Name: Fajita Steak Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489843H24M17S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 14–16 ounces boneless top sirloin steak; Pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper (for seasoning steak); 1–2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 1 small onion, chopped (about ¾ cup); 1 teaspoon minced garlic (3 small cloves); 1 bell pepper, chopped; 4 cups gluten free chicken or beef broth; 2 – 10 ounce cans diced tomatoes with green chili or regular canned diced tomatoes without spices for a less spicy option; ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice; 1–1 ½ teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika or cayenne; Sliced avocado; Fresh cilantro (torn); Sliced jalapeno

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

There is something so satisfying about a warm, hearty bowl of soup that feels like a big, flavorful hug for your soul. The Fajita Steak Soup Recipe combines the smoky, sizzling flavors of classic fajitas with the comforting, easy-to-enjoy format of a soup. Featuring tender strips of sirloin steak, colorful bell peppers, aromatic spices, and wholesome rice, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll adore how the spices dance on your tongue and how the brothy goodness warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a white marbled surface with several bowls and ingredients arranged neatly. In the top left, a white bowl filled with chopped green bell peppers, showing fresh green color and chunky texture. In the center top, there is a whole yellow onion with smooth skin. To the right of the onion, a small metallic measuring cup contains white rice with a slightly glossy texture. Below the onion, a white bowl holds diced tomatoes in red with bits of green, soaked in a light juice. At the bottom right corner, a piece of raw beef with red and white marbling is placed on white parchment paper. To the bottom left, part of a clear container holds golden yellow liquid, likely broth. Near the onion, there is a peeled garlic clove and a small red bowl with brown spice. The setting is bright with soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that each play a special role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, or brightening the bowl with fresh color. Every item is easy to find and comes together quickly to make your fajita steak soup irresistibly tasty.

Boneless top sirloin steak: The star protein with great flavor and tenderness for quick cooking.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasonings that make the steak and soup pop with flavor.
Olive oil or avocado oil: For searing the steak and sautéing vegetables, adding richness.
Small onion, chopped (about ¾ cup): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Brings aromatic warmth and enhances the savory base.
Bell pepper, chopped: Adds crunch, color, and a subtle sweetness.
Gluten free chicken or beef broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid that forms the hearty soup base.
Canned diced tomatoes with green chili or regular diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a spicy or mild kick depending on your choice.
Uncooked long grain white rice (¾ cup): For body and comforting texture.
Chili powder (1 to 1½ teaspoons): Contributes that signature fajita warmth and complexity.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy notes that deepen the overall flavor profile.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all ingredients evenly.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and bite.
Paprika or cayenne (¼ teaspoon): For a touch of smoky or spicy finish.
Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Make Fajita Steak Soup Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Start by trimming any excess fat from your top sirloin steak, but keep a little edge fat so you get a good sear without drying out the meat. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper all over, making sure the steak is nicely seasoned. Heat your oil in the Instant Pot on the SAUTE setting, then carefully add the steak. Searing each side for 3 to 4 minutes (or slightly longer for thicker cuts) locks in the juices and creates a beautiful browned crust that’s packed with flavor.

Step 2: Rest and Slice

Remove the steak from the pot and let it rest for about 2 minutes. This resting period gives the meat time to reabsorb its juices, keeping each bite wonderfully tender. Then, thinly slice the steak into strips. These slices will soak up all the delectable fajita soup flavors in the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

If your pot looks dry, add a teaspoon or two more oil before tossing in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and slightly translucent—this smells amazing already. Next, add your chopped bell pepper and give everything a quick sauté for about a minute while scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. Those bits are flavor gold!

Step 4: Combine Soup Ingredients

Return the sliced steak to the Instant Pot along with the broth, diced tomatoes (choose spicy or mild depending on your heat preference), uncooked rice, chilli powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and paprika or cayenne. Stir everything until it’s well combined and your kitchen is filled with the inviting scent of fajita seasonings melding beautifully.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Soup

Seal the Instant Pot lid and close the steam vent. Switch to MANUAL mode and set the pressure to HIGH for 10 minutes. It typically takes about 15 minutes for the cooker to build up pressure before the timer begins. Once cooking finishes, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam. The rice will be tender, and the steak will have absorbed all that luscious soup goodness.

Step 6: Final Stir and Adjust

Give the soup a good stir to mix everything evenly. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or broth to your liking—sometimes a bit more broth helps make it the perfect consistency for your spoon. Now, your fajita steak soup is ready to serve and impress!

How to Serve Fajita Steak Soup Recipe

A close-up of a black bowl filled with thick soup showing layers of cooked white rice mixed with small chunks of brown meat, diced bright red tomatoes, green pieces of herbs and vegetables like celery and peppers. The soup broth is golden and slightly thick, covering the ingredients but still allowing them to be seen clearly. A copper ladle rests inside the bowl on the right side, partly submerged in the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toppings are what take this fajita steak soup recipe from comforting to fantastic. Bright slices of creamy avocado offer a cooling contrast to the spices, while fresh cilantro adds a crisp green vibrancy. For those who love a kick, thin slices of jalapeño bring fresh heat that wakes up every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a piece of warm gluten free cornbread for extra comfort. If you want to keep things light, some lime wedges on the side add a zesty tang that complements the fajita flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party or meal prep presentation, serve this soup in small mason jars or mini bowls. Layer the garnishes separately so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it. You can even turn it into a fajita steak soup bar with toppings and sides laid out for friends or family to build their perfect meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This fajita steak soup recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Keep it in airtight containers to preserve freshness and flavors. It’s a great option for busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal ready in a snap.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious soup around longer, it freezes really well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers before freezing. When you’re ready for it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of your pan. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems thick. Garnish fresh each time for that bright finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless top sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, flank steak or skirt steak are excellent alternatives if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times slightly as these cuts can be a bit leaner or tougher.

Is this soup spicy? Can I make it milder?

The heat level depends on your choice of tomatoes and spices. Using regular diced tomatoes without green chili will make it milder, and you can reduce or omit the cayenne or jalapeños. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to suit your tastebuds.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the steak in a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer gently for about 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

Is the recipe gluten free? What should I watch out for?

This fajita steak soup recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you use gluten free broth and canned tomatoes without additives that contain gluten. Always double-check labels to be safe!

Can I swap the rice for something else?

Definitely. You can swap the white rice for quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly to make sure the grain cooks perfectly.

Final Thoughts

One of the best things about this Fajita Steak Soup Recipe is how effortlessly it marries bold fajita flavors with the comforting, warming qualities of a soup. It’s a cozy crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy lives or anytime you crave something hearty and delicious. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!