Beef Fajitas with Onions and Peppers is a classic Tex-Mex dish known for its sizzling presentation, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. Tender strips of marinated beef are seared to perfection alongside caramelized onions and colorful bell peppers, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. This dish captures the essence of Mexican-inspired cuisine — smoky, tangy, and savory all in one bite.
The magic of beef fajitas lies in the marinade — typically featuring lime juice, garlic, and spices — that tenderizes the beef and infuses it with robust flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these fajitas are guaranteed to impress with their combination of juicy beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and zesty seasonings.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Beef Fajitas with Onions and Peppers recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. The sizzling sound of beef hitting a hot pan, the aroma of sautéed peppers and onions, and the burst of freshness from the lime and cilantro make it an experience as much as a meal.
It’s also incredibly versatile — you can customize the heat level, choose your favorite toppings, and serve it with tortillas, rice, or even lettuce wraps. Plus, it’s a wholesome and colorful dish that’s both satisfying and balanced, offering protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables all in one.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This recipe is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into a bold, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in under an hour. The marinated beef becomes tender and juicy, while the vegetables add sweetness and crunch. When wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with your favorite condiments — like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa — it becomes an irresistible family favorite.
It’s perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, and the sizzling skillet presentation makes it feel festive every time.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Marination Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Mexican
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Fajitas:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, or lime wedges
Cooking Directions
- Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. - Cook the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. - Combine and Heat Through:
Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the beef. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until heated through. - Serve:
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the marinade and coat the beef well. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onions and peppers until soft and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the marinated beef in the same pan until browned.
Step 5: Mix the cooked vegetables and beef together in the skillet.
Step 6: Warm the tortillas and prepare the toppings.
Step 7: Serve the fajitas hot, straight from the skillet.
How to Serve
Serve Beef Fajitas with Onions and Peppers hot, directly from the skillet for a sizzling presentation.
Arrange on the table with:
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- Toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese
- Lime wedges for a bright, citrusy finish
For a full meal, serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad.
Recipe Tips
- Slice against the grain: This ensures tender and easy-to-chew beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches for proper browning.
- Use fresh lime juice: It brightens the flavors and balances the spices.
- Add a smoky touch: A few drops of liquid smoke or chipotle powder can enhance the depth.
- Warm tortillas: Wrap them in foil and heat in the oven for soft, pliable tortillas.
Variations
- Chicken Fajitas:
Substitute beef with boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter version. - Steakhouse Fajitas:
Use ribeye or sirloin steak for a richer, more indulgent option. - Spicy Beef Fajitas:
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. - Vegetarian Fajitas:
Skip the beef and use portobello mushrooms, tofu, or extra vegetables like zucchini and corn. - Sheet Pan Fajitas:
Roast the beef and veggies on a baking sheet in the oven for easy cleanup.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration:
Store leftover beef and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Freezing:
Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - Reheating:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the beef from drying out.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (for warming tortillas)
Conclusion
Beef Fajitas with Onions and Peppers is a timeless Tex-Mex classic that combines juicy marinated beef, vibrant vegetables, and smoky-sweet spices in every bite. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and excitement — sizzling, colorful, and packed with bold flavors.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable for any taste. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or preparing a family meal, these fajitas promise to bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of fiesta to your table. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
Beef Fajitas with Onions and Peppers
Description
Beef Fajitas with Onions and Peppers is a classic Tex-Mex dish known for its sizzling presentation, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. Tender strips of marinated beef are seared to perfection alongside caramelized onions and colorful bell peppers, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
For the Fajitas:
For Serving:
Instructions
-
Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
-
Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
-
Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the beef. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
-
Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
