Cheesy Beef Fajita Bake – The Ultimate Tex-Mex Comfort Casserole
If your love language is cheesy, hearty dinners that feed a crowd and leave zero leftovers, this Cheesy Beef Fajita Bakeis calling your name. It’s everything you love about sizzling fajitas—savory beef, sweet peppers, and smoky seasoning—baked into one creamy, melty, chip-layered casserole.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting friends, or just wrangling weeknight hunger, this is a Tex-Mex dream come true.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s just something magical about taking fajita flavors and turning them into a hot, cheesy bake. This casserole delivers the sizzle without the mess of a skillet full of tortillas. Plus, it’s rich, indulgent, and totally customizable. It has the same comfort factor as my favorite Dorito Casserole but with that smoky, sizzling fajita edge.
And let’s be honest—anything topped with two kinds of cheese and baked to golden perfection is going to win hearts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or homemade)
- Tortilla chips or taco shells (enough to line your baking dish)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Swaps and Customizations
- Meat: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- Veggies: Add mushrooms, corn, or black beans for a bulked-up version.
- Cheese: Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, or go all-in on a three-cheese Mexican blend.
- Tortilla Base: Want it low-carb? Skip the chips and pour the mix into a greased dish directly for a crustless version.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. - Sauté the Veggies
Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and fragrant. - Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and fajita seasoning. Mix until everything is smooth and combined into a rich, creamy filling. - Assemble the Bake
In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of tortilla chips or crushed taco shells. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the top. - Top with Cheese
Sprinkle with shredded cheese—use a heavy hand for maximum meltiness. - Bake It Up
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Cool Slightly and Serve
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before digging in. Serve with toppings like salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts evenly.
- Don’t skip draining the beef. Too much fat will make the bake greasy.
- Layer generously for a perfect cheese-to-filling ratio.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped jalapeños before baking if you like heat.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this bake hot and bubbly with a side of:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Guacamole and salsa bar
- Crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette
- Walking Taco Bar for a fun Tex-Mex night with friends
- Totchos for double the comfort food vibes
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble ahead and freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Dorito Casserole – your favorite chips baked into a cheesy main dish
- Chicken Enchiladas – saucy, cheesy, and perfect for meal prep
- Walking Taco Bar – the easiest party dinner setup ever
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – for a bold, flavorful dinner twist
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Fajita Bake is what happens when sizzling skillet fajitas meet cozy casserole night—and it’s magic. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, yet simple enough to whip up even when you’re short on time. Whether you’re making it for the family or a casual get-together, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Tried it? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your version, and follow for more easy, flavor-packed recipes from the kitchen of Chef Maniac.
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