Quick, easy and spicy, these Ground Beef Fajitas are made with lean ground beef, homemade fajita seasoning and tender strips of peppers and onions. You need less than 30 minutes to make this fajita recipe so they're perfect for busy weeknights!
Usually when I make beef fajitas, I need to set aside time for marinating. What I love about using ground beef is that you get the same great flavor without marinating. The recipe also includes a homemade fajita seasoning mix, which is big on spices and lower in sodium than some store-bought seasonings. These fajitas are also perfect for meal prepping as you can brown the seasoned ground beef in advance and store in the fridge or freezer!
Want to save this recipe for later?
Enter your email address and I'll send it straight to your inbox. You'll also receive new recipes from me regularly!
Table of Contents
Details on the ingredients
Below is a breakdown of what you'll need for this recipe. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the full list of ingredients and quantities used.
- Ground beef - You'll need 1 pound of ground beef for these fajitas. I normally use lean ground beef (85/15) or extra lean (90/10).
- Peppers - Fajitas usually have a mix of bell peppers. This recipe includes red, yellow and green bell peppers, cut into ½-inch slices. You can add some orange bell peppers too, if you prefer.
- Onions - While I went for red onions for these fajitas, you can also use white or yellow. They're also cut into ½-inch slices.
- Fajita seasoning - I used a homemade fajita seasoning for this recipe that consists of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and salt. It's the same seasoning mix I use in this chicken fajita soup recipe.
- Green chilies - This is totally optional, but I like to add a small can of chopped green chilies to the ground beef mixture to add some extra heat.
- Tortillas - Lightly warmed tortillas are a must for fajitas. Flour tortillas are your best option (as opposed to corn tortillas) as they tend to hold up well to all the fajita toppings.
How to make fajitas with ground beef
In a small bowl, whisk together the spices for the fajita seasoning.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and the add the ground beef and seasoning. Brown the beef, using a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Once the beef is browned to your liking and no longer pink inside, stir in the green chilies (if using).
Remove the beef mixture from the heat and set aside.
Add oil to a second skillet and heat on high. Add the peppers and onions and sauté for just a few minutes until they start to soften and char slightly.
Serve the ground beef, peppers and onions on tortillas with your desired toppings.
Recipe substitutions
- For leaner fajitas, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken.
- To save a little time, use store-bought fajita seasoning instead of homemade.
- Serve the ground beef mixture on top of rice bowls or salads instead of in tortillas.
Frequently asked questions
The homemade fajita seasoning is a bit spicy, and the addition of chopped green chilies definitely adds some extra heat. If you're sensitive to spice, just leave out the chopped green chilies and use only half of the fajita seasoning. You can always add more seasoning to the ground beef after it's browned.
There are so many topping options! You can top fajitas with salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, guacamole, cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking it.
Yes, you can brown the ground beef in advance and slice the peppers and onions. When ready to enjoy, sauté the peppers and onions and reheat the ground beef in a skillet or in the microwave.
Storage, freezing and reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for 3-4 days.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop before adding them to tortillas.
You can also freeze leftovers, but I suggest freezing the meat separately from the peppers and onions.
Just place them in separate freezer safe containers or bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Key recipe tips
- Be careful not to overcook the ground beef. You want it browned and cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160F, but you don't want it to end up tough and chewy.
- Make sure your skillet is hot when you add the peppers and onions. This will help char them quickly without overcooking. Remove them from the heat when they just start to soften. If you leave them longer, they'll start to get too soft and soggy.
- If you only have one skillet, just transfer the cooked ground beef to a plate while you sauté the peppers and onions in the same skillet.
- If you have an air fryer, you can also cook your peppers and onions in it using this air fryer peppers and onions recipe.
- The green chilies are optional and add extra heat. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer.
More Mexican inspired recipes
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Sign up for our newsletter and follow Crumb Top Baking on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!
📖 Recipe
Ground Beef Fajitas with Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Ingredients
- Fajita seasoning, (see below)
- 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef
- 1 (127 ml) can, chopped green chilies (optional)
- ½ large green bell pepper, cut into ½-inch slices
- ½ large red bell pepper, cut into ½-inch slices
- ½ large yellow bell pepper, cut into ½-inch slices
- ½ large red onion, cut into ½-inch slices
- 8 flour tortillas
Optional toppings:
- sour cream
- salsa
- cheese
- avocado slices
- guacamole
- sliced jalapeños
- lime wedges
- chopped cilantro
Fajita seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the spices for the fajita seasoning.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and the add the ground beef and fajita seasoning. Brown the beef, using a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. Make sure the seasoning is mixed in with the ground beef.
- Once the beef is browned and no longer pink inside, stir in the green chilies (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add oil to a second skillet and heat on high. Add the peppers and onions and sauté for just a few minutes until they start to soften and char slightly.
- Serve ground beef, peppers and onions on warmed tortillas with your desired toppings.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the ground beef as it will turn out tough and chewy. You want it browned and cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160F.
- You'll need your skillet hot when you add the peppers and onions. This will help them char quickly without overcooking and getting too soft.
- If you only have one skillet, just transfer the cooked ground beef to a plate while you sauté the peppers and onions in the same skillet.
- If you're sensitive to spicy food, just leave out the green chilies and use just half of the fajita seasoning. You can always add more to suit your taste once the ground beef is cooked.
Want to save this recipe for later?
Enter your email address and I'll send it straight to your inbox. You'll also receive new recipes from me regularly!
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Claire Potter says
Brilliant thank you - just to say I added a little
Lime juice and dill to lift slightly x
Leanne says
Thanks Claire! So glad you liked the recipe.