Skillet Beef Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sizzling beef strips seared with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with classic Tex-Mex spices for a vibrant and quick meal. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs large, thinly sliced red bell pepper, large, thinly sliced green bell pepper, large, thinly sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss well to coat all the meat.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When hot, add the seasoned steak strips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Remove steak and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 large thinly sliced green bell pepper, and 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables, add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm through and blend flavors.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the mixture and serve immediately with 8 warmed small flour tortillas for assembling fajitas.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Beef Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Skillet Beef Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Beef Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Skillet Beef Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Skillet Beef Fajitas with Bell Peppers and Onions?

Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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