Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you're a fan of bold flavors and hearty meals, this Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is sure to become a new favorite! Combining tender steak strips, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a rich, cheesy queso sauce, all served over fluffy rice, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The fajita seasoning adds a perfect kick of spice, while the cheese dip makes it irresistibly creamy. Quick to prepare, this one-pan meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or any time you crave a flavorful Tex-Mex-inspired dish.
Ingredients
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2 cups Minute Rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 packet fajita seasoning
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8 oz tomato sauce
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3 bell peppers, sliced
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½ yellow onion, diced
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2 tablespoon olive oil
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1 lb top sirloin, sliced into strips
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Gordo’s cheese dip (use as much as you like)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Vegetables & Steak:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Next, toss in the steak strips and sprinkle with the fajita seasoning. Sear the steak, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked to your liking. -
Make the Rice:
Pour in the Minute Rice, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir well so everything is evenly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook according to your rice package instructions (if you use a different kind of rice, you may need to adjust the liquid and cook time). -
Add the Queso:
Once the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, generously spoon Gordo’s cheese dip over the skillet. Let it melt into the hot rice and steak. -
Serve:
Scoop onto plates and enjoy immediately, while it’s hot and cheesy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 5
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Different Protein: Swap the top sirloin for chicken breast or ground beef for a different take on the dish.
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the steak and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
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Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or chili flakes to increase the heat level and make the dish even more flavorful.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the rice. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make this dish spicier, you can add fresh sliced jalapeños or extra chili powder. You can also use a spicier queso dip or add some hot sauce while cooking.
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
Yes, you can use regular rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly. Regular rice will require a longer cook time and more water.
What can I substitute for Gordo’s cheese dip?
If you don’t have Gordo’s cheese dip, you can use any creamy cheese dip or melt some shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the steak, vegetables, and rice in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them and add the queso just before serving.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the fajita seasoning packet you use does not contain gluten. You can also make your own fajita seasoning blend for a completely gluten-free option.
Can I use a different kind of cheese dip?
Absolutely! Any melty cheese dip or even a homemade queso sauce would work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the amount based on your desired cheesiness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish can be frozen, but the rice may become a bit mushy when reheated. To freeze, place in an airtight container and consume within a month for the best quality.
How do I get the steak to be tender?
Be sure to slice the steak against the grain and cook it until it’s just done to your liking. Overcooking the steak can lead to it becoming tough, so aim for medium-rare to medium doneness for the best tenderness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! You can leave out the steak and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or beans to make this dish vegetarian.
Can I make this recipe spicier without changing the base ingredients?
Yes, you can add extra chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to make the dish spicier without altering the base ingredients.
Conclusion
This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is the perfect combination of hearty protein, savory vegetables, and rich, melted cheese. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try out some variations, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser at your next family dinner or casual get-together.
Queso Steak Fajita Skillet
A flavorful one-pan dish with tender steak strips, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese dip, served over fluffy rice. It's a quick and satisfying meal with a Tex-Mex twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 cups Minute Rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 packet fajita seasoning
8 oz tomato sauce
3 bell peppers, sliced
½ yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb top sirloin, sliced into strips
Gordo’s cheese dip (use as much as you like)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
- Next, toss in the steak strips and sprinkle with the fajita seasoning. Sear the steak, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked to your liking.
- Pour in the Minute Rice, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir well so everything is evenly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook according to your rice package instructions.
- Once the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, generously spoon Gordo’s cheese dip over the skillet. Let it melt into the hot rice and steak.
- Scoop onto plates and enjoy immediately, while it’s hot and cheesy!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add fresh jalapeños or chili flakes.
- You can substitute Gordo’s cheese dip with any creamy cheese dip or shredded cheddar cheese.
- If you prefer regular rice, adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free if the fajita seasoning is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the steak and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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