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
Scale
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
