Introduction
Slow cooker recipes are a great way to make a delicious meal without the hassle of standing over the stove.
These 5-ingredient slow cooker steak fajitas are perfect for busy days when you need a meal that’s easy.
flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, and zesty salsa makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef, sliced
1-2 bell peppers, sliced
1 onion, sliced
20 ounces salsa
2 tbsp fajita seasoning
Instructions
Start by placing the salsa in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base that helps keep the beef moist as it cooks.
Make sure the salsa is evenly spread across the bottom so that it can infuse the other ingredients with flavor.
Next, add the sliced beef to the slow cooker. Choose a cut of beef that’s tender enough to cook for several hours without becoming tough, such as flank steak or sirloin.
Lay the beef on top of the salsa, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout.
Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the slow cooker. The peppers will bring a nice sweetness to the dish.
while the onions will caramelize and add depth of flavor as they cook. Spread them over the beef for even cooking.
Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the ingredients. The seasoning will give your fajitas that signature flavor.
with a perfect balance of spices. If you like your fajitas spicier, you can add extra seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Stir the ingredients gently to combine, making sure the fajita seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
You don’t need to stir too much, just enough to coat the beef, vegetables, and salsa in the seasoning.
Once everything is well mixed, cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the cooker to low and let the fajitas cook for 6-8 hours. Alternatively.
you can set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours if you’re in a rush. The beef will become tender and absorb all the flavors of the vegetables and salsa.
When the cooking time is up, remove the lid and check the beef. It should be fork-tender and easy to shred. If you like.
you can shred the beef directly in the slow cooker to allow the juices to soak into the meat, creating even more flavor.
How to Make
To start, you’ll need a slow cooker and the five simple ingredients listed above. Begin by preparing your vegetables.
slicing the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. This will help them cook down and infuse their flavors into the beef.
Once the vegetables are ready, add them to the slow cooker along with the beef. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning on top.
then pour in the salsa. The salsa not only adds flavor but also helps keep everything moist while cooking.
Make sure everything is mixed together evenly in the slow cooker. Don’t worry about over-mixing, but a gentle stir ensures that the beef and veggies are well coated in seasoning and salsa. This is key for the rich, vibrant taste.
Set the slow cooker to low for a leisurely 6-8 hours or to high if you’re short on time and need it ready in 3-4 hours.
During the cooking process, the beef will absorb the flavors of the peppers, onions, and salsa. The long cooking time ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender.
After the cooking time, the beef should easily shred with a fork. If you like, you can shred the beef inside.
the slow cooker and stir it into the vegetables for a more cohesive dish. If you prefer, leave the beef in chunks for a heartier bite.
Once the beef is shredded or left in chunks, give the mixture one final stir. At this point, everything is ready to be served.
You can serve the fajitas with tortillas, rice, or as a topping for salads. Top with your favorite fajita toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cheese.
Finally, enjoy your flavorful, tender steak fajitas! This easy recipe will become a go-to for your weeknight meals or a special dinner when you want minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Variations
You can easily switch up the vegetables in this recipe. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn for added texture and flavor.
These variations will add more layers to the dish, making it even more colorful and satisfying.
If you want to spice things up, you can increase the amount of fajita seasoning or add some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
This will give your fajitas an extra kick, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
For a healthier alternative, you can use lean cuts of beef such as flank steak or top round. These cuts will still be tender.
after slow cooking but will have less fat, making the dish a bit lighter while retaining all the rich flavors.
For a more authentic fajita experience, you could add some fresh lime juice and cilantro after cooking.
A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors, and cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous touch that complements the salsa and beef.
If you prefer chicken over beef, you can substitute the beef with chicken breast or thighs. The process is the same, and chicken thighs, in particular.
will absorb the flavors well and remain juicy throughout the slow cooking process.
For a vegetarian version, swap out the beef for your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh.
Be sure to cook the tofu or tempeh in the salsa and fajita seasoning for the best flavor, allowing the vegetables to remain the main feature of the dish.
For an extra creamy twist, try adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
This will create a rich, creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with the tender beef and vegetables.
Tips
To ensure the beef stays tender and doesn’t dry out, don’t skip the salsa step. The salsa helps to create a moist cooking environment and infuses the beef with flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of salsa or add a bit of tomato paste toward the end of cooking.
Cut the beef into thin strips to ensure even cooking. Thin slices will cook faster and become more tender than larger chunks of meat, helping the fajitas reach the right texture.
If you have time, try marinating the beef in the fajita seasoning for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
This will deepen the flavors and make the beef even more flavorful when it’s slow-cooked.
When choosing bell peppers, try to pick a variety of colors to add visual appeal to the dish. Red, yellow, and green.
peppers will not only brighten up the fajitas but will also add different layers of flavor, from sweet to slightly tangy.
Feel free to adjust the level of seasoning to your preference. If you like your fajitas spicier, you can add extra fajita seasoning or even include some diced chilies or hot sauce for an added kick.
For a smoother cooking experience, try to layer the vegetables and beef evenly in the slow cooker so that everything gets cooked consistently.
If the vegetables are piled too high on top of the beef, they may not cook as evenly.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the fajitas in a skillet for the best texture, or use them to make fajita bowls or wraps for a second meal.
Conclusion
These 5-ingredient slow cooker steak fajitas are a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
With tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a touch of fajita seasoning, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun get-together.
The versatility of this recipe also means you can adjust it to your tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you stick with.
the classic beef version or experiment with other ingredients, these fajitas are sure to become a family favorite.