If you love sizzling Tex-Mex flavors, this Queso Steak Fajita Skillet over Mexican Rice is the ultimate comfort meal! Juicy, seasoned steak strips mixed with colorful bell peppers and onions, all smothered in creamy queso — served over perfectly fluffy Mexican rice. This one-pan recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress at dinner time.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
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1½ lbs skirt steak or ribeye, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp salt
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⅛ tsp black pepper, or to taste
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow onion, sliced
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
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¾ cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
For the Mexican Rice:
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1 tbsp oil
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1 cup long grain white rice
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1¾ cups chicken broth
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½ cup tomato sauce
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mexican Rice
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
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Add rice and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
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Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
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Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
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Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
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Fluff with a fork, remove from heat, and set aside while you prepare the steak.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak
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In a large bowl, season your steak slices with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the seasoned steak slices and sear for 2–3 minutes, just until browned. (Avoid overcooking to keep the steak tender.)
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Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
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In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions.
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Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender and slightly charred, stirring occasionally.
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Return the cooked steak to the skillet, mixing it well with the peppers and onions.
Step 4: Add Queso and Cheese
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Lower the heat to medium-low.
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Pour in the queso dip and gently stir until it blends with the meat and veggies.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
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Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
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Spoon a generous portion of Mexican rice onto each serving plate or bowl.
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Top with the cheesy steak fajita mixture from the skillet.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of extra queso for a restaurant-style finish.
Tips for the Best Queso Steak Fajita Skillet
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Use thinly sliced steak for quick cooking and tenderness.
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For extra flavor, marinate the steak for 30 minutes in lime juice and spices.
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Add a kick of heat with jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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You can substitute queso blanco or Velveeta cheese sauce for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with:
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Warm flour tortillas
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Guacamole or salsa fresca
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Black beans or refried beans
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A side salad with avocado dressing
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-skillet dinner with easy cleanup
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Packed with Tex-Mex flavor
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Ready in under 45 minutes
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Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: ~720mg
Final Thoughts
This Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Over Mexican Rice brings together everything you love about Tex-Mex — tender beef, melty cheese, and fluffy spiced rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you crave a sizzling, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal!