Ultimate Guide to Steak Burrito Bowls: Flavor-Packed & Easy to Make
If you love Mexican-inspired meals but want a fresh, homemade alternative to takeout, this recipe is exactly what you need. You’ll learn how to:
- Select the best cut of steak for burrito bowls.
- Prepare a flavorful homemade seasoning blend.
- Cook and assemble the dish step by step for maximum taste and texture.
Ready to create the ultimate Steak Burrito Bowl at home? Let’s dive in!

Essential Ingredients for the Steak Burrito Bowls
A perfect burrito bowl starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below is a detailed list with substitutions and helpful notes to make it your own.

Ingredient | Notes & Substitutions |
---|---|
Steak | Sirloin is a great choice, but flank or ribeye also work well. |
Rice | Use white or brown rice, or swap with quinoa or cauliflower rice. |
Lettuce | Iceberg for crunch, or romaine, arugula, or spinach for a greener option. |
Red Onions | Adds a bold, fresh bite—soaking in water can reduce sharpness. |
Pico de Gallo | Store-bought or homemade for maximum freshness. |
Corn | Sweet corn kernels add texture and natural sweetness. |
Shredded Cheese | Use cheddar, Mexican blend, or a dairy-free alternative. |
Black Beans | A protein-packed, fiber-rich ingredient that enhances texture. |
Homemade Steak Seasoning | Blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. |
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt | Greek yogurt provides a protein-rich, tangy alternative. |
Cilantro | Adds fresh, herbaceous flavor to balance the dish. |
Jalapeños | Optional for spice lovers—add fresh slices or pickled for tanginess. |
Limes | A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances flavor and freshness. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Perfect Steak Burrito Bowls
This easy step-by-step guide ensures your burrito bowl is bursting with bold, delicious flavors in every bite.

Step 1: Prepare & Season the Steak
- Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano for a flavorful seasoning mix.
- Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then coat both sides generously with seasoning.
- Heat avocado oil in the pan, then sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side (adjust for desired doneness).
- Rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing—this helps retain juiciness.
Step 2: Warm the Beans & Corn
- In separate saucepans, heat black beans and corn over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and add a pinch of salt or cumin for extra flavor.
- Once warmed through, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lime Crema
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with lime juice, zest, and salt.
- Stir until smooth and creamy—this adds a refreshing, tangy finish to your bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of lettuce at the bottom of each bowl.
- Layer in cooked rice, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese.
- Top with sliced steak, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
- Drizzle with lime crema and finish with fresh cilantro.
- Garnish with lime wedges for a final burst of zesty flavor.
💡 For a fun twist, serve toppings separately and let everyone build their own bowl!
Healthy Ingredient Swaps
For a lighter or diet-friendly variation, consider these smart swaps:
- Use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice for lower carbs.
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein.
- Add avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy, healthy fat boost.
Best Steak Cuts for Burrito Bowls
Selecting the right steak makes all the difference. Here’s a quick guide:
- Sirloin: Lean and flavorful, an excellent balance of tenderness and taste.
- Flank Steak: Slightly tougher but rich in flavor—best when marinated beforehand.
- Ribeye: Higher in fat, making it incredibly juicy and tender.
💡 For a different grilled protein option, check out this Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe!
FAQs
1. What are the main ingredients in a Steak Burrito Bowl?
The main ingredients typically include grilled steak, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn, lettuce, cheese (such as Mexican blend or mozzarella), and toppings like Pico de Gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
2. Can I use a different type of steak for my Steak Burrito Bowl?
Yes! While flank steak is commonly used, you can substitute it with other cuts like skirt steak or even boneless steaks of your choice, depending on your preference.
4. Can I meal prep Steak Burrito Bowls for the week?
Yes, you can meal prep Steak Burrito Bowls by storing the components separately in the fridge. This ensures the salad stays crisp and the ingredients remain fresh when you’re ready to eat.

(Chipotle Copycat) Steak Burrito Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Steak Burrito Bowls are loaded with seasoned steak, fresh veggies, and lime crema. Perfect for meal prep or an easy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- Sirloin steak – 1 lb (or substitute with flank or ribeye for added richness)
- Avocado oil – 1 tablespoon (for searing or grilling)
- Homemade Steak Seasoning:
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Salt & black pepper – To taste
- Oregano – ½ teaspoon
For the Burrito Bowl Base:
- Rice – 1 cup (white, brown, cilantro-lime rice, or swap with quinoa/cauliflower rice for low-carb option)
- Lettuce – 2 cups (iceberg, romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- Red onions – ½ cup, thinly sliced (soak in water to reduce sharpness)
- Corn – ½ cup (fresh, frozen, or canned, warmed with seasoning)
- Black beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained & rinsed (heat with a pinch of cumin for extra flavor)
- Shredded cheese – ½ cup (Mexican blend, cheddar, or dairy-free alternative)
- Pico de Gallo – ½ cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Jalapeños – Sliced, optional (for spice lovers—use fresh or pickled)
- Cilantro – Fresh, for garnish
For the Lime Crema:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – ½ cup (Greek yogurt adds a protein-rich, tangy alternative)
- Lime juice – 2 tablespoons
- Lime zest – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – To taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare & Season the Steak
- Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and generously coat both sides with the seasoning.
- Heat avocado oil in the pan, then sear steak for 3-4 minutes per side (adjust for preferred doneness).
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
2️⃣ Warm the Beans & Corn
- In two small saucepans, heat the black beans and corn over medium heat until warmed through.
- Stir occasionally, adding a pinch of salt or cumin for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Make the Lime Crema
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, zest, and salt.
- Stir until smooth and creamy—this adds a tangy, refreshing finish.
4️⃣ Assemble the Burrito Bowls
- Start with a base of lettuce at the bottom of each bowl.
- Layer in cooked rice, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese.
- Top with sliced steak, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
- Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- Store Components Separately: To maintain freshness, keep ingredients in separate airtight containers.
- Reheat Steak Properly: Warm steak slices in a pan for 1-2 minutes instead of microwaving to prevent overcooking.
- Use Divided Meal Prep Containers: Keeps ingredients from becoming soggy before eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito bowl
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 42g
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