Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzle of marinated flank steak hitting a hot skillet is music to my ears, signaling the start of a flavorful adventure. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Steak Burrito Bowls, a perfect weeknight meal that’s as customizable as it is delicious. With tender steak resting atop a bed of zesty cilantro lime rice and drizzled with a creamy chipotle sauce, this dish simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a culinary canvas that lets everyone pick their favorite toppings. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or planning a cozy family night, these bowls have got you covered. Ready to dive into a meal that’s sure to impress? Let’s get cooking! Why Are These Burrito Bowls Amazing? Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with savory marinated steak, zesty lime rice, and a creamy chipotle sauce, catering to every craving. Customizable Goodness: Feel free to adjust toppings according to preference—add veggies or substitute proteins like chicken from my Chicken Gyro Bowls for a unique twist! Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together seamlessly, taking just 30 minutes from prep to plate. Budget-Friendly: Not only do these burrito bowls taste fantastic, but they’re also easy on the wallet, making them perfect for family dinners. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering, these bowls are sure to impress guests of all ages! Try pairing with some chips for a complete fiesta. Steak Burrito Bowl Ingredients For the Steak Marinade • Flank Steak – A tender cut of beef that brings rich flavor; substitute with chicken or pork if desired. • Garlic Powder – Adds a savory depth; fresh minced garlic can enhance flavor even more. • Cumin Powder – Elevates the dish with a warm, earthy aroma. • Chili Powder – Provides a mild heat that can be adjusted based on personal preference. • Smoked Paprika – Contributes a subtle smokiness to the steak, enriching the flavor profile. • Chipotle Powder – Adds heat and complexity; cayenne pepper is a great spicy alternative. • Salt – Enhances all the flavors; adjust according to taste. • Olive Oil – Essential for marinating and sautéing the ingredients effectively. • Lime Juice – Tenderizes the steak while imparting a vibrant, zesty flavor. For the Chipotle Cream • Greek Yogurt – Creamy base for the sauce, lower in fat than sour cream; can be swapped for sour cream if preferred. • Adobo Juice – Brings heat and depth to the sauce for a balanced flavor. • Cumin, Garlic, Lime Juice – These ingredients harmonize beautifully, enhancing the cream’s taste. For the Cilantro Lime Rice • White Short Grain Rice – Acts as the bowl’s hearty foundation; brown rice can be a healthier option. • Cilantro Leaves – Adds a refreshing brightness; parsley works as a great alternative. • Butter – Offers richness to the rice; can be omitted for a dairy-free option. For the Toppings • Siete Charro Beans – Packed with protein and fiber; feel free to use any canned beans available. • Shredded Mexican Cheese – Adds creaminess; can be omitted for a dairy-free version. • Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Shredded Lettuce – Classic toppings that provide freshness and delightful crunch. Dive into the world of Steak Burrito Bowls and explore the endless possibilities with every ingredient! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Steak Burrito Bowls Step 1: Marinate the Steak In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, olive oil, and lime juice to create a flavorful marinade. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of the flank steak, ensuring it’s well-coated. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or if you’re short on time, cook immediately for a quick yet tasty option. Step 2: Cook the Steak Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the marinated steak in the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness, ensuring a beautifully seared exterior. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Step 3: Prepare Chipotle Cream In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, adobo juice, cumin, minced garlic, and lime juice to form the creamy chipotle sauce. Stir until smooth and all ingredients are well blended. This sauce adds a delicious kick to your Steak Burrito Bowls, so set it aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the dish. Step 4: Make Cilantro Lime Rice In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Next, add the short grain rice and stir it in the pan for about 1 minute. Pour in the appropriate amount of water, bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before mixing in lime juice, butter, salt, and chopped cilantro. Step 5: Assemble the Bowls Start layering your Steak Burrito Bowls by adding a generous scoop of the cilantro lime rice to each bowl as the base. Follow with a hearty portion of the chopped steak, and then layer on Siete charro beans. Top everything with shredded lettuce and drizzle the chipotle cream generously over the top. Feel free to add additional toppings such as shredded Mexican cheese, pico de gallo, or fresh cilantro as desired. What to Serve with Steak Burrito Bowls? Complete your vibrant dinner with these delicious and complementary sides that will elevate your Steak Burrito Bowls experience! Crispy Tortilla Chips: These add a satisfying crunch, perfect for dipping into the creamy chipotle sauce and balancing the flavors in your bowl. Mexican Street Corn: The sweet, smoky flavors of this dish pair exceptionally well with the savory steak, offering a delightful contrast. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your bowls. Spicy Black Bean Salad: A zesty side that adds fiber and texture, each spoonful will accentuate the flavors of the burrito bowls wonderfully. Tangy Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy, lightly dressed slaw adds an extra layer of freshness, perfectly complementing the hearty steak and rice. Margaritas: For a refreshing drink option, these classic cocktails pair beautifully with the bold flavors of your steak dish, making it feel like a fiesta! Whether you choose one or more of these complementary sides, your dinner table will be a fiesta of flavors! How to Store and Freeze Steak Burrito Bowls Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the chipotle cream separate to maintain its creaminess. Freezer: If you want to store for longer, freeze assembled burrito bowls (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: For best results, reheat the steak burrito bowls in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The stovetop helps maintain the texture of the rice and steak. Separate Storage: Consider storing each component (rice, steak, beans) separately in the fridge or freezer. This way, you can easily customize meal portions for future dinners! Expert Tips for Steak Burrito Bowls Marinate Longer: For deep flavors, marinate the flank steak overnight. If short on time, even 30 minutes can enhance taste. Searing Success: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak; this