This Easy Crock-Pot Steak Fajita recipe makes meal time simple and fun! Tender steak, colorful peppers, and tasty seasonings cook slowly to create a delicious mix.
Throw everything in the pot, and you’ll have a yummy dinner ready without much fuss. I love serving these in warm tortillas with some avocado—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: These cuts are great for fajitas as they become tender when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken breast, ground beef, or even a firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: I love the color and sweetness of red, green, and yellow peppers. If they’re not available, try using poblano or even canned diced tomatoes for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder—just use about 1 teaspoon instead of 3 cloves.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings acidity that brightens the dish. You can swap it with lemon juice or use vinegar if you’re in a pinch, but the flavor will shift slightly.
Spices: If you prefer less heat, leave out the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also adjust the chili powder based on your spice level preference or substitute with taco seasoning.
How Do You Achieve Tender Steak in the Crock-Pot?
Getting that tender steak in a Crock-Pot is all about the cooking time and moisture. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Use plenty of moisture by adding lime juice and broth. This will keep the steak juicy as it cooks.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Long cooking times break down the fibers in tougher cuts like flank steak.
- Stir the mixture halfway through cooking if you can. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors.
After cooking, make sure to stir everything together to combine the flavors. Enjoy your fajitas wrapped in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings! This meal is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Easy Crock-Pot Steak Fajita Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Cooking time in the Crock-Pot is 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. All in all, you can expect around 8 hours for a delicious dinner that practically makes itself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Give it a good mix.
2. Season the Steak:
Take the sliced steak and place it in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the spice mix over the steak and toss until all the pieces are well-coated.
3. Layer the Veggies:
In your Crock-Pot, drop in the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Spread them out so they form a colorful base.
4. Add the Steak:
Now, layer the seasoned steak on top of the veggies in the Crock-Pot.
5. Add Liquids:
Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over everything, then pour in the beef broth or water. This will help create a flavorful steam as it cooks.
6. Cook It Up:
Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the steak is tender and the veggies are soft!
7. Stir and Serve:
After cooking, give everything a good stir to combine the juices and flavors. Serve hot with warm tortillas and let everyone add their favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Enjoy your tasty and easy slow-cooked steak fajitas! These are perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers!
FAQ for Easy Crock-Pot Steak Fajita Recipe
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank or skirt steak with chicken breast, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken takes about the same time as steak, while shrimp cooks much faster.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can use water or chicken broth as a substitute. If you’re looking for more flavor, adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the dish!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients a day in advance! Just keep the seasoned steak, veggies, and liquids in the fridge and add them to the slow cooker in the morning. Cook as directed, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months!
