Let me introduce you to a delicious experience unlike any other. Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole is a bubbling pan of tender fajita chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and just the right amount of velvety queso cheese. Its the kind of dish that makes you forget about the day’s chaos and reminds the whole family of the flavor symphony dancing on your taste buds. Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole is not just a meal, it is an experience.
I personally found this recipe one evening last week during a hectic weeknight after a long workday that required a hearty meal but didn’t have the time to prepare something more complicated. I was craving something that I could eat together as a family around the dinner table and something that felt like a cozy house hug on a Tuesday night. I couldn’t resist wanting to try to combine queso and fajitas into a casserole. It changed my life.
What sets this recipe apart is how easy it is. You don’t have to be a chef to make this dish. It’s also a one-pan recipe that is easy and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even an easy dinner on the weekend. The taste is great, bold, and satisfying with the fajita seasoning smoky flavor being complemented by the creamy cheesy queso.
What also makes it fantastic is how versatile it is. Whether it is just for your little family or a crowd. I think this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. You can customize it and make it your own and cater to your family’s desires and dietary requirements. You’ll also be able to sneak in some veggies to the kids (or picky eaters in your life).
So, if you’re ready to take your dinner game up a notch with another easy recipe, let’s jump into this Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole! You will have to trust me when I say that once you make this, it will become a recipe staple in your house too.
Why You Need to Make This Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole
A flavor packed crowd pleaser, this Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole is a perfect dish to serve at any gathering or celebration. Here’s why you should make it:
- It’s easy! It comes together in a few easy steps so it is great for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful! The combination of smoky fajita seasoning, luscious queso, and tender chicken is just scrumptious!
- Adaptable! You can switch out (or add) ingredients to make it your own. It is a simply adaptable dish!
- Kid-friendly! The cheesy goodness of this casserole will appeal to kids and adults alike, and this is a sure fire hit!
Helpful Hints For Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole
- Prepping Ahead : Slice your chicken and vegetables the night before and put them in the fridge. This way, it saves you time on busy weeknights.
- Get Creative : Spice it up by adding a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like it spicy!
- Cheese : Feel free to use any cheese you like. It’s really good with pepper jack and Colby too!
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian : Replace the chicken with either black beans or tofu!
- Low-Carb : Omit the rice and ca also reduce carbs by serving with a salad or cauliflower rice.
- Protein Swaps : Use shrimp, beef, or opt for pork if you do not want to use chicken.
Make Healthier
If you want to make a healthier version, you can use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt-based queso, and use a lean chicken breast. You could also add in more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to really increase how healthy this is!
Closing For Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole
And that is how easy it is to make a dish that is yummy! Be sure to let us know how your Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole turned out and if you are looking for fresh inspiration, peruse some of our other recipes!
Good luck on your Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole culinary journey!
Easy Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole
Description
Indulge in layers of flavor with our Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole. Tender fajita chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions are baked with tortilla strips and topped with a creamy queso sauce for a cheesy, satisfying Tex-Mex dish that's sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Let’s get cooking! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the veggies soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Transfer the chicken and veggie mixture to a baking dish. Pour the queso dip over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the queso layer.
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Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, optionally over a bed of rice.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2558.86kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 150.47g232%
- Saturated Fat 79.54g398%
- Cholesterol 681.31mg228%
- Sodium 5840.52mg244%
- Potassium 3473mg100%
- Total Carbohydrate 113.15g38%
- Dietary Fiber 20.3g82%
- Sugars 30.6g
- Protein 189.03g379%
- Vitamin A 8350.71 IU
- Vitamin C 263.23 mg
- Calcium 3047.53 mg
- Iron 15.54 mg
- Vitamin D 1.81 mcg
- Vitamin E 11.82 mg
- Vitamin K 214.03 mcg
- Thiamin 0.61 mg
- Riboflavin 2.29 mg
- Niacin 51.34 mg
- Vitamin B6 4.76 mg
- Folate 224.61 mcg
- Vitamin B12 3.04 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 8.69 mg
- Phosphorus 4077.08 mg
- Magnesium 314.93 mg
- Zinc 16.26 mg
- Selenium 207.36 mcg
- Copper 0.63 mg
- Manganese 2.73 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
