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Beef Fajitas with Guacamole

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By Veronica Mills • January 29th, 2026
Sizzling strips of marinated beef, sautéed peppers, and onions piled into warm tortillas topped with creamy guacamole in this Beef Fajitas with Guacamole recipe. Save to Pinterest
Sizzling strips of marinated beef, sautéed peppers, and onions piled into warm tortillas topped with creamy guacamole in this Beef Fajitas with Guacamole recipe. | cookedstories.com

This dish features marinated beef strips, sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, offering a flavorful Tex-Mex experience. The creamy homemade guacamole made from ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, tomato, and cilantro adds richness and zest. Served warm in soft tortillas, it creates a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors. Preparation includes marinating the beef, quick sautéing of vegetables, and combining all elements for an inviting meal ready in under 45 minutes.

Optional toppings like sour cream and additional cilantro enhance the dish, while using corn tortillas offers a gluten-free option. This vibrant and satisfying main dish is great for sharing and customizable for varying tastes.

The first time I made fajitas for a dinner party, my tiny apartment kitchen filled with so much sizzling smoke that my smoke detector went off. But when everyone took that first bite with my guacamole, nobody cared about the commotion. Those spicy beef strips with charred peppers became the most requested meal ever since.

Last summer, my neighbor caught the incredible aromas wafting from my window and knocked on my door with a bag of tortillas. We ended up eating on my back porch while the sun went down, passing platters back and forth and squeezing lime wedges over everything. Sometimes the best meals happen when you cook enough for unexpected company.

Ingredients

  • Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly slicing against the grain makes even budget cuts tender and perfect for quick cooking
  • Smoked paprika: This adds that authentic fajita flavor you taste in restaurants
  • Multiple bell peppers: Using red yellow and green creates beautiful color variation and slightly different sweetness levels
  • Ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy
  • Fresh lime juice: Do not substitute bottled juice as it lacks the bright acidity needed to cut through rich beef

Instructions

Marinate the beef:
Whisk together olive oil lime juice garlic cumin smoked paprika chili powder salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the sliced beef and toss until every piece is coated. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prep everything else.
Cook the vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the sliced peppers and onion in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before tossing to develop those gorgeous charred spots.
Sear the beef:
Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Add the marinated beef in batches so the pan stays hot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.
Make the guacamole:
Mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining. Stir in diced tomato chopped onion lime juice cilantro salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble and serve:
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable and slightly toasted. Pile beef and vegetables onto each tortilla and top with a generous spoonful of guacamole. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Golden brown beef strips and vibrant bell peppers sizzle in a hot skillet, ready to be served in tortillas for Beef Fajitas with Guacamole. Save to Pinterest
Golden brown beef strips and vibrant bell peppers sizzle in a hot skillet, ready to be served in tortillas for Beef Fajitas with Guacamole. | cookedstories.com

These fajitas have become my go to for feeding a crowd because everyone gets involved building their own perfect tortilla. I love watching guests customize their portions and debate whether sour cream belongs in true Tex Mex cooking. The meal becomes about more than just food.

Making It Your Own

I have started adding a pinch of cayenne to the marinade when I want extra heat that creeps up slowly. Sometimes I throw in sliced mushrooms with the peppers because they absorb all those spiced juices beautifully.

Perfect Sides

Mexican rice or refried beans turn this into a complete feast that feeds more people. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness to the plate.

Timing Everything Right

The trick is having your guacamole made and tortillas warmed before you start cooking the beef. Once that beef hits the hot pan everything moves fast so you want to be ready to assemble immediately.

  • Warm your serving platter in the oven so everything stays hot longer
  • Squeeze fresh lime over the beef right before serving to wake up all the spices
  • Have all your toppings in small bowls so people can help themselves
Close-up of a flour tortilla stuffed with savory Beef Fajitas with Guacamole, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for squeezing. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a flour tortilla stuffed with savory Beef Fajitas with Guacamole, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for squeezing. | cookedstories.com

The best fajitas sizzle their way to the table and disappear even faster. Enjoy every messy delicious bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavors, but up to 2 hours in the fridge enhances tenderness and taste.

Using red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with red onions creates a colorful and flavorful vegetable mix.

Fresh guacamole is best served immediately to prevent browning, but storing it in an airtight container with lime juice can help preserve color for a few hours.

Flour tortillas are classic, but corn tortillas provide a gluten-free option without compromising flavor.

A pinch of cayenne pepper can be included in the marinade or served with spicy salsa to increase the heat level.

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Sizzling strips of marinated beef, sautéed peppers, and onions piled into warm tortillas topped with creamy guacamole in this Beef Fajitas with Guacamole recipe.
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Beef Fajitas with Guacamole

Tender marinated beef with sautéed peppers and creamy avocado in warm tortillas.

Prep 25m
Cook 15m
Total 40m
Servings 4
Difficulty Medium

Ingredients

Beef & Marinade

  • 1.1 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Guacamole

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 small tomato, finely diced
  • 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

To Serve

  • 8 small flour tortillas (or corn for gluten-free)
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1
Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced beef and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
2
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and develop slight charring. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3
Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, arrange the marinated beef in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for 1 additional minute. Remove from heat.
4
Prepare Guacamole: Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork to desired consistency. Stir in the diced tomato, chopped red onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
5
Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted, or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 20 to 30 seconds.
6
Assemble and Serve: Fill each warm tortilla with the beef and vegetable mixture. Top with a generous spoonful of guacamole. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sour cream if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 510
Protein 32g
Carbs 38g
Fat 25g

Allergy Information

  • Contains gluten if using flour tortillas. Contains dairy if adding sour cream. May contain sulfites in commercial tortillas.
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Veronica Mills

Home cook sharing easy, wholesome recipes and helpful kitchen tips for every food lover.