If you are craving a crowd-pleaser that brings together all the best flavors of Tex-Mex in one irresistible dish, you simply must try this Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe. This recipe takes classic nachos to a whole new level by layering tender, marinated flank steak, vibrant sautéed peppers and onions, and melty Mexican cheese over crispy tortilla chips. The result is a mouthwatering combination of smoky, zesty, and cheesy goodness that’s perfect for sharing at game day, family dinners, or anytime you want a festive and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and wonderful textures. From the juicy steak to the crisp chips and fresh garnishes, all of these components come together easily to deliver a spectacular meal.
- Olive oil: Acts as a base for the marinade, adding richness and helping blend all the spices perfectly.
- Old El Paso Taco Seasoning: A well-balanced mix of spices that infuses the steak and veggies with classic fajita flavor.
- Old El Paso green chiles: Add a mild heat and subtle earthiness to the marinade for extra depth.
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens the marinade with a fresh citrus zing that tenderizes the steak.
- Fresh cilantro: Provides a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the other bold ingredients.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch you can’t resist.
- Flank steak: The star protein that’s flavorful and tender, especially after marinating.
- Sturdy tortilla chips: Support the weight of toppings while staying crisp for the ultimate nacho base.
- Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory finish.
- Green and red peppers: Bring vibrant color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness when sautéed.
- Onions: Add savory sweetness and depth after being cooked until translucent.
- Pico de gallo: Fresh salsa topping that injects freshness and a bit of tanginess.
- Guacamole: A cool, creamy garnish that balances the spices.
- Sour cream: Adds smooth, tangy richness perfect for drizzling on top.
- Additional cilantro and pico de gallo: For extra bursts of flavor and a colorful presentation.
How to Make Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by combining olive oil, taco seasoning, lime juice, green chiles, cilantro, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend everything until silky smooth—this marinade is packed with bold flavors that will soak into the flank steak making every bite savory and vibrant. Pour the marinade into a large ziplock bag along with the flank steak, reserving a little marinade for later to flavor the vegetables. Let the steak marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours to get that perfect infusion of taste and tenderness.
Step 2: Cook the steak
Bring your marinated flank steak to room temperature before cooking. Heat a skillet over high heat and cook the steak for about 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until it reaches your desired doneness. The high heat helps form a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. Remove the steak from the skillet and give it a few minutes to rest—this ensures the juices redistribute and keep the steak moist. Once rested, cut the steak into bite-sized pieces that will be perfect for layering on your nachos.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped green pepper, red pepper, and onions. Pour in the reserved marinade to add a punch of flavor. Cook everything over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the peppers are tender but still vibrant. This quick sauté brings out the natural sweetness and softens the veggies just enough to pair perfectly with the hearty steak and crunchy chips.
Step 4: Assemble the nachos
Now comes the fun part. Spread a generous layer of your tortilla chips evenly across the skillet. Sprinkle half of the Mexican blend cheese over the chips to create a cheesy foundation. Then layer on the sautéed vegetables and bite-sized steak pieces before adding the remaining cheese on top. Finish it off with dollops of fresh pico de gallo and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to brighten the dish up deliciously.
Step 5: Melt the cheese
Place your skillet under a broiler set to high for 4 to 6 minutes, keeping a close eye so the cheese melts thoroughly and turns bubbly without burning the edges. If you prefer, you can also melt the cheese over medium heat on the stovetop by covering the skillet until the cheese is smooth and gooey. Either method ensures that ooey-gooey cheese melt that ties all the flavors together.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Once your Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe is piping hot and melty, serve directly from the skillet for an impressive presentation. Add your favorite garnishes like creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, extra fresh cilantro, or more pico de gallo for added brightness. These toppings add the perfect finishing touches that balance and elevate every bite, making it a full-on fiesta in your mouth.
