If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with sizzling flavors and melty cheese, you’re going to love this Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe. It’s a vibrant combination of tender sirloin strips, sautéed peppers and onions, fluffy seasoned rice, and creamy queso that comes together in one delicious skillet. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or when feeding a group, this recipe packs big flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. The bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, while the steak brings hearty protein and richness. The chicken broth infuses the rice with savory depth, and the cheese dip ties everything together with creamy indulgence.
- 2 cups Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice that soaks up flavors beautifully for a fluffy base.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth that transforms plain rice into a tasty sidekick.
- 1 package Fajita Seasoning: Brings warm spices and zesty notes for authentic fajita flavor.
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce: Provides acidity and a rich tomato undertone to the skillet.
- 3 Bell peppers (sliced): Colorful and crisp, they brighten the dish and add sweetness.
- ½ Yellow Onion (diced): Offers aromatic depth and subtle sharpness when sautéed.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and steak with a silky texture.
- 1 pound Top Sirloin (cut into strips): Tender, flavorful beef that’s perfect for quick cooking.
- Gordo’s Cheese Dip (as much as you like): The star creamy topping that melts over everything for luscious richness.
How to Make Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Steak
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onions and sliced bell peppers. These should cook just long enough—about 2 to 3 minutes—to soften slightly while keeping some crunch and vibrant color. Next, add the sirloin strips and cook them to your preferred doneness, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the meat and veggies, giving everything a quick toss to coat the steak with those irresistible, smoky spices.
Step 2: Combine Rice, Broth, and Tomato Sauce
Once the steak is beautifully seared and seasoned, pour in the minute rice along with the chicken broth. If you decide to swap the minute rice for another variety, be sure to check the packaging for the right rice-to-liquid ratio. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything together until the colors and flavors meld perfectly. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer to let the rice cook and soak up all those fantastic juices according to the rice package instructions.
Step 3: Drizzle with Cheese Dip and Serve
When the rice is tender and all the flavors have mingled to perfection, it’s time for the crowning touch—drizzle your favorite amount of Gordo’s Cheese Dip over the skillet. The heat from the dish will melt the cheese dip into gooey ribbons that enrich every bite. Serve it straight from the skillet and watch everyone dive in with big smiles!
How to Serve Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring freshness and visual appeal to this hearty skillet. Consider topping your creation with chopped cilantro for an herbal punch, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or diced avocado for a creamy contrast. A dollop of sour cream or some sliced jalapeños can add coolness or heat, respectively—making every bite customizable and exciting.
Side Dishes
This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe is a full meal on its own but can pair wonderfully with simple sides. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, and a side of warm tortillas transforms the skillet into fajita wraps. For extra crunch, crispy tortilla chips or a bowl of black beans offer great complementary textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or shake up your usual dinner routine? Serve the fajita skillet over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or layer it into a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and bake until bubbly. You can also split the dish into individual ramekins for easy portioning and a charming presentation that makes every plate feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after sitting, making the next meal just as satisfying. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh and safe.
Freezing
This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm the cheese evenly. You can also microwave single servings with a cover on medium power to keep moisture in. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is tender and flavorful, you can substitute with flank steak, ribeye strips, or even skirt steak. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness to ensure it stays juicy.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the steak for seasoned and sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute. The fajita seasoning and veggies will still deliver plenty of flavor, and the cheesy goodness remains the star.
What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?
Adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the fajita seasoning will give the dish a nice heat boost. You can also serve it with spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for those who love extra kick.
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Gordo’s Cheese Dip?
Definitely! Any melting cheese dip or shredded cheese like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works beautifully. Just choose one with good melting properties to keep the dish creamy and indulgent.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep lunches?
Yes, this skillet recipe reheats very well and can be portioned into lunch containers for fast, flavorful weekday meals. Just keep the cheese dip separate if you want to maintain its creamy texture upon reheating.
Final Thoughts
If you want a fuss-free recipe that delivers big on taste, color, and comfort, the Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe is your new go-to. Whether it’s for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prepping, this dish brings warmth and bold flavors to the table with every bite. Give it a try and see just how easy it is to create something so delicious and satisfying!
Print
Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender sirloin steak strips with sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned fajita-style, and mixed with savory tomato sauce and rice. Finished with a generous drizzle of creamy Gordo’s Cheese Dip, it’s a delicious and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 2 cups Minute Rice
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Top Sirloin, cut into strips
- 3 Bell Peppers, sliced
- ½ Yellow Onion, diced
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 package Fajita Seasoning
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Gordo’s Cheese Dip, as much as you like
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced yellow onion and sliced bell peppers, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the sirloin strips to the skillet and cook to your preferred doneness. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the steak and vegetables, mixing well to evenly coat.
- Add Rice and Tomato Sauce: Stir in 2 cups of Minute Rice and 2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet. Pour in 8 ounces of tomato sauce and mix everything until combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and Cook Rice: Cover the skillet and let it simmer according to the Minute Rice package instructions, usually around 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish with Cheese Dip: Once the rice is cooked through, drizzle Gordo’s Cheese Dip over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, seasoned fajita skillet meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Minute Rice with regular rice, but be sure to adjust the broth amount and cooking time according to the rice package instructions.
- Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Gordo’s Cheese Dip adds rich creaminess, but you can substitute with any cheese sauce or shredded cheese if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace sirloin with firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
