Hey y'all! If you crave sizzling steak, melty cheese, and those vibrant fajita flavors all in one skillet, this Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy recipe will hit the spot. It’s packed with juicy, seasoned steak, colorful bell peppers, and smothered in a dreamy cheese sauce—perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or your next Tex-Mex night at home. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a complete lifesaver on busy days.
- Bursting with bold, Tex-Mex flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness.
- One-pan meal means easy cleanup with minimal fuss.
- Customizable—swap veggies, cheese, or protein to fit your tastes.
- Family-friendly and perfect for sharing at the dinner table.
Ingredients for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup prepared queso dip (store-bought or homemade – see this recipe)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips, for serving
Directions: How to Make Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels and slice it thinly against the grain. In a bowl, toss the steak with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove steak to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp and slightly charred. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the steak (and any juices) to the skillet with the veggies. Drizzle the prepared queso evenly over the top. Let everything heat together for 1-2 minutes until the queso is warm and gooey. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet and sprinkle with cilantro.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with warm tortillas or chips. Dig in and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Notes for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy Success
- For extra flavor, marinate steak in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Try preheating your cast-iron for a perfect sear.
- Homemade queso can be made with real cheese for the best taste (see recipe above).
Variations: Make Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy Your Way
- Chicken Queso Fajita Skillet: Swap steak for sliced boneless chicken breast or thighs.
- Vegetarian: Substitute steak with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Required Equipment for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy
- Large cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Mixing bowls
Storage and Shelf Life for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy
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 milk or water to loosen the queso. Note: Queso may thicken when chilled—stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy
- Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, or crunchy tortilla chips.
- Pair with a fresh margarita or a crisp Mexican lager.
- Great alongside guacamole, pico de gallo, or a tangy cabbage slaw.
Pro Tips for the Best Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy
- Cut steak against the grain for the most tender bite.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak—work in batches if needed.
- Use freshly grated cheese in your queso for superior melt and flavor (learn more at Bon Appétit).
Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Easy FAQ
- Can I make this queso steak fajita skillet easy recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep and cook the steak and veggies, then reheat with queso just before serving.
- What kind of steak works best?
- Flank steak or sirloin are ideal for tenderness and quick cooking, but skirt steak also works well.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- The skillet itself is gluten-free, but check your queso and serve with gluten-free tortillas or chips if needed.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 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 sliced steak and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
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2Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender and steak is cooked through.
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3Reduce heat to low and pour the prepared queso cheese sauce evenly over the steak and vegetables. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
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4Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
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5Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or your favorite sides.
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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