Here’s a Queso Steak Fajita Skillet recipe that’s bold, cheesy, and perfect for a sizzling one-pan dinner. This dish combines tender seared steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy queso cheese sauce, all made in a single skillet. Serve it with tortillas, over rice, or even low-carb with lettuce wraps!
🥩🫑 Queso Steak Fajita Skillet
🔥 What to Expect:
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Juicy, seasoned steak strips
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Classic bell pepper and onion fajita blend
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A rich, homemade queso cheese sauce
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All cooked in one pan for easy cleanup!
🧾 Ingredients
🥩 For the Steak Fajitas:
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1 to 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Juice of ½ lime (optional, for after cooking)
🌶️ For the Veggies:
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow or green bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium red onion, sliced
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1 tbsp oil (use the same skillet)
🧀 For the Queso Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole milk (warm)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
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¼ cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
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Salt to taste
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1/4 tsp cumin (optional)
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1 jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Sear the Steak
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Pat steak dry, then season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat.
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Sear steak strips in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and medium-rare to medium.
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Remove steak from pan and set aside (cover to keep warm).
2. Cook the Fajita Veggies
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In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp oil.
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Sauté sliced peppers and onions over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes, until softened and slightly charred.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Push veggies to one side of skillet or remove and set aside.
3. Make the Queso Sauce
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Reduce heat to medium.
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In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux (cook for about 1 min).
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Slowly whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps. Let it thicken slightly (2–3 min).
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Stir in shredded cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
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Add jalapeños and cumin if desired. Taste and adjust salt.
4. Assemble the Skillet
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Return steak and veggies to the skillet.
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Spoon or pour queso sauce over the top.
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Let everything warm through for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve
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Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or green onions.
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Serve with warm tortillas, over rice, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb version.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Toppings: Guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream
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Side Ideas: Mexican rice, black beans, tortilla chips
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Make it a Bowl: Serve over rice or cauliflower rice with avocado and salsa
🔁 Variations
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Add mushrooms for extra umami.
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Use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
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Swap in queso blanco for a white cheese version.