Mexican Alambre with Melted Cheese | CookOS

Mexican Alambre

Name: Mexican Alambre with Melted Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 oz beef bacon, chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 jalapeño, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 lb sirloin steak, cubed; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cumin; salt, to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 roma tomatoes, diced; 2 cups Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, shredded; Flour tortillas, for serving; Salsa verde, for serving

Mexican Alambre is a savory one-pan skillet combining cubed sirloin steak, bacon, peppers, onions, and jalapeños, finished with a generous layer of melted cheese. It's designed for scooping with warm tortillas and delivers bold, layered flavors in a single dish.

🌍Mexican 🏷️Alambre 🏷️Steak 🏷️Bacon 🏷️Cheesy One-pan

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Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

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Ingredients

6 oz beef bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
salt, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 roma tomatoes, diced
2 cups Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, shredded
Flour tortillas, for servingoptional
Salsa verde, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Place the chopped bacon in a large, cold skillet.
2
Turn the heat to medium and cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is starting to crisp.
3
Push the bacon to the sides of the skillet and add the diced onion, jalapeño, and red bell pepper to the center.
4
Sauté the vegetables in the rendered bacon fat until they have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Clear a space in the center of the pan and add the cubed steak.
6
Cook the steak for a couple of minutes, then mix everything in the pan together.
7
Add the paprika, chili powder, oregano, coriander, and cumin. Season with salt and stir to combine.
8
Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes, and stir everything together.
9
Cover the skillet and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
11
Cover the skillet again and cook until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
12
Serve immediately, scooping the alambre with warm tortillas. Garnish with salsa verde if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut steak into uniform cubes so they cook evenly and stay tender; avoid pieces larger than 1 inch.
Cook bacon until crispy before adding steak and vegetables so it retains texture and doesn't become chewy.
Let the cheese melt slowly over medium-low heat after adding it to the skillet to prevent burning the bottom layer.
Taste and adjust spice levels (paprika, chili powder, cumin) before adding cheese, as seasoning is harder to balance after.

Substitutions

Beef bacon → pancetta or chorizo (adds different smoke and spice profile)
Sirloin steak → flank steak or ribeye (ribeye will be richer; flank works if cut thin and cooked quickly)
Red bell pepper → poblano or green bell pepper (poblano adds mild heat and earthy notes)
Dried oregano → fresh oregano (use 1 tbsp fresh instead of 1 tsp dried for brighter flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Common Questions

Can I make Mexican Alambre ahead of time?

Cook the meat and vegetables up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate separately. Top with cheese and heat through in a skillet or oven just before serving for the best melted cheese texture.

What cut of steak works best for alambre?

Sirloin is traditional and tender when cubed and cooked quickly. You can also use ribeye, New York strip, or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes. Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or quesadilla cheese are authentic choices. Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella also melt well and deliver good flavor.