Name: Keto Beef Fajitas with Lettuce Leaves
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Lettuce leaves, for serving; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa

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Keto Beef Fajitas with Lettuce Leaves offer a flavorful and low-carb twist on the traditional fajita. This recipe swaps out tortillas for crisp lettuce leaves, providing a fresh and crunchy base for a delicious beef and vegetable mixture. The savory flank steak, combined with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices, delivers all the bold flavors you crave from fajitas without the carbs. Whether you are following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthy, light alternative to classic fajitas, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

This dish is quick and easy to make, requiring just 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prepping ahead of time. The keto-friendly version of this recipe doesn’t compromise on flavor, as the tender beef and sautéed vegetables are packed with savory, smoky spices that make every bite delicious. Additionally, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa, making it even more enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why you’ll love this keto beef fajita recipe. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is limited. The combination of perfectly seared beef and tender, sautéed vegetables in a savory spice mix brings incredible flavor without the need for tortillas. The use of lettuce leaves instead of tortillas makes this dish both low-carb and fresh, while still being satisfying and filling. Plus, it’s highly customizable with your choice of toppings like cheese, sour cream, or salsa, which means you can adjust the flavors to your preferences.

Additionally, the recipe is versatile enough to suit various dietary needs and is a great option for keto eaters, those watching their carb intake, or anyone looking for a healthy, delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Vegetables:

Flank steak
Red bell pepper
Green bell pepper
Onion
Garlic
Olive oil
Chili powder
Cumin
Salt and pepper

For Serving:

Lettuce leaves
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa

Variations

This keto beef fajita recipe can be customized in many ways to fit your taste preferences:

Protein Options: Swap the flank steak for chicken, shrimp, or ground beef for a different protein option.
Vegetable Additions: Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or avocado to the mix for additional flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeño slices.
Dairy-Free: Skip the optional shredded cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version of the recipe.
Paleo Version: To make it paleo-friendly, skip the cheese and sour cream toppings, as they are dairy-based.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they become tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the vegetables and stir to combine. Let the spices cook with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Vegetables

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook together for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring that the beef is well-coated in the spices and the vegetables are evenly mixed.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into large lettuce leaves. You can use iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce, or Romaine for a crisp, sturdy wrap.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Top your fajitas with your choice of optional toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa, for extra flavor and creaminess.

Step 7: Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy your Keto Beef Fajitas with Lettuce Leaves! They are perfect for a low-carb, satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thinly Slice the Beef: Thinly slicing the beef helps it cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that it becomes tender and flavorful.
Use Fresh Lettuce: Choose large, sturdy lettuce leaves that can hold the beef and vegetables without tearing. Romaine or iceberg lettuce works best for this recipe.
Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin according to your spice preferences. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder, and for a spicier kick, add more.
Meal Prep: The beef and vegetable mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when ready to serve.
Rest the Beef: Let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing it to retain its juices and keep it tender.

How to Serve

These keto beef fajitas are best served fresh with lettuce leaves as the base. You can also serve them with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a side of cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

If you are serving guests, arrange the lettuce leaves and toppings on a platter, allowing everyone to assemble their fajitas to their liking. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious meal together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover beef and vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked beef mixture can be reheated on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezing

While the beef and vegetable mixture can be frozen for later use, it’s best to store the lettuce leaves separately. To freeze, place the beef and vegetable mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat the beef and vegetables, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the mixture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, shrimp, or even ground beef as alternatives to flank steak.

2. Can I make this recipe without the lettuce leaves?

Yes, you can serve the fajita mixture with keto-friendly tortillas or simply enjoy it on its own with a side of cauliflower rice or vegetables.

3. How can I add more flavor to the beef?

Marinate the beef for 30 minutes to an hour in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before cooking for extra flavor.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?

While fresh vegetables work best for this recipe, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the skillet.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

6. What are some good toppings for this recipe?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or avocado for more variety.

8. Is this recipe dairy-free?

The recipe is dairy-free, but you can add dairy-based toppings such as cheese and sour cream if you prefer.

9. Can I use a different spice blend?

Yes, feel free to use taco seasoning or fajita seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin for a different flavor.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to make the fajitas spicier.

Conclusion

Keto Beef Fajitas with Lettuce Leaves offer a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional fajitas. The tender, flavorful beef, paired with sautéed vegetables and wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, makes for a light yet satisfying meal. With the option to add your favorite toppings, this recipe is easy to customize and perfect for those following a keto diet or anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful dinner. Whether for a weeknight meal or meal prep, these fajitas are sure to become a go-to favorite!