Go Back
A skillet filled with steak strips and red and yellow bell peppers making fajitas

How to Make Steak Fajitas in Cast Iron Skillet

This quick and easy fajita recipe uses pre-cut fajita strips, seasoned with a homemade spice blend, and cooked with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. It’s a flavorful, customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 4

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds precut fajita strips
  • 2-3 large bell peppers sliced into thin strips
  • 1 onion sliced into thin strips
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced

Fajita Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt - more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Fajita Toppings

  • Warm Tortillas
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Cilantro
  • Sour Cream
  • Lime Wedges
  • Jalapenos
  • Pico de gallo

Instructions

  • Pat the pre-cut fajita strips dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and set aside.
  • Slice bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms into thin strips. Remove the seeds from the bell peppers.
  • In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, minced onion and garlic, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Set aside.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with two tablespoons of oil or butter. Add the vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add half of the seasoning mix during the last two minutes of cooking. Remove the vegetables from the skillet.
  • Return the skillet to medium heat and add two more tablespoons of butter. Add the pre-cut fajita strips, sprinkle with the remaining seasoning, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until cooked.
  • Return the vegetables to the skillet once the steak is done. Toss everything together and serve hot with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Use Pre-Cut Fajita Strips: For an even quicker and easier option, skip the slicing and use pre-cut fajita strips. They're ready to go, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Frozen Vegetables: You can chop fresh bell peppers and onions, or for a faster, more convenient option, use a frozen pepper and onion blend.
  • Fajita Seasoning Mix: If you're really short on time, skip the homemade seasoning and use a package of fajita seasoning mix for a quick and flavorful solution.
  • Preheat Your Skillet: Make sure your cast iron skillet is hot before adding the steak and vegetables to get that perfect sear.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook in batches if needed to ensure the fajitas get that crispy, charred texture.