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Slow Cooker Fajitas

This slow cooker fajita recipe simplifies meal prep, combining tender beef or chicken strips with vibrant bell peppers, onion, and a robust blend of Mexican spices and Rotel. Cooked low and slow, it delivers a flavorful and convenient dish perfect for serving with tortillas and your favorite toppings, ideal for feeding a crowd.
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Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 people
Calories 2166.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker A 6-quart slow cooker or larger is ideal for this recipe.
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For whisking the liquid and spice mixture.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 whole Bell Peppers Sliced, Each A Different Color
  • 1 whole Onion Sliced
  • 2 pounds Boneless Beef Sirloin Steaks Or Chicken Breast Cut Into Strips
  • 1 can 10 Oz. Size Rotel
  • 2 drops Liquid Smoke optional
  • 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoons Salt
  • ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoons Black Pepper
  • ½ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Slice all bell peppers and the onion into thin strips. Cut boneless beef sirloin or chicken breast into similar-sized strips.
  • Place the sliced bell peppers and onions at the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Lay the meat strips evenly over the vegetables.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together Rotel, liquid smoke (if using), red wine vinegar, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  • Pour the seasoned liquid mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is very tender and the vegetables are soft.
  • Once cooked, use two forks to gently shred the beef (if using) or stir the chicken, mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lime juice to brighten the flavors.
  • Serve the slow cooker fajitas hot, accompanied by warm tortillas and your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

For optimal tenderness, ensure beef sirloin is sliced thinly against the grain. While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, consider a quick sear on the meat strips in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker; this develops a rich Maillard reaction and deeper flavor. To maintain some texture in your bell peppers, you can add them during the last hour of cooking instead of at the beginning. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro just before serving will brighten the entire dish.