This cheesy beef fajita rice combines tender strips of seasoned beef, colorful peppers, and melty cheese for the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort meal.
Quick Answer: Make cheesy beef fajita rice by sautéing seasoned beef strips with peppers and onions, then combining with fluffy rice and melted cheese. Season with fajita spices and cook until bubbly, about 30-35 minutes total.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: None
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality fajita flavors in a comforting rice dish
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Quick Benefits
This cheesy beef fajita rice delivers all your favorite fajita flavors in an easy-to-make casserole format. It’s loaded with protein, colorful vegetables, and satisfying rice, making it perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef round, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz green chiles, drained if canned
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the beef round, dice the red bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. Pre-cook your white rice if not already prepared.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until just browned. Add the garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced onion. Sauté for another 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Add green chiles, tomato sauce, water, and beef bouillon. Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the cooked white rice and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to coat the rice in the sauce.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and starts to turn golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
You Must Know
- Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing beef
- Let rice rest 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heating
- Check rice doneness before adding cheese
Serving Suggestions
- Warm tortillas on the side
- Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado
- Pico de gallo or fresh salsa
- Mexican street corn
- Cold Mexican beer or margaritas
Creative Variations
- Swap beef for chicken or shrimp
- Use brown rice (adjust cooking time)
- Add black beans for extra protein
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or chipotle peppers
Cultural Notes
This dish combines traditional Mexican fajitas with Tex-Mex casserole concepts. While not strictly authentic to either cuisine, it represents the delicious fusion of flavors that emerged along the Texas-Mexico border.
Pro Tips
- Freeze beef for 30 minutes for easier slicing
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting
- Toast rice before adding liquid for nuttier flavor
- Let meat rest at room temperature before cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make cheesy beef fajita rice ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare up to the cheese step, refrigerate, then reheat and add cheese before serving.
Q: What’s the best cut of beef to use?
A: Flank steak or skirt steak work best for their flavor and texture.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months without the cheese and garnishes.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: It’s mild, but you can adjust the heat with your choice of fajita seasoning.
Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Yes, but adjust liquid amounts and cooking time according to package instructions.
Health Benefits
This cheesy beef fajita rice provides lean protein from the beef, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins from the colorful bell peppers. The dish offers a good balance of nutrients while satisfying comfort food cravings.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 65g • Protein: 38g • Fat: 25g • Sodium: 890mg
Notes
For best results, use a large, wide skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure even cooking and proper rice texture.
Cheesy Beef Fajita Rice
This cheesy beef fajita rice combines tender strips of seasoned beef, colorful peppers, and melty cheese for the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, use a large, wide skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure even cooking and proper rice texture.