If you’re craving a delicious and flavourful Mexican dish, why not try making beef fajitas in the oven? This easy and convenient cooking method allows you to achieve tender and juicy beef with a perfect charred exterior. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or just want to enjoy a tasty meal at home, beef fajitas in the oven are sure to be a hit.

To get started, you’ll need some key ingredients like beef steak, bell peppers, onions, and a variety of spices. The first step is to marinate the beef in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. This will help infuse the meat with delicious flavors and tenderize it for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Next, preheat your oven to a high temperature to ensure a quick and even cooking process. While the oven is heating up, prepare the vegetables by slicing them into thin strips. You can use a variety of bell peppers for a colorful and vibrant presentation.

Once the oven is ready, spread out the marinated beef and sliced vegetables on a baking sheet lined with foil. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer to promote even cooking. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let the beef and vegetables cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.

Preparation for Beef Fajitas

Amazon Grocery, Beef Flank steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon Grocery, Beef Flank steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon.com

Before cooking beef fajitas in the oven, it is important to properly prepare the ingredients. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish.

Gather Ingredients

First, gather all the necessary ingredients for beef fajitas. You will need:

  • 1 pound of beef, such as skirt steak or flank steak
  • 1 bell pepper, any color
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Place the beef strips in the marinade, making sure each strip is coated. Cover the bowl and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the bell pepper and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking Option

At this point, you have two cooking options:

Just Bare, Angus Beef Top Sirloin Steak, USDA Choice, No Antibiotics Ever, 8 oz
Just Bare, Angus Beef Top Sirloin Steak, USDA Choice, No Antibiotics Ever, 8 oz
Amazon.com
  1. Stovetop: Cook the beef fajitas on a hot skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated beef, bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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Whichever cooking option you choose, be sure to keep an eye on the beef and vegetables to avoid overcooking.

Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, serve the beef fajitas with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and any other desired toppings. Enjoy!

Choosing the Right Cut

When it comes to making beef fajitas in the oven, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. The type of cut you select will impact the tenderness and flavor of your fajitas. Here are some popular cuts of beef that work well for oven-cooked fajitas:

1. Skirt Steak

Skirt steak is one of the most common cuts used for fajitas. It is a long, thin cut that comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow. Skirt steak is known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. It is important to slice skirt steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.

2. Flank Steak

Flank steak is another popular choice for beef fajitas. It comes from the lower chest area of the cow and has a great balance of flavor and tenderness. Like skirt steak, flank steak should be sliced against the grain for the best results.

Amazon Grocery, Beef Ribeye Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon Grocery, Beef Ribeye Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon.com

Regardless of the cut you choose, it is important to consider the marbling and fat content. Look for cuts with good marbling, as this will contribute to a more flavorful and tender fajita. Avoid cuts that are too lean, as they may end up being tough and chewy.

It is also worth noting that you can use pre-packaged fajita meat if you prefer convenience. These typically use flank or skirt steak and are pre-seasoned for easy cooking.

No matter which cut of beef you choose, remember to let the meat marinate to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat. This will ensure delicious beef fajitas that will satisfy your taste buds.

Marinating the Beef

Marinating your beef before cooking is key to infusing it with flavor and ensuring it stays tender and juicy. Here’s how to marinate your beef fajitas:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of beef steak, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup of lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
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Step 1: In a bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make the marinade.

Amazon Grocery, Beef Inside Skirt Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon Grocery, Beef Inside Skirt Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon.com

Step 2: Place the thinly sliced beef steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure it coats all the pieces. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight.

Step 3: During the marinating process, flip the beef occasionally to ensure that all slices are evenly coated with the marinade.

Step 4: After marinating, remove the beef from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to cook more evenly.

By marinating your beef fajitas, you’ll enhance the flavors and make them even more delicious. Now that your beef is marinated, you’re ready to cook it in the oven and enjoy flavorful and tender beef fajitas.

Preparing the Vegetables

Before cooking your beef fajitas in the oven, it’s important to prepare the vegetables properly. This will ensure that they are cooked to perfection and add delicious flavor to your dish.

La Herencia, Beef Loin Steak, Boneless, Carne Asada, 14 oz
La Herencia, Beef Loin Steak, Boneless, Carne Asada, 14 oz
Amazon.com

Gathering Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for the vegetable filling:

1 large onion sliced
2 bell peppers sliced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil for sautéing
salt and pepper to taste

Slicing the Onion and Bell Peppers

Start by peeling and slicing the onion. Cut it in half from top to bottom and remove the skin. Place each half cut side down on the cutting board, then make thin slices lengthwise across the onion. Repeat this process with the other half of the onion.

Next, prepare the bell peppers. Wash them thoroughly under cold water, then cut off the tops and remove the seeds and white pith from the inside. Slice the peppers into thin strips by cutting vertically from top to bottom.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have softened and are slightly caramelized.

The sautéed onions and bell peppers will add a sweet and savory flavor to your beef fajitas. Once they are cooked and ready, you can proceed to assemble your fajitas with the beef strips and other desired ingredients.

Beef Stir Fry Step 1
Beef Stir Fry Step 1
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Cooking Beef Fajitas

Beef fajitas are a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that can be cooked using various methods, including in the oven. Cooking beef fajitas in the oven is a convenient option as it allows for even cooking and requires less attention compared to stovetop cooking. Here is how you can cook beef fajitas in the oven:

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1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Choose a cut of beef suitable for fajitas, such as skirt steak or flank steak. Trim any excess fat and slice the beef into thin strips against the grain.

3. In a bowl, combine the beef strips with your preferred fajita marinade or seasoning. Popular options include lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Toss the beef strips in the marinade until they are well coated.

4. Optional: You can also add sliced bell peppers and onions to the beef marinade for added flavor and texture.

Amazon Grocery, Beef Top Sirloin Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon Grocery, Beef Top Sirloin Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon.com

5. Transfer the beef and the marinade to a baking dish or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

6. Spread the beef strips evenly on the baking dish, making sure they are not overcrowded. If using additional vegetables, arrange them alongside the beef.

7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Stir or flip the beef halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

8. Once cooked, remove the beef fajitas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve the beef fajitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

10. Enjoy your homemade beef fajitas!

By following these steps, you can easily cook delicious beef fajitas in the oven. The result will be tender, flavorful, and perfect for a tasty meal with family and friends.

Q&A

What temperature should I set the oven to cook beef fajitas?

The oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) to cook beef fajitas.

How long should I cook beef fajitas in the oven?

Beef fajitas should be cooked in the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Should I marinate the beef for the fajitas before cooking them in the oven?

Yes, marinating the beef before cooking it in the oven will help to enhance the flavor. You can marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more intense flavor.

Can I cook the peppers and onions with the beef fajitas in the oven?

Yes, you can cook the peppers and onions along with the beef fajitas in the oven. Simply slice them and arrange them on the baking sheet with the beef, and they will cook together.