Ground Beef Fajitas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Fajitas are a perfect combination of flavor and convenience. With a simple blend of spices, ground beef cooks up quickly and takes on a rich, smoky flavor. Paired with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and your favorite fajita toppings like guacamole and sour cream, this dish is a fun, customizable meal. Whether you prefer soft flour tortillas or crispy corn tortillas, these fajitas can be served in many ways. Plus, it’s a quick one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 onion, sliced thinly

• 1 bell pepper, sliced thinly (any color)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)

• Toppings (optional): sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapeños

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.

3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the beef is well-coated with the seasoning.

4. Add the lime juice to the mixture and stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.

6. Serve the ground beef and vegetable mixture on the tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, or jalapeños.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 25 minutes

• Active time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can include mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the veggie mix for additional flavor and texture.

• Spicy Ground Beef Fajitas: Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture to ramp up the heat.

• Low-carb option: Serve the beef and veggies in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb alternative.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Ground Beef Fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the beef and veggie mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Fajitas ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, warm the mixture and serve with fresh tortillas.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even steak strips if you prefer a different protein. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the type of meat you choose.

Can I make this recipe without tortillas?

Yes, you can skip the tortillas and serve the fajita filling over rice, quinoa, or a bed of lettuce for a low-carb or gluten-free option.

How do I keep the fajitas from becoming soggy?

To prevent soggy fajitas, don’t overcook the vegetables. The onions and peppers should remain slightly crisp and vibrant. If you want to avoid excess moisture, drain any liquid that forms when cooking the vegetables and meat.

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas or any other type of flatbread, such as whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas, depending on your dietary preferences.

How do I store the tortillas?

Store unused tortillas in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze.

Can I make these fajitas spicier?

Yes, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or fresh jalapeños to the beef mixture to increase the heat.

Can I add cheese to the fajitas?

Yes, you can sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) on top of the fajita filling before serving, or even melt it in the skillet for a cheesy version.

How can I make these fajitas more filling?

Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to bulk up the dish. You can also serve the fajitas with a side of beans or rice for a more hearty meal.

Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Yes, you can use store-bought fajita seasoning instead of individual spices. Just follow the package instructions for the right amount to use.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Fajitas are an easy, flavorful, and customizable meal that is perfect for any night of the week. With juicy ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lime-infused seasoning, these fajitas will become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. You can easily adjust the heat level and toppings to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying dish for the whole family. Serve it in soft tortillas or with a low-carb alternative, and enjoy a delicious fajita experience at home!

Ground Beef Fajitas

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Ground Beef Fajitas is a quick, flavorful twist on the classic fajita dish. Featuring ground beef seasoned with bold spices and served with sizzling peppers and onions, this meal brings the savory, smoky flavors of fajitas to your table in no time. It’s a delicious choice for taco night, weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re craving a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground beef
   
   1 onion, sliced thinly
   
   1 bell pepper, sliced thinly (any color)
   
   2 garlic cloves, minced
   
   1 tbsp olive oil
   
   1 tsp ground cumin
   
   1 tsp chili powder
   
   1/2 tsp smoked paprika
   
   1/4 tsp ground black pepper
   
   1/2 tsp salt
   
   1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
   
   1 tbsp lime juice
   
   1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
   
   8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
   
   Toppings (optional): sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapeños

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

1. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the beef is well-coated with the seasoning.
3. Add the lime juice to the mixture and stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
5. Serve the ground beef and vegetable mixture on the tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, or jalapeños.

Notes

1. Add more veggies: You can include mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the veggie mix for additional flavor and texture.
2. Spicy Ground Beef Fajitas: Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture to ramp up the heat.
3. Low-carb option: Serve the beef and veggies in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
4. Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
5. Storage: Leftover Ground Beef Fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Reheating: To reheat, warm the beef and veggie mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg