Beef Fajita Bowl (Printable version)
A vibrant bowl featuring marinated beef, sautéed bell peppers, and onions over rice with fresh toppings.
# List of ingredients:
→ Beef & Marinade
01 - 1.1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp chili powder
08 - ½ tsp sea salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables
10 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
11 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
13 - 1 large red onion, sliced
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Rice Base
15 - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
16 - 2 cups water
17 - ½ tsp salt
→ Toppings
18 - ½ cup salsa
19 - ½ cup sour cream
20 - 1 avocado, sliced
21 - ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
22 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# Directions:
01 - Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced beef and toss until evenly coated. Marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and red onion, sautéing for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Transfer vegetables to a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add marinated beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
05 - Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top with sautéed vegetables, cooked beef, salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The beef gets so tender and flavorful from that lime and cumin marinade—it's like a secret that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen
- Everything comes together in about 40 minutes, but tastes like you've been cooking all day
- You can customize each bowl exactly how you like it, with toppings that make everyone happy
- It's naturally gluten-free and packed with fresh vegetables that actually taste amazing when properly sautéed
02 -
- Don't skip marinating the beef. I once tried to cook it plain to save time, and it was tough and flavorless—never again. Those 15 minutes actually make a huge difference
- Keep your skillet hot when cooking vegetables and beef. A lukewarm pan will steam them instead of sauté them, and you'll lose that beautiful caramelization that makes this dish special
- Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. Bottled lime juice tastes metallic and won't brighten the dish the way fresh does
03 -
- Partially freeze your beef for 20 minutes before slicing it—the firmness makes thin, even slices so much easier to achieve, and they cook more evenly
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking beef. If you dump it all in at once, it steams instead of sears. Work in batches if you need to, or use a larger pan
- The sour cream and salsa are better when you add them right before eating. If you mix them in early, the bowl gets soggy. Let everyone customize their own