Tex-Mex · main
Sheet-Pan Steak Fajita Nachos Bake
Sheet-Pan Steak Fajita Nachos Bake reads umami 5.6, citrus 4.8 and sourness 4.7 on Palate's 0–10 flavor X-ray — a Tex-Mex main, about 23 min. Measured from the recipe itself: ingredients and technique.
The flavor X-ray — six axes, 0–10
- Umami & Savory — 6.1 / 10
- Sweet & Fruity — 3.7 / 10
- Sour & Bright — 6.2 / 10
- Bitter & Earthy — 2.7 / 10
- Rich & Fat — 4.5 / 10
- Aromatic & Spice — 4.1 / 10
The measured notes (of 18)
Umami 5.6 · Citrus 4.8 · Sourness 4.7 · Richness 4.2 · Allium 3.6 · Salinity 3.3 · Sweetness 3.1 · Herbaceous 2.7 · Heat 2.5 · Smoke 2.2 · Earthy 2.0 · Funk & Ferment 2.0 · Fruity 1.8 · Warm Spice 1.5 · Bitterness 1.1 · Floral 1.0 · Nutty 0.9
What's in it (16)
- flank steak — 567 g
- vegetable oil — 41 g
- chili powder — 10 g
- cumin — 5 g
- smoked paprika — 5 g
- salt — 6 g
- red bell pepper — 100 g
- green bell pepper — 100 g
- yellow onion — 110 g
- black beans — 425 g
- tortilla chips — 255 g
- shredded reduced-fat mexican cheese blend — 227 g
- pickled jalapeño — 118 g
- sour cream — 118 g
- cilantro — 15 g
- lime — 65 g
Time & effort: about 23 min · effort: involved
Nutrition (per 100 g, engine-estimated): 234.3 kcal, 13.3 g protein, 10.5 g fat, 22.7 g carbs
Dietary: Contains meat · Contains dairy — engine-derived; double-check anything allergy-critical.
How it's cooked (7 steps)
- Heat the oven to 425F. In a large bowl, toss the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of the oil, the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt; set aside to season while you start the vegetables.
- On a rimmed sheet pan, toss the bell peppers and onion with 1 tablespoon of the oil and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; spread in an even layer and roast on the top rack until softened and charred at the edges, 12-14 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside; keep the oven on.
- While the vegetables roast, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the steak in a single layer, working in two batches if needed to avoid crowding, and sear undisturbed until deeply browned, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare (130F internal). Transfer to a plate to rest.
- Wipe out the sheet pan and scatter the tortilla chips in an even layer.
- Top the chips with the black beans, half the cheese, the roasted vegetables, the seared steak and any resting juices, the remaining cheese, and the pickled jalapenos.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, dollop with the sour cream, scatter the cilantro over the top, and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Dishes with a similar flavor shape
- Black Bean Soup with Lime Crema — Mexican
- Ground Chicken Shawarma Lettuce Wraps — Middle Eastern
- Grilled Harissa Lamb Skewers — North African
- White Bean and Brussels Sprout Hash with Fried Egg — American
- Beef and Lamb Gyro Loaf with Tzatziki — Greek
Keep reading: what umami, citrus, sourness mean in the flavor lexicon · the world's cuisines, by flavor.
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Every number above is Palate's engine-measured estimate, computed from this recipe's ingredients and techniques — not human-tasted ratings or reviews.