Mouthwatering Southwest Steak Bowl (Better Than Chipotle)

If there’s one recipe that makes me think twice about spending money on Chipotle, it’s this Southwest steak bowl.

With its tender steak, fluffy rice, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro—this dish is guaranteed to be more flavorful and satisfying than any bowls you can find at Chipotle.

Ready to have your cravings satisfied?

Let’s discuss how you can cook this “express meal” in just half an hour. 

Best Cuts of Steak for Steak Bowls 

I usually have very strong opinions about which specific ingredients you should and shouldn’t use for certain recipes.

But surprise, surprise. This time, I’m actually gonna recommend using the steak cuts you prefer or have easy access to for your steak bowls! 

That’s because one of the best things about steak bowls is that they’re very customizable. 

Hence, for the next section, take the ingredients I mentioned into consideration, but feel free to replace or remove any as you prefer!

I’ve been customizing this steak bowl for more times than I can remember, and never once has a “variation” turned out less than delicious!

🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Southwest Steak Bowl

Spoiler alert: most of the ingredients for this dish are pantry staples, so you might even be able to cook it on the spot! 

For the Steak

• 1.5 pounds of your preferred steak cut (I prefer top sirloin) 
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of neutral oil 
• Southwest–style seasoning (your preferred brand) 

For the Corn & Black Bean Salsa

• 1 cup of canned yellow corn (strained and rinsed)
• 1 cup of black beans (strained and rinsed)
• 1/2 of a large red onion (finely diced)
• 1 jalapeño (finely diced, with or without seeds)
• 1/2 cup of finely diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed) 
• Salt (to taste)

Sweet & Creamy Chipotle Sauce

• 1/3 cup of light sour cream
• 2/3 cup of Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons of Tabasco Chipotle pepper sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons of chamoy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

For Assembly & Garnish

• Cooked jasmine rice (or your preferred bed of rice) 
• Avocado slices
• Chopped cilantro

🍽️ How to Cook Southwest Steak Bowl in 30 Minutes

Ingredients ready, utensils out. 

In just half an hour, you’ll be enjoying one of the best creamy, flavorful, and satisfying steak bowls your kitchen will encounter!

Step 1: Prepare the Corn & Black Bean Salsa 

You’ll want everything else to be ready for assembly once your steak is cooked later. So, start by preparing the salsa. 

To do so, simply combine all the salsa ingredients in a medium bowl (make sure to season to taste with salt).

Once your salsa’s ready, let it rest in the fridge until it’s time to assemble the bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet & Creamy Chipotle Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the mentioned ingredients for the sweet & creamy Chipotle sauce.

I personally like the ratios of ingredients as is, but feel free to adjust the seasoning as you see fit.

Refrigerate the sauce before moving on to the next step to keep it fresh.

Step 3: Prepare the Steak

Cut your preferred steak into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large bowl. 

Drizzle some neutral cooking oil on the meat, followed by a generous amount of your go-to Southwest-style seasoning (I use about 3 tablespoons).

Mix everything until all the cuts are evenly coated. 

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Now, for the most mouthwatering part—cooking the steak. 

Over medium-high heat, heat up a large, greased skillet. 

Once it’s hot enough, add the seasoned steak cubes to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes (or until you achieve your preferred level of doneness). 

Make sure to keep your eyes on the steak and stir occasionally to avoid unwanted burning.

Step 5: Assemble Your Steak Bowls

Start assembling each bowl with a bed of cooked jasmine rice. 

Top the rice with a generous serving of corn and black bean salsa on one side and fresh-off-the-heat steak cubes on the other.

Drizzle the creamy sauce on top and garnish with avocado slices and chopped fresh cilantro.

Serve and enjoy! 

Express-Ticket to Satisfying Steak Bowls

This steak bowl recipe is proof that good food doesn’t always take time.

Even if you only have 30 minutes of the day to prep lunch or dinner, you can create delicious, filling, and satisfying meals not just for yourself but also for your family or friends.

Creamy and Delicious Steak Bowl

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

This 30-minute creamy and flavorful steak bowl is perfect for busy days and satisfying those Chipotle bowl cravings!

Print

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1.5 pounds of your preferred steak cut (I prefer top sirloin)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of neutral oil
• Southwest–style seasoning (your preferred brand)

For the Corn & Black Bean Salsa:

• 1 cup of canned yellow corn (strained and rinsed)
• 1 cup of black beans (strained and rinsed)
• 1/2 of a large red onion (finely diced)
• 1 jalapeño (finely diced, with or without seeds)
• 1/2 cup of finely diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed)
• Salt (to taste)

For the Sweet & Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

• 1/3 cup of light sour cream
• 2/3 cup of Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons of Tabasco Chipotle pepper sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons of Chamoy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

For Assembly & Garnish:

• Cooked jasmine rice (or your preferred bed of rice)
• Avocado slices
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine all the salsa ingredients, including salt. Keep this mixture in the fridge until assembly. 
2. In a separate, small bowl, mix all the ingredients of the sweet & creamy Chipotle sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed and refrigerate.
3. Prepare the steak by cutting it into cubes and tossing them with some neutral oil and Southwest-style seasoning. 
4. Cook the steak cubes in a greased skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until you reach your preferred beef doneness. Stir occasionally. 
5. Assemble the bowls. Start with a bed of cooked jasmine rice, followed by generous servings of salsa and steak. Top each bowl with a drizzle of the creamy sauce, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. 

Notes

 This recipe is heavily inspired by ©healthyeatgram. Image credit to ©samwalkerstavern.

Featured image credit to ©healthyeatgram.