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Seasoned Ground Beef Fajitas are a quick, easy, and satisfying variation on the classic. It’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in 20 minutes!
Table of Contents
Why Make Ground Beef Fajitas
These ground beef fajitas are delicious. You are going to love the switch up. Ground beef is often more budget-friendly than other cuts of meat like steak or chicken breasts, making it an economical choice for families or those on a tight budget. I also have a great Steak And Shrimp Fajita recipe if you want to go fancy!
Ground beef cooks quickly and evenly, making it a great choice for a fast and hassle-free dinner, and you don’t need to pay as close attention to the meal. My Ground Beef Soft Tacos are another easy YUMMY recipe.
This meal is so convenient! Unlike most fajitas that require marinating and sautéing meat separately, ground beef fajitas can be made in one pan. This simplifies the cooking process and reduces the number of dishes to wash and makes them come together quick. Another one pan meal to to consider if you are looking for more, try my Chicken Orzo Skillet.
This recipe would be great stuffed into my Fajita Wraps if you have leftovers or what something handheld.
Ingredients Needed
Ground Beef. Lean ground beef is best. Use a good quality brand you enjoy.
Tomato Paste. This thickens the ground beef mixture and adds a yummy flavor.
Salsa. Pick your favorite store bought salsa. This is to jazz up the ground beef mixture.
Seasonings. Cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, chipotle powder.
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
Ground Beef. You can use ground venison, ground chicken or turkey. Any ground meat will work well.
Bell Peppers. You can also use diced zucchini if you’d like.
Tortillas. Use corn or flour tortillas. Use what you prefer, just be sure they are small fajita sized. You can also make this lower carb by serving fajita bowls. Just serve the beef mix and veggies over chopped romaine.
Seasoning. You can use a pre made fajita blend if needed to cut down on time and effort.
Steps To Make This Recipe
Step One. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart using a spatula. Add the seasonings. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, This typically takes around 5-7 minutes. I like to leave the beef alone for a few minutes on the hot skillet to let it get a little crisp. Add the tomato paste, stir in well. Take off the heat, add in salsa. Mix well and put meat in a large bowl off to the side.
Step Two. In the same skillet, place it back on medium/high heat. Add 1 tsp oil. Add sliced bell peppers and onions and jalapeños. Leave the veggies alone for 4 minutes on high heat. This should give them a good char.
Step Three. Add in the minced garlic. Give it a good mix and let the peppers and onions continue to cook unbothered for another 3-4 minutes.
Step Four. Add the ground beef back to the skillet with the peppers, mix well and bring the beef to heat, about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the stovetop and add any toppings of choice onto the fajita mix for garnish. *or you can serve it as is and keep toppings on the sides and build them as you go, either way works!
Store leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or you can also store in an airtight ziplock in the freezer for up to two months.
Recipe FAQs
Additional fajita vegetables include bell peppers (red, green, or both), onions, and sometimes tomatoes. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and variety.
You can prepare the ground beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Ground Beef Fajita Tips
Use a Hot Skillet:
- Start with a hot skillet or pan when cooking the ground beef. This helps in browning the beef evenly and developing a nice sear.
Warm the Tortillas:
- Warm the tortillas before serving to make them pliable and enhance flavor. You can do this in a dry skillet or microwave them with a damp paper towel.
Be Creative With Leftovers:
- If you have leftover ground beef fajita mixture, transform it into other meals like quesadillas, burrito bowls, or even stuffed peppers for a delicious second act.
Make it Healthier:
- Cut back on calories by skipping the tortillas, serve over lettuce or with lettuce cups. Skip the cheese to cup back on fat. Use lean ground beef for best results. You can use ground venison to cut way back on fat.
Other Mexican Inspired Meals
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Ground Beef Fajitas
Equipment
- large heavy bottomed skillet
- sharp knives
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef, *see notes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup salsa, store bought * optional
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 small bell peppers, sliced, any color!
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 Jalapeño, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped , for garnish
- 8 tortillas , fajita size
Optional Toppings
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- tomatoes
- refried beans
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart using a spatula. Add the seasonings. Cook the beef until it's no longer pink, This typically takes around 5-7 minutes. I like to leave the beef alone for a few minutes on the hot skillet to let it get a little crisp. Add the tomato paste, stir in well. Take off the heat, add in salsa. Mix well and put meat in a large bowl off to the side.
- In the same skillet, place it back on medium/high heat. Add 1 tsp oil. Add sliced bell peppers and onions and jalapeños. Leave the veggies alone for 4 minutes on high heat. This should give them a good char.
- Add in the minced garlic. Give it a good mix and let the peppers and onions continue to cook unbothered for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef back to the skillet with the peppers, mix well and bring the beef to heat, about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the stovetop and add any toppings of choice onto the fajita mix for garnish. *or you can serve it as is and keep toppings on the sides and build them as you go, either way works!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I never thought to use ground beef for fajitas this was DELISH chefs kiss ๐
These were excellent. The family was very impressed. Thank you for the recipe.
Making this today for dinner and I know itโs going to be good.
Canโt wait to hear what you think!
This was amazing! My non loving bell pepper husband even really liked it. I followed the recipe to a T except I used ground turkey. I canโt wait to use my leftovers in a salad tomorrow.
Oh YAY so thrilled to hear this. Thanks for the feedback!
These are absolutely delicious. My family is totally obsessed with them. We have made this recipe once a week since it was published. Cannot get enough! Seriously the best!! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Hands down best fajitas ever!!! Who ever thought of ground beef in fajitas!!! FIVE STAR RATING!!!
oh yay! I am so happy to hear this, thanks for the great feedback.
Made with ground turkey instead and still so flavorful and moist! This meal is a weekly rotation in my home.