How to Serve Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe is where you can get really creative and make it truly your own. Classic additions like creamy guacamole and sour cream add luscious textures and cool down the spice, while fresh cilantro and pico de gallo provide refreshing herbal and zesty notes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with sliced jalapeños for heat, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an extra salty punch.
Side Dishes
To complement the richness of this dish, consider light and crisp side dishes such as a simple mixed green salad with a lime vinaigrette or a bowl of black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic. These sides add balance to your meal without overshadowing the bold flavors of the steak fajita nachos. A cold Mexican beer or a sparkling lime agua fresca also serves as a perfect refreshing partner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take your Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe up a notch for a party or gathering, try serving it family-style in a large cast-iron skillet on a wooden board. You can also layer the nachos in individual ramekins or mini skillets for personalized portions. For an appetizer twist, arrange smaller versions on tostada shells for handheld bites. Presentation is a great way to make your guests feel special and excited to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes like guacamole and sour cream separate to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy again, avoid letting the chips get too soggy by reheating just the steak and vegetable mixture with cheese and assembling fresh chips on the side.
Freezing
While nachos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the marinated and cooked steak and sautéed vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling with fresh chips and cheese. Avoid freezing assembled nachos to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat your Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe leftovers, warm the steak and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add fresh tortilla chips to a baking sheet, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes until melted and bubbly. Then pile on the warmed protein and veggies, and finish with fresh garnishes. This method keeps everything crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its flavor and texture, skirt steak or sirloin also work wonderfully. Just be sure to slice against the grain to keep the meat tender.
How spicy is the Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe?
The level of heat is mild to moderate thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning. You can adjust the spiciness by adding jalapeños or choosing a hotter taco seasoning blend if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the steak and add extra sautéed peppers, onions, black beans, or grilled mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that still celebrates all the fajita flavors.
Is it okay to prepare the marinade and steak on the same day?
For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak for at least 24 hours, but if you’re short on time, even 2 to 4 hours will impart decent flavor.
What can I substitute for the Mexican blend cheese?
You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of shredded mozzarella and cheddar as alternatives—just pick cheeses that melt well to get that perfect gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe is an absolute triumph for anyone who loves bold flavors, great textures, and effortless yet impressive dishes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging yourself, these nachos hit every craving with juicy marinated steak, vibrant veggies, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
Print
Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Skillet Steak Fajita Nachos recipe features juicy marinated flank steak cooked to perfection and combined with sautéed peppers and onions, layered over sturdy tortilla chips with melted Mexican blend cheese. Finished with fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, guacamole, and sour cream, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 packet (1 ounce) Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
- 1 can (4.5 ounces) Old El Paso green chiles
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. flank steak
- Large bag of sturdy tortilla chips
- 8 ounces Mexican blend cheese
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
Garnishes
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- Guacamole (to taste)
- Sour cream (to taste)
- Additional cilantro (to taste)
- Extra pico de gallo (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Combine olive oil, taco seasoning, lime juice, green chiles, cilantro, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the steak: Transfer the marinade to a large ziplock bag, add the flank steak, and reserve a small amount of marinade separately for the vegetables. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Cook the steak: After marinating, remove the steak from the marinade and heat a skillet on high. Cook the steak for 4–6 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped green pepper, red pepper, and onions. Pour in the reserved marinade and cook over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble the nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chips, then layer on the sautéed vegetables followed by the steak pieces. Top with the remaining cheese, pico de gallo, and cilantro.
- Melt the cheese: Place the skillet under a broiler set to high for 4–6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, heat the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until the cheese has fully melted.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the nachos directly from the skillet. Add guacamole, sour cream, extra cilantro, and additional pico de gallo as desired to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the steak for at least 24 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess when layering with toppings.
- You can adjust the level of seasoning by altering the amount of taco seasoning in the marinade.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the vegetable sauté or as an extra topping.
- Broiling the assembled nachos ensures even melting and a slightly crispy top layer; however, stovetop melting works as a good alternative.
- Let steak rest after cooking to retain its juices and keep it tender.
