Chili's Beef Fajitas

Authentic Beef Fajitas Recipe | Made with Sirloin Steak and Green Chilies

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chili's Beef Fajitas are a delicious and flavorful Tex-Mex dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. This recipe combines tender sirloin steak with savory onion soup mix and spicy chilies, all wrapped up in warm tortillas and topped with melted cheese and salsa.

History

Beef fajitas have a long history in Mexican cuisine, with origins dating back to the ranches of Northern Mexico in the 1930s. The dish was traditionally made with skirt steak, which was marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before being grilled and served with onions and peppers. Over time, the dish evolved to include different cuts of beef and a variety of seasonings, leading to the creation of dishes like Chili's Beef Fajitas.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of sirloin steak
1 envelope of dry onion soup mix
2 cups of water
sautéed onion and green pepper
1 small can of diced green chilies
flour tortillas
shredded cheddar cheese
salsa

How to prepare

Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces.
Place the steak in a crock pot along with chili peppers, soup mix, and water.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Chop the onion and bell pepper into small strips, then sauté them in olive oil.
Warm the tortillas in the microwave.
Drain the beef mixture.
Place the beef mixture in the center of the tortillas, and top with cheese, salsa, and the sautéed onion and pepper mixture.

Variations

Substitute chicken or shrimp for the steak for a different flavor.
Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the sautéed onion and pepper mixture for extra vegetables.
Top the fajitas with sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for added freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, marinate the steak in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before cooking.

- Make sure to cook the steak on low heat for 6-8 hours to ensure that it is tender and juicy.

- Sautéing the onions and peppers in olive oil adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the fajitas.

- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for a quick and easy way to make them soft and pliable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chili's Beef Fajitas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and guacamole for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a crock pot to cook the steak slowly for a tender and juicy result.

- Sauté the onions and peppers separately to ensure that they are cooked evenly and have a caramelized flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use flank steak or chicken breast instead of sirloin steak.

- Use a packet of taco seasoning instead of onion soup mix.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the steak and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.

- Cook the steak in the crock pot the day before and reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fajitas on a large platter with all the toppings arranged neatly for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish the fajitas with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chili's Beef Fajitas with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing drink.

- Pair the fajitas with a side of Mexican street corn or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the fajitas in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chili's Beef Fajitas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chili's Beef Fajitas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chili's Beef Fajitas contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chili's Beef Fajitas contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chili's Beef Fajitas are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Chili's Beef Fajitas contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Chili's Beef Fajitas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chili's Beef Fajitas are a delicious and easy-to-make Tex-Mex dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With tender steak, savory onion soup mix, and spicy chilies, all wrapped up in warm tortillas and topped with melted cheese and salsa, these fajitas are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chili's Beef Fajitas. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha's house for a potluck dinner. Martha had prepared a delicious spread of Mexican dishes, including her famous beef fajitas. I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I was struck by how simple and straightforward the recipe seemed. It called for basic ingredients like beef, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. The key to the dish, Martha explained, was in the marinating process. The beef had to be marinated for at least an hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Excited to try my hand at making Chili's Beef Fajitas, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. I followed Martha's instructions to the letter, marinating the beef in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the beef sizzled on the stove was tantalizing, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When I finally sat down to enjoy my homemade beef fajitas, I was blown away by how delicious they were. The beef was tender and flavorful, the peppers and onions added a nice crunch, and the spices gave the dish just the right amount of heat. I knew right then and there that this recipe was a keeper.

Over the years, I've made Chili's Beef Fajitas countless times for family and friends. It's become a favorite dish at our house, and I love seeing the smiles on my loved ones' faces as they dig into a plate of sizzling fajitas. I've even passed the recipe on to my own children, who have taken to making it for their own families.

But what I love most about this recipe is the memories it holds for me. Whenever I make Chili's Beef Fajitas, I'm transported back to that summer day at Martha's house, surrounded by good friends and good food. It reminds me of the joy of discovering a new recipe and the satisfaction of mastering it through practice and perseverance.

So the next time you're feeling curious about a new recipe, I encourage you to give it a try. You never know what delicious surprises you might uncover in your own kitchen. And who knows, you might just create a new family favorite, just like I did with Chili's Beef Fajitas.