Hey y'all! If you're craving a sizzling, cheesy dinner that's quick, hearty, and sure to impress the family, this Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner is your new go-to. Juicy steak strips, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy queso come together in a single pan for pure Tex-Mex comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or entertaining friends, it's easy to make and even easier to love. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner
- Quick and easy—on the table in under 30 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.
- Packed with flavor from seared steak, fajita veggies, and melty queso.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.
- All cooked in one skillet for easy clean-up.
- Great for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner
- 1 pound flank steak (or sirloin), cut in thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup prepared queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Warm flour tortillas (for serving, optional)
How to Make Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Slice the steak into thin strips, and cut the bell peppers and onion into ¼-inch thick slices for even cooking. Gather your spices to make things easy at the stove.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak strips, season with half the spice blend, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and just cooked through. Remove steak to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 3: Sauté the Fajita Veggies
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, sprinkle with the rest of the spice blend, and cook (stirring) for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Combine and Add Queso
Return the steak to the skillet with the veggies. Reduce heat to low and pour the queso evenly over the steak and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot with warm flour tortillas, extra queso, or your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Notes for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner Success
- For extra flavor, marinate steak in lime juice and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes beforehand (read more).
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best caramelization and even heat.
- If you prefer homemade queso, try this easy queso recipe.
Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner Variations
- Chicken Fajita Skillet: Swap steak for boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin.
- Veggie Lovers: Use portobello mushrooms or black beans instead of steak for a vegetarian version.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Required Equipment for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner
- Large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Cutting board & sharp chef’s knife
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra queso to keep things creamy. Not suitable for freezing due to the queso’s dairy content (learn more).
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner
- Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad.
- Add toppings like sliced avocado, pico de gallo, or pickled jalapeños.
- Enjoy with a cold margarita or sparkling limeade for a festive meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner
- Slice steak against the grain for the most tender bites (see technique).
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if needed to get that perfect sear.
- Warm your tortillas before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Dinner FAQ
- Can I use store-bought queso dip?
- Absolutely! Store-bought queso is convenient and works great in this recipe—just make sure it’s nice and creamy before adding.
- What’s the best steak cut for fajitas?
- Flank steak or sirloin are top choices for tenderness and flavor, but skirt steak also works well—just slice thinly against the grain.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- You can prep the steak and veggies in advance, but for the best texture, cook and add the queso just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup prepared queso cheese sauce
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
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2In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
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3Return the steak to the skillet. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.
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4Pour the queso cheese sauce evenly over the steak and vegetables. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the queso is heated through.
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5Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately, optionally with warm tortillas or rice.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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