Easy Beef Fajita Meal Prep with Sweet Potatoes or Rice

Ingredients

• 1 kg Beef strips (About 200g per meal; cut into small cubes)
• 10 Mini bell peppers (Or use 2 large bell peppers; any color)
• 1 large White onion (Red or purple onion also works)
• 1 kg Sweet potatoes (About 200g per meal; cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (For spraying or drizzling)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (For sweet potatoes)
• 1 tsp Paprika (For sweet potatoes)
• 2 tbsp Fajita seasoning (Texas brand recommended; divided use)
• 1 tsp Salt (To taste)
• 2 cloves Fresh garlic (Crushed, for sautéing with veggies)
• 1/2 bunch Cilantro (Optional, for garnish)
• 2 cups Cooked white rice (Optional, for 2 servings instead of sweet potato)

Instructions

1. Sharpen Knife and Prep Work Area

   Sharpen your chef's knife for safety. Set up your cutting board and have bowls ready for prepping ingredients.

   Time: PT3M

2. Cube the Beef

   Cut 1 kg of beef strips into small, even cubes. This helps the meat cook faster and stay juicy.

   Time: PT7M

3. Clean Cutting Board

   Wash your cutting board and knife thoroughly with hot, soapy water after cutting raw beef to avoid cross-contamination.

   Time: PT2M

4. Prep Bell Peppers

   Remove seeds from mini bell peppers (or 2 large bell peppers) by smacking or tapping them, then slice into thin, even strips.

   Time: PT5M

5. Prep Onion

   Cut both ends off a large white onion, peel, halve, and slice into strips about the same thickness as the peppers.

   Time: PT4M

6. Mix Peppers and Onion

   Combine sliced peppers and onions in a bowl and mix well.

   Time: PT1M

7. Prep Sweet Potatoes

   Wash 1 kg sweet potatoes, peel if desired, and cut into 1-inch cubes.

   Time: PT6M

8. Season and Cook Sweet Potatoes (Air Fryer or Oven)

   Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and a pinch of salt. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes, shaking halfway. Alternatively, bake in oven at 400°F (205°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring once.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 205°C

9. Alternative: Steam or Boil Sweet Potatoes

   If you don't have an air fryer or oven, steam sweet potatoes in a rice cooker or boil in a pot until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).

   Time: PT20M

10. Brown the Beef

    Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a spray or drizzle of oil. Add beef cubes and brown for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT6M

11. Season the Beef

    Once browned, sprinkle 1 tbsp fajita seasoning over beef and toss to coat. Remove beef from pan and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

12. Sauté Peppers, Onion, and Garlic

    In the same pan, add peppers, onions, and 2 crushed garlic cloves. Add another 1 tbsp fajita seasoning and a pinch of salt. Sauté over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until veggies are softened but still have some crunch.

    Time: PT8M

13. Combine Beef and Veggies

    Return beef to pan with veggies. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.

    Time: PT2M

14. Portion and Garnish

    Divide sweet potatoes (or rice) and beef fajita mixture among 5 meal prep containers. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

    Time: PT5M

15. Cleanup

    Wash all used utensils, cutting boards, bowls, pans, and wipe down surfaces. Sanitize areas that touched raw meat.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

420

Protein

32g

Carbohydrates

38g

Fat

15g

Fiber

6g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Beef strips: Chicken breast, Pork strips, Firm tofu
• Instead of Mini bell peppers: Regular bell peppers
• Instead of White onion: Yellow onion, Shallots
• Instead of Sweet potatoes: White potatoes, Butternut squash, White rice
• Instead of Olive oil: Avocado oil, Canola oil
• Instead of Garlic powder: Fresh garlic (minced)
• Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika, Chili powder
• Instead of Fajita seasoning: Taco seasoning, Homemade blend: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt
• Instead of Fresh garlic: Garlic powder
• Instead of Cilantro: Parsley, Green onions, Omit
• Instead of Cooked white rice: Brown rice, Quinoa

Equipment Needed

• Sharp chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Air fryer (optional)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Meal prep containers
• Measuring spoons (optional)
• Colander or strainer (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Cutting and handling raw beef safely
• Cleaning cutting board and knife after raw meat
• Browning beef before seasoning
• Properly seasoning and not overcooking beef

Chef Tips from the Video

• Let beef come to room temp before cooking for best browning.
• Use a sprayer for oil to keep calories lower.
• Try different veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime before serving.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

• This recipe is designed for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
• You can cook sweet potatoes and beef/veggies ahead and assemble later.