Slow-Cooker Fajitas

Slow-cooker fajitas may not bring the sizzle of a fajita platter, but they more than make up for it with convenience. These hands-off, slow-cooker steak fajitas let you set it and forget it, leaving more time for relaxing.

The tender beef, vibrant peppers and flavorful seasonings come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Plus, you can customize fajitas in a slow cooker to your liking by adding favorite toppings like shredded cheese and guacamole. So, gather your ingredients, warm up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a hassle-free meal!

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Fajitas

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• Peppers and onion: A colorful mix of green, yellow and red bell pepper strips along with sliced onion provide sweetness and a fresh flavor profile to the fajitas.
• Beef: A couple of pounds of top sirloin, cut into strips, is the base for this slow-cooker fajitas recipe, adding lots of savory flavor.
• Water, red wine vinegar and lime juice: A slow cooker needs some liquid to transfer heat and cook effectively. This liquid combination creates a tangy base for the seasonings to infuse the meat and vegetables while they cook.
• Spices: A robust combination of spices including ground cumin, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne pepper creates flavorful warmth. These aromatics complement the other ingredients.
• Flour tortillas: An essential accompaniment to fajitas, soft flour tortillas provide a pliable, roll-up base.
• Salsa: The salsa adds a fresh, tangy and spicy element that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Use a fresh chopped salsa like pico de gallo or a jarred store-bought salsa.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts to add a creamy and indulgent texture on top of the finished fajitas.
• Cilantro: The cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor that brightens up the fajitas. Not a fan? Feel free to skip it or substitute chopped green onion.

Directions

Step 1: Add the ingredients and slow-cook

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Place the peppers and onion in a 5-quart slow cooker. Scatter the beef strips on top in an even layer.

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Combine the water, vinegar, lime juice and seasonings; pour the mixture over the meat. Cover and cook on low until the beef is tender, 8-10 hours.

Step 2: Serve the slow-cooker fajitas

Using a slotted spoon, place about 3/4 cup meat mixture down the center of each tortilla. Add salsa, cheese and cilantro, or your favorite toppings, and roll up.

Test Kitchen Tip: We recommend using a slotted spoon for serving slow-cooker steak fajitas to prevent a soggy fajita. Tongs work too.

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Recipe Variations

• Make a chicken version: You can replace the top sirloin in this recipe with boneless skinless chicken thighs to create shredded slow-cooker chicken fajitas, or make these slow-cooker chicken fajitas with black beans and a tangy sauce.
• Trade out the tortillas: Swap in a bowl of rice or quinoa for the tortillas, then top with creamy queso. Or, tuck the fajita meat and veggies into cheesy quesadillas for a a party appetizer or quick dinner.
• Try it spicier: Add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the spice blend.
• Take a shortcut: Use a packet of fajita or taco seasoning instead of the spice blend to save time.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Fajitas

Store the meat and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store the toppings separately.

Can you make slow-cooker fajitas ahead of time?

Yes, you can set up the slow-cooker fajitas ahead of time and simply serve them directly out of the slow cooker once they’re ready. The long cooking time of this recipe makes it an ideal choice for when you need to have the meal prep wrapped up and put away before serving.

How do you reheat slow-cooker fajitas?

To reheat slow-cooker steak fajitas, simply warm the beef in the microwave or on the stove until heated through and then assemble the fajitas.

Slow-Cooker Fajita Tips

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What is the best type of beef to use for slow-cooker fajitas?

There are many cuts of beef behind the butcher’s counter. This fajitas in a slow cooker recipe calls for top sirloin, which we love for its juicy texture and beefy flavor. You can also use round steak or flank steak, cut against the grain, for this recipe.

Can you shred the meat when making this slow-cooker fajitas recipe?

If you cook the meat low and slow and add some additional time to this recipe, the meat will be easy to shred.

What’s the best way to warm flour tortillas for fajitas?

To warm flour tortillas for fajitas, place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the tortillas one at a time and cook for about 30 seconds per side, or until they become slightly softened and develop a bit of a crust.

Once warmed, wrap the tortillas in a damp towel or stash them in a tortilla warmer to keep them warm until ready to serve. This method helps create a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and pliable.

What are the best toppings for slow-cooker steak fajitas?

In addition to shredded cheese, salsa and cilantro, you can customize fajitas in a slow cooker with other favorite toppings. Set out sour cream, pickled jalapenos, guacamole, red onion or lime wedges for squeezing over the top, and each person can customize their fajitas however they like.