Beef Fajitas with Grilled Vegetables is a classic Tex-Mex favorite known for its sizzling presentation, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. Tender strips of marinated beef are seared to perfection alongside smoky grilled bell peppers and onions, then served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
The dish originated in Texas in the early 1930s, when ranch workers used tougher cuts of beef—like skirt steak—marinated them to tenderize, and grilled them over open flames. Today, fajitas have evolved into a delicious and customizable meal loved worldwide.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines everything great about grilling—the smoky aroma, caramelized edges, and juicy texture of beef—with the fresh sweetness of charred vegetables. The marinade infuses the meat with tangy, zesty, and savory notes, while the vibrant peppers and onions balance it with their natural sweetness.
It’s not just a meal — it’s an experience. When that sizzling pan hits the table with its irresistible aroma, you can’t help but smile. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- A crowd-pleasing dish that looks and smells amazing.
- High in protein and packed with colorful vegetables.
- Customizable—choose your favorite toppings and tortillas.
- The marinated beef stays incredibly tender and juicy.
- Works great for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or parties.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Marination Time: 1 hour (recommended)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Mexican-American
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 500 g (1 lb) flank steak or skirt steak
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Grilled Vegetables:
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Fresh lime wedges
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Simple Cooking Directions
- Marinate the beef with the spices, lime, and oil mixture.
- Grill or sear the beef until cooked and slightly charred.
- Grill vegetables until tender and smoky.
- Slice the beef, mix with veggies, and serve in warm tortillas.
- Top with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Place the beef in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- In a separate bowl, toss bell peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside while the beef marinates.
Step 3: Grill the Beef
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove beef from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until medium-rare or desired doneness.
- Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Grill the Vegetables
- Place the peppers and onions on the grill (or use a grill basket).
- Grill for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
Step 5: Slice and Combine
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips.
- Combine with the grilled vegetables or serve them side by side.
Step 6: Assemble the Fajitas
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for a few seconds per side.
- Spoon beef and vegetables onto each tortilla.
- Add toppings like crema, salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Serve Beef Fajitas hot, straight from the skillet or sizzling pan. Pair them with:
- Mexican rice or refried beans
- Corn on the cob or grilled zucchini
- Fresh margaritas, lemonade, or iced tea
For the authentic experience, bring the sizzling skillet right to the table and let everyone build their own fajitas!
Additional Recipe Tips
- Rest the beef before slicing to retain juices.
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use cast-iron skillets for a great sear indoors.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables — a bit of crunch adds texture.
- For added flavor, smoke the fajitas on a charcoal grill.
Variations
- Chicken Fajitas: Substitute chicken breast or thighs for beef.
- Shrimp Fajitas: Use peeled shrimp; cook for just 2–3 minutes per side.
- Vegan Fajitas: Use portobello mushrooms or tofu instead of beef.
- Spicy Fajitas: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Cheesy Fajitas: Sprinkle shredded cheese while hot so it melts over the meat and veggies.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked beef and vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef (without vegetables) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of lime juice or water to keep it moist.
- Avoid freezing assembled fajitas, as the vegetables and tortillas may become soggy.
Special Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cast-iron skillet (optional for serving sizzling fajitas)
- Aluminum foil (for resting meat)
Conclusion
Beef Fajitas with Grilled Vegetables is a sizzling celebration of flavor and color. With tender marinated beef, sweet charred peppers, and warm tortillas, it’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table. The combination of smoky, zesty, and juicy flavors makes it truly unforgettable — perfect for family dinners, outdoor BBQs, or casual get-togethers.
Beef Fajitas with Grilled Vegetables
Description
Beef Fajitas with Grilled Vegetables is a classic Tex-Mex favorite known for its sizzling presentation, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. Tender strips of marinated beef are seared to perfection alongside smoky grilled bell peppers and onions, then served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
For the Grilled Vegetables:
For Serving:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Marinate the Beef : In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, pepper, and salt. Place the beef in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
-
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables : In a separate bowl, toss bell peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside while the beef marinates.
-
Step 3: Grill the Beef : Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade and let excess drip off. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until medium-rare or desired doneness. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
-
Step 4: Grill the Vegetables : Place the peppers and onions on the grill (or use a grill basket). Grill for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
-
Step 5: Slice and Combine : Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Combine with the grilled vegetables or serve them side by side.
-
Step 6: Assemble the Fajitas : Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for a few seconds per side. Spoon beef and vegetables onto each tortilla. Add toppings like crema, salsa, avocado, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and serve immediately.
