If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that bursts with flavor and coziness, you have to try this Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe. Imagine tender slices of top sirloin mingling with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all simmered together with rich tomato sauce, chicken broth, and fluffy rice, then crowned with creamy, melty queso cheese that brings everything home. It’s a one-pan wonder perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, combining the spirit of Tex-Mex with comforting skillet goodness. Once you make this dish, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity with ingredients that pack flavor, texture, and color into one delicious skillet. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s the tender steak adding hearty protein, the bell peppers bringing bright crunch, or the velvety cheese tieing it all together for that irresistible finish.
- Top sirloin (1 pound): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and juicy steak bites in every forkful.
- Yellow onion (half, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and caramelized depth when sautéed.
- Bell peppers (three, sliced): A colorful trio that offers freshness and slight crispness to balance the dish.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the veggies and steak to develop those lovely caramelized edges.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Provides moisture and savory richness to cook the rice perfectly.
- Tomato sauce (8 ounces): Brings tangy body and a hint of acidity to brighten the skillet.
- Minute Rice (2 cups): Cooks quickly and soaks up all the amazing flavors.
- Fajita seasoning (1 packet): The secret blend of spices that gives the steak and veggies their signature Tex-Mex kick.
- Velveeta cheese dip (or any melty cheese dip): Use as much as you want to create that ooey-gooey, cheesy finish everyone will swoon over.
How to Make Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Steak
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers and cook them until they soften and their natural sweetness begins to shine through. Then, add the thinly sliced top sirloin and sprinkle over your fajita seasoning. Stir everything frequently so the steak cooks evenly and absorbs all those spices. This step builds a beautifully fragrant base and seals in those delicious fajita flavors.
Step 2: Incorporate Rice and Liquids
Once your steak and veggies look perfectly cooked, pour in the Minute Rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Give the mixture an enthusiastic stir to ensure everything is well combined. Bring it back to a gentle simmer, keeping the heat medium, and let the rice cook according to package instructions. If you’re using a different rice variety, keep a close eye on the moisture levels and add a little more broth if things start to look dry. This method lets the rice soak up all the savory juices and melds all the ingredients into one harmonious skillet.
Step 3: Finish with Cheese Dip
When your rice is tender and nearly all the liquid has evaporated, it’s time for the best part—the cheese! Pile spoonfuls of warm Velveeta cheese dip over the top. The heat of the skillet will melt the cheese into luscious ribbons that swirl through the entire dish, making every bite creamy and indulgent. Don’t be shy here; the cheese is what elevates this dish from tasty to unforgettable.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Once melted and melded together, scoop the skillet contents onto warm plates while everything is still hot. This dish tastes amazing fresh from the pan, when the cheese is gooey and the steak tender. Serve immediately and get ready for the “mmm” sounds from everyone at the table.
How to Serve Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the skillet with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, diced avocado, or thinly sliced jalapeños for some brightness and heat. These little touches add a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy steak and rice mixture, making it pop on your palate.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a hearty one-pot meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm tortilla chips, or even some homemade guacamole. These lighter accompaniments balance the richness and add extra texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Queso Steak Fajita Skillet alongside soft tortillas so everyone can make their own fajita wraps. Alternatively, scoop it into warm, toasted bread bowls for an unexpected presentation that’s perfect for game day or casual parties. You can even portion it into individual ramekins for easy, portion-controlled meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The steak may become a bit firmer, but reheating carefully keeps it tender and the cheese delightfully melty.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the bell peppers may soften upon thawing, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep the rice moist and the cheese gooey.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for the Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is tender and cooks quickly, flank steak or skirt steak also work well. Just slice thinly and adjust cooking time to avoid toughness.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning on hand?
No problem! You can mix your own with common spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is Minute Rice necessary for this recipe?
Minute Rice is convenient because it cooks fast and absorbs flavors beautifully, but long-grain or jasmine rice can be used too—just keep an eye on the liquid and cooking time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the steak for hearty mushrooms, tofu, or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a satisfying vegetarian version.
How spicy is the Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe?
The spice level depends on your fajita seasoning and any garnishes like jalapeños. You can easily adjust by using mild seasoning and skipping hot toppings if you prefer a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe is just the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something special but easy. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and soon you’ll be sharing this cheesy, savory skillet with friends and family time and time again.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal combining tender top sirloin, sautéed bell peppers and onions, savory fajita seasoning, and creamy melty cheese over fluffy rice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and easy skillet dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables
- 1 pound top sirloin, thinly sliced
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 3 bell peppers, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Liquids and Rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups Minute Rice
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
Cheese
- Velveeta cheese dip or any melty cheese dip, as much as desired
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper strips and sauté until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the thinly sliced top sirloin and sprinkle over the fajita seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until the steak is cooked to your preference and the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Rice and Liquids: Pour in the 2 cups of Minute Rice, 8 ounces of tomato sauce, and 2 cups of chicken broth into the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer. Cook according to the rice package instructions, typically about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture appears too dry, add a splash of water or broth.
- Finish with Cheese Dip: When the rice is fluffy and the skillet mixture is no longer soupy, spoon generous amounts of warm Velveeta cheese dip over the top. Allow the cheese dip to melt fully into the skillet, mixing slightly if desired for extra cheesiness.
- Plate and Serve: Scoop the cheesy steak and fajita vegetable skillet onto plates while hot. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute top sirloin with flank steak or skirt steak thinly sliced.
- Feel free to use any melty cheese dip you prefer instead of Velveeta.
- If you prefer spicier fajitas, add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños.
- Minute Rice cooks quickly; adjusting liquids or simmer time may be needed if using other rice types.
- For a vegetarian version, replace steak with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
