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A sizzling cast iron skillet filled with juicy, seasoned ground beef, charred peppers, and onions for easy homemade fajitas, served with warm tortillas and toppings.

Ground Beef Fajitas: The Ultimate 20-Minute Weeknight Hero

Discover the secret to sizzling, flavor-packed fajitas in just 20 minutes! This Ground Beef Fajitas recipe uses one skillet and a robust homemade seasoning to transform humble ingredients into a juicy, Tex-Mex masterpiece perfect for busy nights. Say goodbye to dry, bland fillings and hello to your new weeknight hero.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • For the Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
    • 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water or beef broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • For Serving:
    • 8 medium flour tortillas, warmed
    • Toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese

Instructions

 

  1. Season and Sear the Beef: In a small bowl, mix all fajita seasoning ingredients (chili powder through black pepper). Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up. Sprinkle about two-thirds of the seasoning mix over the meat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, letting it brown well, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Sizzle the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sprinkle with the remaining seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and have some charred, blistered spots.
  3. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the water or broth and the fresh lime juice. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 more minutes until heated through and saucy. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
  4. Serve: Serve the sizzling beef and pepper mixture immediately with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings for a build-your-own fajita bar.

Notes

 

  • For Leaner Beef: If using 90% lean or higher, add the full tablespoon of oil when browning the meat to prevent sticking.
  • Spice Level: For extra heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or serve with sliced jalapeños.
  • Make it a Meal Prep Hero: The cooked fajita filling stores perfectly for 3-4 days in the fridge, making it ideal for quick lunches stuffed in tortillas or over salads.
  • Crisp Veggies are Key: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the peppers and onions. Give them space to sizzle and char instead of steam.

Find it online: https://juicymeatrecipes.com/ground-beef-fajitas-the-ultimate-20-minute-weeknight-hero/