If you’re looking for a flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just one pan, this One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender, juicy steak with vibrant sautéed peppers and onions, creamy queso, and fluffy basmati rice for a comforting meal that’s bursting with Tex-Mex goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers big on taste and is surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight or anytime you crave something both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating an amazing meal that balances hearty, savory, and fresh flavors. Each component plays an essential role — from the tender strip steak seasoned to perfection, to the colorful bell peppers adding crunch and sweetness, and the cheeses that bring a luscious melt on top.
- 1/2 lb strip steak: The star protein, known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
- 1 tsp baking soda: A secret tenderizer that helps keep the steak juicy and soft.
- 1 1/2 tsp steak blend: A flavorful seasoning mix that enhances the beef’s natural taste.
- 1 tsp minced garlic: Adds depth and a subtle pungency.
- 1 tsp soy sauce: Brings a touch of umami that makes every bite crave-worthy.
- Avocado spray: A light, healthy oil to sear the steak and cook vegetables without fuss.
- 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced): Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper (sliced): Another layer of sweetness and bright hue.
- 1/2 green bell pepper (sliced): Offers a slightly tangy crunch for balance.
- 1/2 white onion (sliced): Caramelizes beautifully and adds savory layers.
- 1 tbsp butter: Enriches the vegetable sauté for buttery smoothness.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Delivers concentrated tomato flavor and a hint of acidity.
- 1 cup pre-cooked basmati rice: Light and fluffy, a perfect base for soaking up all those flavors.
- 1/3 cup store-bought white queso: Creamy and mild, melting into the rice for lusciousness.
- 1/3 cup Mexican cheese: Adds that irresistible, cheesy topping with a bit of tang.
How to Make One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Tenderize the Steak
Start by sprinkling the baking soda evenly over the strip steak and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This simple trick helps break down the proteins so your steak becomes ultra tender and juicy once cooked. After the wait, rinse off the baking soda thoroughly and pat the steak dry to make sure the seasoning sticks well.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Give the steak a generous seasoning with the steak blend, then add minced garlic and soy sauce for a savory, slightly tangy bite. Let these flavors soak into the meat while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray lightly with avocado oil. Once hot, sear the steak strips quickly, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful browned crust but remain juicy inside. Remove the steak and set it aside—this will take center stage again soon.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in your sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers plus the white onion. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and their natural sweetness really comes through.
Step 5: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the tomato paste to the sautéed veggies. This deepens the overall flavor with tomato-rich umami notes and makes everything taste incredibly cohesive.
Step 6: Combine Rice and Steak
Add the pre-cooked basmati rice next, mixing it thoroughly so every grain picks up the hues and seasonings in the pan. Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet, folding them in gently without breaking the meat apart.
Step 7: Add Cheeses
Place dollops of creamy white queso on top of the rice and steak mixture, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese all over. This combination creates an indulgently cheesy blanket that’s begging to be melted.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese
Slide your skillet under the broiler for just a minute until the cheeses bubble and turn lightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning—it only takes moments to go from perfectly melted to overdone!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime if you like an extra pop of brightness. Serve your One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe straight from the pan while warm and enjoy the beautiful combo of textures and flavors.
How to Serve One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or a few lime wedges adds perfect freshness and zest to this rich and cheesy skillet dish. You can also sprinkle some sliced jalapeño if you like a little heat or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This wholesome One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to stretch it or add more variety, a crisp green salad or some warm tortillas make excellent companions. These sides contribute crunch and balance to the warm, rich skillet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe. You can also spoon it into individual bowls and garnish with avocado slices, pico de gallo, or pickled red onions to take presentation up a notch. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature and transfer them to an airtight container. Stored properly, they will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for easy lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled skillet meal in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just portion it out for quick weeknight meals, and you’ll have a delicious homemade option ready in no time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the rice moist and prevents drying out. If you like, top with a bit more cheese before reheating for an extra melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strip steak works wonderfully for its tenderness and flavor, flank or skirt steak can also be excellent choices as long as you slice it thin against the grain.
What can I substitute for white queso if I can’t find it?
You can use cream cheese or a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack if white queso isn’t available. These will give you that creamy texture without overwhelming the other flavors.
Is it okay to use fresh rice instead of pre-cooked?
Pre-cooked rice works best here because it warms through without getting mushy. If you want to use fresh rice, cook it separately and let it cool before adding, so it doesn’t overcook in the skillet.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your steak blend and any store-bought ingredients like the white queso are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe?
The recipe as written is mild and flavorful, focused on savory and cheesy notes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup and maximum taste. The tender steak, colorful peppers, creamy cheeses, and fluffy rice come together in harmony to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this has become a personal favorite in my kitchen and could easily become yours too!
Print
One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender strips of steak with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a blend of cheeses melted to perfection. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe offers the classic fajita flavors all in a single skillet, topped with creamy white queso and Mexican cheese for added richness.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1/2 lb strip steak
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp steak blend seasoning
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp soy sauce
Vegetables and Other
- Avocado spray (for cooking spray)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 white onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup pre-cooked basmati rice
Cheeses
- 1/3 cup store-bought white queso
- 1/3 cup Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Tenderize the Steak: Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the steak and let it sit for 15 minutes to help tenderize the meat. After the time has elapsed, rinse the steak thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess baking soda.
- Season the Steak: Season the steak strips with the steak blend seasoning, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Set the steak aside to let the flavors meld.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray it with avocado oil spray. Once hot, add the steak strips and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the onions for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and develop a slight caramelization.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir the tomato paste into the sautéed vegetables thoroughly, ensuring it coats everything evenly and enhances the flavor base.
- Combine Rice and Steak: Stir in the pre-cooked basmati rice and mix everything well to combine. Return the seared steak strips into the skillet, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add Cheeses: Spoon dollops of the white queso over the rice and vegetable mixture. Then sprinkle the Mexican cheese evenly on top to prepare for melting.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the skillet under the broiler for about 1 minute, watching closely to prevent burning, until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or lime wedges to add brightness. Serve the skillet warm and enjoy your flavorful steak fajita and rice meal!
Notes
- Be cautious with the broiler step—cheese can burn quickly if unattended.
- The pre-cooked rice saves time, but freshly cooked rice can also be used if cooled properly.
- Baking soda tenderizes the steak by breaking down proteins; do not overuse as it can affect texture.
- Use avocado oil spray for a healthier cooking fat option and to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
