Name: Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 cups Minute Rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 packet fajita seasoning; 8 oz tomato sauce; 3 bell peppers, sliced; ½ yellow onion, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb top sirloin, sliced into strips; Gordo’s cheese dip (use as much as you like)

If you’re searching for a knockout weeknight dinner that brings restaurant flair straight to your kitchen, the Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is calling your name. This recipe is the ultimate fusion of sizzling steak fajitas and creamy queso, all swirled together in one hearty skillet. Each forkful delivers tender strips of sirloin, colorful bell peppers, zesty seasoning, and a blanket of gooey cheese dip—all layered over perfectly fluffy rice. This meal has got it all: speedy prep, bold flavors, and that irresistible Tex-Mex comfort we all crave. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spicing up a quiet dinner, Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is sure to be a repeat favorite.

Queso Steak Fajita Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The cast of ingredients for Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is simple, but every single one plays a crucial role in bringing together layers of flavor, comfort, and vibrant color. When you use quality ingredients and follow these little tips, this skillet dinner becomes downright unforgettable.

Minute Rice: The quick-cooking foundation absorbs all the savory seasonings, making the dish fuss-free and perfectly tender every time.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth and keeps the rice moist and flavorful instead of bland or dry.
Fajita seasoning (1 packet): Delivers that classic Tex-Mex punch with a balanced blend of chili, cumin, and garlic—feel free to use your favorite brand.
Tomato sauce: Provides a hint of tang to complement the heat and makes the rice deliciously saucy.
Bell peppers (3, sliced): A pop of color and crunch; use a mix of red, yellow, and green for the prettiest presentation.
Yellow onion (½, diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth that ties the skillet together.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Essential for searing the steak and sautéing those veggies—stick with extra-virgin for flavor.
Top sirloin (1 lb, sliced into strips): Tender and juicy, this cut cooks quickly but stays wonderfully flavorful in the hot skillet.
Gordo’s cheese dip: Creamy, dreamy, and ready to melt—be generous here, as the cheese makes every bite unforgettable.

How to Make Queso Steak Fajita Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables & Steak

Start with a sizzling skillet to build up big, bold flavors right from the get-go. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then tumble in the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for just a couple of minutes until the veggies begin to soften—the bell peppers should still have a bit of crunch for that perfect fajita texture. Next, make room in the skillet and add your steak strips. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning all over, letting it coat every bit of meat and veg. Sear the steak, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked just to your liking (don’t overcook—the sirloin stays juicy when it’s still slightly pink in the middle).

Step 2: Make the Rice

With your steak and veggies sizzling away, it’s time to build the base of your Queso Steak Fajita Skillet. Pour the Minute Rice directly into the skillet, along with the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir so the rice starts soaking up all those fabulous flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook, uncovered, following the timing recommended on your rice package—this is usually just a few minutes. If you’re swapping in a different rice, adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly. The goal is rice that’s tender, with most of the liquid absorbed but everything still beautifully saucy.

Step 3: Add the Queso

Now for the part that really sets this dish over the top: the cheesy finish! Once the rice is cooked and the skillet is thick and bubbly, dollop as much Gordo’s cheese dip as your heart desires right over the top. The heat from the skillet will coax the queso into melty ribbons that weave through the steak, rice, and veggies. Let the cheese sit for a minute or two, then give a gentle swirl so you get that marbled, gooey effect in every bite.

Step 4: Serve

Scoop hearty portions of the Queso Steak Fajita Skillet onto plates or shallow bowls, making sure everyone gets a good mix of steak, peppers, and that glorious queso. Serve it up while it’s piping hot and extra creamy—this is one dish that’s at its best fresh from the skillet!

How to Serve Queso Steak Fajita Skillet

Garnishes

Finish your Queso Steak Fajita Skillet with a flourish of garnishes for color, texture, and freshness. A scatter of fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a handful of diced tomatoes looks gorgeous and adds a pop of bright flavor. If you like a little heat, try jalapeño slices or a few shakes of hot sauce on top. And don’t overlook the power of a squeeze of fresh lime for that final touch of zing.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, it plays well with classic sides! Serve alongside warm flour tortillas for scooping, refried beans for extra protein, or a simple green salad to lighten things up. For a Tex-Mex feast, buttery corn on the cob or a side of guacamole will never disappoint.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, there are so many playful ways to serve Queso Steak Fajita Skillet. Try scooping the cheesy mixture into mini bell pepper “boats” for a fun appetizer, load it into tacos for a twist on fajita night, or even stuff it into a burrito to-go. For parties, set out the skillet as part of a dinner bar with toppings galore and let everyone build their own perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack up any leftover Queso Steak Fajita Skillet in an airtight container as soon as it cools to room temperature. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the cheese can thicken up when cold, give the mixture a quick stir before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing

Good news for meal-preppers: this skillet freezes pretty well! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, trying to press out as much air as possible. Label, date, and freeze for up to a month. The texture of the cheese might change just a little, but the flavors will still shine when reheated.

Reheating

To bring your Queso Steak Fajita Skillet back to its just-made glory, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or pop portions into the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems too thick. Stir often and stop as soon as everything is steaming hot—overheating can cause the cheese to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While top sirloin is quick-cooking and tasty, you can swap in flank steak, skirt steak, or even thin-sliced ribeye. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as some cuts grill up faster than others for best results in your Queso Steak Fajita Skillet.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

Definitely! For a spicy Queso Steak Fajita Skillet, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers when sautéing the onions and peppers, or use a spicier fajita seasoning blend. You can also top with hot salsa or extra hot sauce for a customizable kick.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Most of the ingredients in Queso Steak Fajita Skillet are naturally gluten-free, but always check your fajita seasoning and cheese dip labels, as some brands add flour or other thickeners. Using certified gluten-free versions means everyone can dig in safely.

What if I can’t find Gordo’s cheese dip?

No worries! Any good-quality prepared queso dip will work beautifully. You could also melt your own combination of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a splash of cream for a homemade approach—just make sure it’s creamy and pourable so it melts evenly into the skillet.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is super flexible. Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or corn when sautéing the onions and peppers for even more texture and color. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan so everything cooks up nice and caramelized.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see why Queso Steak Fajita Skillet is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. With its sizzling steak, melty cheese, and bursts of flavor in every bite, it makes dinnertime feel downright exciting. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—don’t be surprised if it quickly claims a top spot in your weeknight rotation!