QUESO STEAK FAJITA SKILLET
A delicious one-pan dinner loaded with tender sliced steak, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a rich, creamy queso sauce. This easy skillet meal is packed with bold fajita flavor and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound top sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 bell peppers, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and season with fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the steak for 2–3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese a little at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir everything together. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, just until the steak is heated through.
- Remove from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve this cheesy steak fajita skillet with warm flour tortillas, tortilla chips, rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
You can also top it with sliced avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
TIPS
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the steak.
- Add the cheese over low heat to help keep the queso sauce smooth and creamy.
- For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a smoky flavor, use a combination of smoked paprika and your favorite fajita seasoning.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Queso Steak Fajita Skillet!