Description
Get ready for a bold, cheesy, and utterly comforting dinner idea with this Queso Smothered Fajita Casserole! This easy recipe transforms sizzling fajita flavors into a bubbly baked dish loaded with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy queso. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a fun potluck, this cheesy casserole is a must-try when you’re craving Tex-Mex comfort food. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, food ideas for the family, or high-protein meal options, this one-pan meal checks all the boxes!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
1 1/2 cups queso dip
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté bell peppers and onion until soft and slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed chicken, vegetables, cooked rice, tomatoes, and corn. Mix well.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread mixture evenly into the dish. Top with queso dip, spreading it out, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
6. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with jalapeños and cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Swap chicken with black beans or ground beef for variation.
Use homemade queso for richer flavor.
Add crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: queso casserole, fajita casserole, cheesy dinner, tex-mex, easy dinner, one pan meal