Description

Ever craved sizzling, flavorful fajitas that bring the Tex-Mex restaurant vibe to your table without the hassle? Fabulous Fajitas are here to make that happen! This slow-cooker recipe transforms tender beef sirloin, vibrant peppers, and zesty spices into a mouthwatering meal, all wrapped in warm tortillas

Ingredients

To make Fabulous Fajitas, you’ll need ingredients that create a bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Beef Top Sirloin Steak (1½ pounds, cut into thin strips): A lean, tender cut that cooks beautifully in the slow cooker, providing a juicy, flavorful base.
Canola Oil (2 tbsp): Used to brown the beef, locking in juices and adding richness.
Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds a bright, tangy note that tenderizes the beef and balances the spices.
Garlic Clove (1, minced): Infuses the dish with savory, aromatic depth.
Ground Cumin (1½ tsp): Brings warm, earthy flavor essential to Tex-Mex cuisine.
Seasoned Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors with a savory, seasoned boost.
Chili Powder (½ tsp): Adds smoky, mild heat to the fajitas.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ to ½ tsp): Provides a customizable spicy kick.
Sweet Red Pepper (1 large, julienned): Adds sweet, crunchy texture and vibrant color.
Onion (1 large, julienned): Brings savory sweetness as it softens, complementing the beef.
Mini Flour Tortillas (8, 5 inches): Soft, small tortillas perfect for wrapping the fajita filling.
Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeño pepper, and avocado for extra flavor, creaminess, and crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

Beef: Swap sirloin for chicken breast strips, pork tenderloin, or shrimp (reduce cooking time to 1–2 hours for shrimp). Use portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Lemon Juice: Replace with lime juice for a slightly different citrusy tang.
Spices: Reduce red pepper flakes to ⅛ tsp for less heat, or add ¼ tsp smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
Peppers: Use green, yellow, or orange bell peppers, or mix colors for a vibrant look.
Tortillas: Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas (gluten-free), whole-wheat tortillas, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Toppings: Add sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or diced tomatoes for more variety.

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Instructions

Making Fabulous Fajitas is simple with a slow cooker, delivering tender beef and flavorful veggies in about 3 hours. Follow these steps for a meal that’s sure to impress. I’ve included tips to ensure success, even for beginners.

Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp canola oil. Add 1½ pounds beef top sirloin steak (cut into thin strips) and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer the beef and drippings to a 3-quart slow cooker.
- Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; brown in batches if needed to ensure a good sear, which locks in flavor.
Add Seasonings:
- Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1½ tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp seasoned salt, ½ tsp chili powder, and ¼ to ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Tip: Start with ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for milder fajitas; taste later and adjust if needed.
Cook the Beef:
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, until the beef is almost tender.
- Tip: Check at 1½ hours; slow cookers vary. The beef should be softening but not fully tender yet.
Add Vegetables:
- Add 1 large julienned sweet red pepper and 1 large julienned onion to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 1 more hour, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Tip: Cut veggies into uniform strips for even cooking, and don’t overcook to keep them slightly crisp.
Warm the Tortillas:
- Warm 8 mini flour tortillas according to package directions (e.g., microwave for 20–30 seconds or heat in a skillet).
- Tip: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel before microwaving to keep them soft and pliable.
Assemble the Fajitas:
- Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture (about ⅓ cup per fajita) down the center of each warm tortilla.
- Add optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeño, or avocado as desired.
- Fold or roll the tortillas to enclose the filling.
- Tip: Don’t overfill to make folding easier; serve extra filling on the side if needed.
Serve:
- Arrange fajitas on a platter or serve directly from the slow cooker for a casual meal.
- Tip: Offer extra toppings in bowls for guests to customize their fajitas.