What is a good Ground Beef fajita? Is it a fiesta in the skillet, ready to party in under 30 minutes? Remember those sizzling restaurant fajitas, the ones that smell absolutely intoxicating and make you cry? Is everyone at the table jealous? What are some of the best recipes to bring home, but with a budget twist? Think of it as the quick, easy, and utterly delicious cousin of steak fajitas. Honestly, my family prefers these – and that says a lot!
What is ground beef fajitas?
What is a Ground Beef fajita? What is ground beef? Is it seasoned? With vibrant bell peppers and onions that have been softened to perfection. Think of it as a stir-fry, but with all the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite Tex-Mex dish. What is the magic of homemade fajita seasoning? What is the smell of a coconut What are some of the best uses for tortillas? As a topping for baked potatoes, use it as an appetizer. Is it more formal than a steak fajita?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely out of this world. You get that savory, satisfying beef flavor, balanced by the sweetness of the peppers and onions, and then kicked up a notch with the smoky, slightly spicy fajita seasoning. It’s a symphony of tastes that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
What makes this recipe so good is its simplicity. On those crazy weeknights when time is of the essence, this recipe is a lifesaver. Is it possible to get a meal from fridge to table in under 30 minutes?
And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency. Ground Beef is one of the most budget-friendly protein options out there, making this a meal you can feel good about feeding your family without breaking the bank. What I love most about this is how customizable it is. Throw in some sliced mushrooms, add a can of diced tomatoes, or use different colored bell peppers – the possibilities are endless! I’ve even been known to sneak in some finely chopped zucchini for added veggies. My family never suspects a thing!
What is a good alternative to chicken fajitas? What are some of the most satisfying foods to eat that are packed with flavor?
How do I make ground beef fajitas?
Quick Overview
Making these Ground Beef Fajitas is surprisingly easy! Basically, you brown the ground beef with a homemade fajita seasoning blend. Then, you toss in sliced bell peppers and onions, cook until tender, and that’s it! It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s forgiving and flexible. You can adjust the spices to your liking and add whatever veggies you have on hand. It is, in a word, easy!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Fajitas:
• 1 pound Ground Beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too).
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
For the Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve:
• Warm tortillas (flour or corn)
• Your favorite toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, cilantro.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine all the fajita seasoning ingredients and set aside. I always make a little extra and store it in an airtight container for future fajita nights!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
How do you heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat? Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Don’t skip this step! Drain off any excess grease. How do you drain grease from a fajita?
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and the homemade fajita seasoning to the skillet with the olive oil. What is the best way to brown ground Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning. Cook for another minute or two, until fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor! What are some of the best spices in beef?
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef and seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. I like my peppers to still have a little bit of bite, but if you prefer them softer, cook them. If you like them soft, add some salt.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas according to package directions. Can you warm them in a dry skillet? What are some of the best tortillas to serve with a fajita?
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
What are the best toppings for ground beef fajitas? I like to set out a fajita bar with all the fixings so everyone can customize their own. Is it a hit?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Ground Beef Fajitas? What is the ultimate Tex-Mex feast? What are some of my favorite pairings?
Classic Sides:Can you go wrong with classics? Rice and beans are always a good side dish for any fajita. I like to make a batch of cilantro-lime rice and some seasoned black beans for complete and flavorful. What is the most satisfying What are some good side dishes to have with Mexican street corn?
Fresh Toppings:What are some of the best toppings for a fajita? I love pico de gallo! Think sour cream or Mexican crema, salsa. ), guacamole, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), chopped cilantro, and cilantro.
Chips and Dips: What areWhat’s a Tex-Mex meal without chips and dips? What are some good side dishes to serve with fajitas? Is this good for snack?
My family tradition is to have these every friday. It has become tradition, and its always a fun meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Fajitas
Alright, listen up, because I’m about to share some insider secrets that will take your Ground Beef Fajitas from good to absolutely amazing! After making these countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference.
Spice it Up (or Down): Don’t be afraid to adjust the fajita seasoning to your liking. If you like things spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. It is okay to play with the spices!
Don’t Overcook the Veggies: The key to perfect fajitas is to cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooked vegetables will be bland and unappetizing. I like to cook mine until they are just starting to soften, but still have a little bit of bite.
Use High-Quality Tortillas: The tortillas are an important part of the fajita experience, so don’t skimp on quality. Look for tortillas that are soft and pliable, and that won’t tear easily. I prefer flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are also a good option.
Warm the Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas are essential for preventing them from tearing when you fill them. There are several ways to warm tortillas: you can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, microwave them for a few seconds, or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven.
I actually learned how to make the beef extra tender from a mexican chef, they taught me the secret of using lemon juice to tenderize the meat. Who knew!
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a batch of Ground Beef Fajitas, and you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
Refrigerating: Store leftover fajita filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. This will prevent condensation from forming, which can make the filling soggy.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the fajita filling. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, and remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: There are several ways to reheat fajita filling: you can microwave it, heat it in a skillet over medium heat, or bake it in the oven. If microwaving, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If heating in a skillet, add a little bit of oil or water to prevent sticking. If baking, spread the filling in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
I find storing the toppings and beef separate helps keep them fresh! I store them in separate containers to make sure that nothing gets soggy, for example.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my go-to Ground Beef Fajitas recipe! It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly, making it the perfect weeknight meal. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do. These are an absolute staple in my house. They are perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anytime you need a crowd-pleasing meal that won’t break the bank. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other Tex-Mex favorites, like my homemade salsa and my easy guacamole. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you have any variations or substitutions that you love, please share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Ground Beef Fajitas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 pieces tortillas soft flour tortillas
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, mixing well.
- Serve cooked beef mixture on tortillas and enjoy hot.
