Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet Over Mexican Rice
Looking for a delicious and easy meal that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further than the Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet over Mexican Rice! This dish combines tender steak, vibrant peppers and onions, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned rice for a family-friendly dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds. 🤤
Why make this recipe?
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor and color, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Plus, you get the tasty combination of cheese steak and fajitas all in one dish! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to clean up after. 🥩🌶️🧀
How to prepare Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet Over Mexican Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs skirt steak or ribeye, thinly sliced 🥩
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 tbsp butter 🧈
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp onion powder 🧅
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
- 1 tsp chili powder 🌶️
- 1 tsp cumin 🌱
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- 1/8 tsp pepper (to your liking) 🌶️
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced 🫛
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced 🫛
- 1 yellow onion, sliced 🧅
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese 🧀
- 3/4 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade) 🧀
For the Mexican Rice:
- 1 tbsp oil 🫒
- 1 cup long grain white rice 🍚
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth 🥣
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce 🍅
- 1 tsp cumin 🌱
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- Salt (to your liking) 🧂
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mexican Rice: In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of long grain white rice and toast for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly golden. 🥡
- Add the broth and sauce: Pour in 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender. 🍅
- Cook the steak and veggies: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the steak is browned. 🍳
- Add bell peppers and onions: Stir in the sliced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are soft. 🌶️🧅
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the steak and veggies, then drizzle the queso dip on top. Allow it to melt for 2-3 minutes. 🧀🔥
- Serve: Fluff the cooked rice and serve it on plates, topping it with the cheese steak fajita mixture. Enjoy! 🌟
How to serve Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet
Serve your Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet over a generous helping of Mexican rice. You can garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of flavor. Don’t forget some tortilla chips on the side for scooping! 🌮
How to store Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. 🌡️
Tips for preparing Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet
- To ensure the steak is tender, cut it against the grain.
- If you like more spice, feel free to add jalapeños or increase the chili powder.
- Make sure not to overcook the bell peppers; they should be tender but still crisp. 🌶️
Variations
- Swap the skirt steak for chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use different types of cheese, like pepper jack, for added heat.
- Turn it into a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat and adding beans or mushrooms. 🍄
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rice and the steak mixture in advance. Just store them separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
2. What if I don’t have queso dip?
No worries! You can simply use more shredded cheese, or make a quick cheese sauce by melting cheese with a bit of milk and seasoning.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the chili powder and omit any spicy toppings. 🌶️✨
Enjoy making this delicious Cheese Steak Fajita Skillet Over Mexican Rice, and watch everyone devour it! 🍽️