will help achieve a beautiful, caramelized crust. Rice Ratios: Always check the packaging for rice cooking instructions; water ratios may vary depending on rice type, affecting texture. Keep It Fresh: Assemble your bowls just before serving to maintain the crunch of the toppings and the warmth of the steak and rice. Flavor Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels in your chipotle cream and marinade based on your family’s heat tolerance. Make these steak burrito bowls your own! Make Ahead Options These Steak Burrito Bowls are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor delicious home-cooked flavors without the last-minute rush! You can marinate the flank steak up to 24 hours in advance, which not only enhances the flavor but also saves time on busy weeknights. Additionally, the cilantro lime rice can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality, keep the chipotle cream separate and only assemble the bowls right before serving to avoid sogginess. When ready to eat, simply reheat the rice and steak in a skillet, assemble your bowls, and drizzle with chipotle cream for a quick, satisfying meal! Steak Burrito Bowls Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these tempting tweaks that add variety and make this dish your own! Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with silken tofu blended until smooth for a creamy texture that fits your dietary needs. Lower-Carb: Replace white rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, veggie-packed alternative that keeps the flavor. Vegan Option: Use marinated jackfruit or tempeh in place of steak for a satisfying plant-based twist that absorbs all the delicious spices. Extra Veggies: Add roasted corn, black olives, or chopped bell peppers to the bowls for additional color and nutrients that burst with flavor. Heat Level Adjustment: For milder heat, use poblano peppers instead of chipotle powder; for extra spice, toss in jalapeños or spicy salsa enhancer. Cilantro Alternative: Swap out cilantro for fresh mint or basil for a unique herbal twist, giving the dish a fresh but different taste. Smoky Flavor Boost: Mix in some smoked chipotle salsa with your toppings to intensify that smokiness in every bite. Flavor-Packed Rice: Infuse the rice with coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory toppings. Each twist invites new delicious journeys, so enjoy experimenting while savoring your homemade burrito bowls! If you’re interested in more flavorful dishes, don’t miss out on my flavorful Steak Avocado Corn Bowls. Steak Burrito Bowls Recipe FAQs How do I know if my flank steak is ripe and ready for marinating? Absolutely! Look for a flank steak that is bright red with a marbled appearance. Avoid any cuts with dark spots or a greyish hue, as they can indicate age or spoilage. What’s the best way to store leftover Steak Burrito Bowls? Store your leftover Steak Burrito Bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal flavor and texture, keep the chipotle cream separate until you’re ready to enjoy your meal again. Can I freeze the Steak Burrito Bowls for later? Yes, you can freeze the assembled burrito bowls without the toppings for up to 2 months. Wrap each bowl tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. What should I do if my rice comes out too sticky? No worries! If your rice is sticky, it’s likely due to using the wrong type of rice or too much water. To fix this, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and if it’s still too clumpy, you can rinse it briefly under cold water to remove excess starch. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind when making these burrito bowls? Very! If you’re cooking for those with allergies, opt for gluten-free tortillas and check that your chipotle powder is gluten-free. For dairy-free options, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or omit it entirely. Always serve optional toppings on the side so everyone can customize their bowls! How can I enhance the flavor if I have leftover ingredients? Great question! Use leftover components in different ways. For instance, cilantro lime rice can be made into a cold salad with diced veggies and beans for lunch, or grill the marinated steak with a side of veggies to create a quick stir-fry. The more the merrier! Be creative and enjoy your food journey! Savory Steak Burrito Bowls for a Flavor-Packed Family Dinner Enjoy delicious Steak Burrito Bowls, loaded with savory marinated steak, zesty rice, and creamy chipotle sauce, perfect for a family dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsMarination Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Steak Marinade1 pound Flank Steak Substitute with chicken or pork if desired.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can enhance flavor.1 teaspoon Cumin Powder1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust based on personal preference.1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika1 teaspoon Chipotle Powder Cayenne pepper is a spicy alternative.1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste.2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for marinating and sautéing.2 tablespoons Lime Juice Tenderizes the steak and adds flavor.For the Chipotle Cream1 cup Greek Yogurt Can be swapped for sour cream.2 tablespoons Adobo Juice1 teaspoon Cumin1 clove Minced Garlic1 tablespoon Lime JuiceFor the Cilantro Lime Rice1 cup White Short Grain Rice Brown rice can be a healthier option.1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves Use parsley as an alternative.2 tablespoons Butter Can be omitted for dairy-free option.For the Toppings1 can Siete Charro Beans Any canned beans can be used.1 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese Can be omitted for dairy-free version.1 cup Sour Cream1 cup Pico de Gallo2 cups Shredded Lettuce Equipment SkilletsaucepanMixing bowl Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsIn a small bowl, mix garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, olive oil, and lime juice. Rub this over both sides of the flank steak and marinate for at least 2 hours or cook immediately.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, place the marinated steak in the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before chopping.In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, adobo juice, cumin, minced garlic, and lime juice to form the chipotle cream. Stir until smooth.Sauté minced garlic in olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Add short grain rice and stir for 1 minute. Pour water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then mix in lime juice, butter, salt, and cilantro.Assemble the bowls starting with the cilantro lime rice, then add chopped steak, charro beans, shredded lettuce, and drizzle the chipotle cream on top. Add additional toppings as desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg NotesFor best flavor, marinate the steak overnight. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding steak for a caramelized crust. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
