Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground Beef Fajitas are a fantastic option when you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal. The tender ground beef pairs perfectly with the sweet bell peppers and onions, all seasoned with a blend of bold spices. It’s a one-pan meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want a comforting and flavorful dinner. Plus, the customizable toppings allow everyone to make their fajitas just the way they like them!
Ingredients
For the Fajitas: 1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (127 ml) chopped green chilies (optional)
1/2 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
8 flour tortillas
For the Fajita Seasoning: 1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Optional Toppings: Sour cream
Salsa
Cheese
Avocado slices
Guacamole
Sliced jalapeños
Lime wedges
Chopped cilantro
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to make the fajita seasoning. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the fajita seasoning and chopped green chilies (if using). Add a splash of water or beef broth if the mixture seems dry. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the beef mixture is cooking, heat another skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and onions, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and slightly charred. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet for about 20 seconds each, until soft and pliable.
- To assemble, spoon the seasoned ground beef and sautéed peppers and onions onto the tortillas. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, cheese, avocado, guacamole, jalapeños, lime wedges, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Fajitas: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or chicken breast for a leaner alternative.
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Grilled: If you have a grill, you can grill the vegetables for a smoky flavor before adding them to the tortillas.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the beef mixture and peppers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat the tortillas separately in the microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds until soft.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas if you prefer. They will give the fajitas a slightly different texture, but they will still taste great.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, warm the tortillas just before serving and don’t overload them with too much filling. You can also toast the tortillas slightly to give them a little extra crispiness.
Can I make the fajita seasoning ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. This makes preparing the fajitas even quicker!
How can I make the fajitas spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning, or include sliced jalapeños in the filling. You could also drizzle on some hot sauce before serving.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
While fresh peppers provide the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen bell peppers in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking them.
What toppings should I use for the fajitas?
The beauty of fajitas is that you can top them with whatever you like! Popular options include sour cream, salsa, cheese, guacamole, avocado slices, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.
Can I make the ground beef mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet before serving.
Can I make the fajitas in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the fajitas instead of pan-frying the beef and vegetables. Simply layer the beef mixture, peppers, and onions in a baking dish, then top with cheese (if desired) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How can I serve these fajitas for a crowd?
If serving a larger group, you can keep the ingredients separate and let everyone build their own fajitas, or you can make a fajita bar with all the toppings laid out for guests to choose from.
Conclusion
These Ground Beef Fajitas are a fun, flavorful, and quick meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender, seasoned ground beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and soft flour tortillas, this dish is bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you make them for family dinner or a casual gathering, you can’t go wrong with these fajitas—especially when topped with all your favorite fixings!
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Ground Beef Fajitas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Ground Beef Fajitas are a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. The homemade fajita seasoning adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick, making these fajitas perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together. Customize with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Fajitas:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (127 ml) chopped green chilies (optional)
1/2 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
8 flour tortillas
For the Fajita Seasoning:
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Salsa
Cheese
Avocado slices
Guacamole
Sliced jalapeños
Lime wedges
Chopped cilantro
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to make fajita seasoning. Set aside.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
-
Stir in fajita seasoning and green chilies (if using). Add a splash of water or beef broth if mixture seems dry. Let simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
-
In another skillet, sauté bell peppers and onions over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Stir occasionally.
-
Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet for 20 seconds until soft.
-
To assemble, spoon seasoned ground beef and sautéed peppers and onions onto tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, cheese, guacamole, jalapeños, lime wedges, and cilantro.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For a leaner alternative, use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef.
To make it vegetarian, skip the beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
Make it spicier by adding extra cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
