Let me tell you about this One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet—it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. Imagine the sizzling sound of steak searing in a hot pan, the aroma of smoky fajita seasoning wafting through the air, and the comfort of perfectly cooked rice soaking up all that flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
This dish is a total game-changer. It’s so simple, yet it’s packed with flavor that’ll make everyone at the table want seconds. Plus, the best part? You only need one pan. Less mess, more flavor. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or indulging in comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly
This one’s made with simple, everyday ingredients, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need fancy, hard-to-find items to create something absolutely mouthwatering. Your wallet will thank you, and your tastebuds will too!
Quick and Easy
Even if you’re not a chef, you’ll find this recipe super easy to follow. There’s no complicated prep—just chop, toss, and let everything cook together in one pan. The steps are straightforward, and the end result is a dish that feels like a major win.
Customizable
Love heat? Add a little extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Want to dial it down? No problem, skip the spicy stuff. This dish is totally flexible to suit your mood or dietary preferences, and that’s part of the magic.
Crowd-Pleasing
Everyone will be asking for seconds. This skillet has it all: tender steak, seasoned rice, and vibrant veggies. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this one’s bound to become a favorite.

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Ingredients in One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Steak: The star of the show. Tender, juicy steak strips marinated in bold fajita seasoning are the foundation of this skillet. They cook up beautifully, adding so much flavor.
Bell Peppers & Onions: These veggies add sweetness, crunch, and a burst of color. Plus, they caramelize perfectly with the steak, soaking up all the delicious seasoning.
Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice that absorbs the savory juices from the steak and veggies? Yes, please! It’s the perfect comfort food base for this dish.
Fajita Seasoning: The secret weapon to make everything pop! Smoky, zesty, and just the right amount of spice, this seasoning blend ties the entire dish together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat. This ensures your steak gets a nice sear right away, locking in all the flavor.
Sear the Steak
Toss your steak strips into the hot skillet and cook them until they’re beautifully browned. You want that nice, crispy edge on the steak, so don’t rush it—let it get that perfect sear. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook them until they’re tender and caramelized, soaking up all the leftover steak juices and seasoning.
Cook the Rice
Now, it’s time for the rice! Add the rice to the pan, along with your broth or water, and let it cook. Cover and let it simmer, letting the rice absorb all the flavors from the steak and veggies.
Combine and Simmer
Once the rice is fully cooked, return the steak to the pan, and give everything a good stir. Let it all simmer together for a few more minutes so the flavors can marry.
Finishing Touches
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. I love adding a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for that extra pop of flavor!
Serve and Enjoy
Serve it up hot, maybe with a side of sour cream or guacamole if you’re feeling fancy. This dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your table, and it’s so satisfying, you might just make it a weekly staple.
How to Serve One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salads: A crisp, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the skillet.
Warm Tortillas: Serve with soft tortillas on the side for a fajita-style experience.
Creamy Dips: Sour cream, guacamole, or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing are always a hit alongside.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted corn, charred veggies, or a simple avocado salad are perfect pairings.
Sometimes, it’s so hearty that you don’t need anything else—just a big bowl of the skillet goodness topped with fresh cilantro. Trust me, you won’t miss the sides!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and steak the night before to save time.
Spice It Up: Add a little extra cayenne or chili powder if you like a good kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap the steak for chicken or tofu to suit different diets.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the skillet for best results.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the steak with chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken works beautifully in this dish—just be sure to cook it until it’s fully done.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. Store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for [specific diet]?
A7: With a few tweaks, yes! You can easily make it gluten-free or dairy-free depending on your needs.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a simple rice pilaf make great sides.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Opt for lean cuts of steak, use brown rice, and load up on extra veggies for a healthier version.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A large, heavy-duty skillet or cast-iron pan works best. It distributes heat evenly and gives that perfect sear to the steak.
Conclusion
This One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet is more than just dinner—it’s a flavor-packed experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again. It’s simple, customizable, and so delicious that it might just become your new favorite weeknight meal. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintOne Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet
This One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender steak strips, Mexican-inspired rice, creamy queso, and colorful peppers and onions. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a must-try
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Broiler
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Steak:
- ½ lb Strip steak
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda (for tenderizing)
- 1½ teaspoons Steak seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon Minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
- Avocado oil spray
For the Skillet:
- ½ Red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ Yellow bell pepper, sliced
- ½ Green bell pepper, sliced
- ½ White onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 cup Pre-cooked basmati rice
- ⅓ cup Store-bought white queso
- ⅓ cup Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
-
Tenderize the Steak:
Sprinkle baking soda over the steak and let it sit for 15 minutes to tenderize. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. -
Season the Steak:
In a bowl, season the steak with steak seasoning, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Set aside. -
Cook the Steak:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray with avocado oil. Sear the steak strips for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the bell peppers and onion for 4-5 minutes, until softened. -
Add Tomato Paste & Rice:
Stir tomato paste into the vegetables, then mix in pre-cooked basmati rice. Return the cooked steak to the skillet. -
Add Cheese:
Spoon dollops of white queso over the rice mixture and sprinkle Mexican cheese on top. -
Melt the Cheese:
Place the skillet under the broiler for 1 minute, just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Watch closely to avoid burning.
-
Serve & Garnish:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- You can substitute the pre-cooked rice with freshly cooked rice, but make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- This dish is also delicious with a side of guacamole or salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg