mix of colors for a vibrant dish! If you are low on peppers, zucchini or sliced mushrooms can make a great substitute. Just adjust cooking times since mushrooms cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds richness, but you could replace it with avocado oil or vegetable oil. If you want to cut down on fat, cooking spray works in a pinch.
Spices: If you don’t have all the spices on hand, a taco seasoning mix can work too! Just watch the salt, as many mixes are pre-salted.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime is best for brightness. If you don’t have it, lemon juice or even vinegar can add needed acidity to balance the flavors.
How Do You Get the Steak Just Right?
Getting the steak perfectly cooked is crucial for fajitas. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Slice the steak against the grain to keep it tender. Look for the lines in the meat and cut perpendicular to them.
- Aim for medium-rare, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes it tough.
- Let the steak rest a few minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside when you slice it!
Feel free to experiment with these ingredients and techniques to suit your family’s tastes! Enjoy your fajitas!
Easy and Flavorful Beef Fajitas for Family Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange or green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Fajita Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Juice of 1 lime (plus lime wedges for serving)
- Fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, chopped for garnish
- Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and roughly 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to prepare a delicious family meal of beef fajitas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Fajita Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make your fajita seasoning. This will add lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Place the thinly sliced steak in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle half of the fajita seasoning over the meat. Toss everything together until the steak is well coated. Set it aside to marinate while you prepare the veggies.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers and onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the rest of the fajita seasoning until everything is evenly coated. This will add wonderful flavors to your veggies!
4. Cook the Steak:
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak strips in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is nicely browned but still tender. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the seasoned bell peppers and onions. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. The colors will brighten up your meal!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet with the sautéed peppers and onions. Mix everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let all the delicious flavors meld together.
7. Add Lime Juice:
Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the fajita mixture. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the beef and pepper mixture hot with warmed flour or corn tortillas. Encourage your family to add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, or jalapeños for an extra tasty flair!
Enjoy a colorful and flavorful family meal with these easy beef fajitas! It’s not just delicious but also a fun way to gather around the table together!
Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Fajitas
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for Fajitas?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, shrimp, or even tofu as a substitute for beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—chicken should be cooked until no longer pink, and shrimp cooks quickly, usually needing just a few minutes per side.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have All the Seasonings?
No worries! If you’re short on spices, you can substitute with store-bought taco seasoning or simply use salt and pepper to season the meat and vegetables. You’ll still get a tasty result!
How Can I Store Leftover Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of lime juice to retain flavor and freshness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook them together in the skillet for a quick and easy meal!
