This easy copycat Chipotle steak bowl is going to make you stop ordering takeout altogether! Fluffy cilantro-lime rice, juicy copycat steak and your choice of toppings combined into a hearty and flavor-packed dinner bowl.
If you prefer Chipotle Chicken bowls, try my copycat Chipotle chicken bowls.
CHIPOTLE STEAK BOWL
Skip the long lines and make this copycat Chipotle steak bowl at home! Not only is this copycat steak and rice bowl easy to make but it comes out so much cheaper. The bowl is loaded with cilantro lime rice, juicy steak pieces, and your choice of toppings, the ultimate meal. This copycat recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or for meal prepping!
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Steak– For this bowl, I use my copycat Chipotle steak recipe! You can also use any other steak recipe you prefer. If you want to swap the protein, you can use chicken, shrimp, or shredded pork.
- Rice– Like at Chipotle, you can use either white or brown rice, quinoa, or use no grains. My go-to rice for all my Chipotle bowls is my cilantro lime rice recipe!
- Toppings– The topping possibilities are endless! You can use your favorite classics that you would order at chipotle or switch it up and add different toppings.
- Sauces– Chipotle offers sour cream, tomatillo-green chili salsa, and tomatillo-red chili salsa, and queso. You can buy any of these sauces at your local grocery store or even make homemade versions!
HOW TO MAKE COPYCAT STEAK BOWLS
You can have these steak bowls ready in no time!
- Prepare the cilantro-lime rice according to instructions.
- Cut and prep all the toppings for the steak bowls.
- Prepare the Chipotle steak, using your favorite cooking method. (Check out the recipe for all the tips and tricks on getting the perfect steak.)
- Assemble the steak and rice bowls with the desired toppings and sauces.
- Serve immediately as is or with tortilla chips and sides.
| Buffet Style– Add all your toppings into bowls and serve these steak bowls buffet style for dinner or at your next party! |
TOPPING IDEAS-
There are many topping options that you can add to these hearty steak bowls. Here are some ideas:
- Beans
- Sauteed peppers
- Chipotle Corn Salsa
- Pico de Gallo
- Guacamole
- Classic Salsa
- Peach Salad
- Sour Cream
- Shredded Romaine
- Shredded Cheese
- Marinated Onions
- Salsa Verde
- Hot Sauce
- Tortilla Chips or Strips
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
I make a copycat marinade that is made with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, onions, garlic, oil, and seasonings. The steak comes out just like when ordering from Chipotle, if not better!
No, you can totally swap the protein out and use chicken, pork, shrimp or only veggies.
Swap the cilantro-lime rice for cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Yes! These Chipotle steak bowls are great for meal prepping! Just assemble the bowls in containers and they can be in the fridge for 3-4 days!
The best is to enjoy these Chipotle bowls when all the ingredients are fresh, but it is also good when cold too.
Store leftover steak bowls covered or in containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. For the best results, store all the sides and toppings separately.
Yes, load all the ingredients onto a large, warmed flour tortilla for a hearty steak burrito!
OTHER MEXICAN INSPIRED RECIPES
If you love Mexican cuisine, then try some other classic and delicious recipes:
Chipotle Steak Bowl
Ingredients
Chipotle Steak-
- 2 lbs flank steak no thicker than 1 1/2 inches thick
- 7 oz can chipotle peppers in adobe sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion yellow or red
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
Cilantro Lime Rice-
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Toppings-
- 1 1/2 cup chopped romaine optional
- 1 cup pico de gallo optional
- 1 cup corn salsa optional
- 1/3 cup shredded cheese optional
- 1/4 cup sour cream optional
- 1/3 cup pickled onions optional
- 1/4 cup guacamole optional
- hot sauce optional
Instructions
Chipotle Steak-
- In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine the chipotle peppers with their sauce, oil, onion, garlic cloves, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the steak and marinade to a bowl or bag and mix to coat the steak. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. (When ready to cook, let the steak sit at room temperature for 25–30 minutes.)
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, drizzle in a little oil and heat until it shimmers.
- Add the marinated steak to the hot skillet. (Be sure to remove any excess marinate from the steak.)
- Sear the steak undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes to develop a nice char. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. (Use a meat thermometer if needed: about 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.)
- Once the steak is done, transfer to a cutting board and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice or cube the steak against the grain, then finish with flaky salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Cilantro Lime Rice-
- Meanwhile, bring water to boil in a pot over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 10 minutes, the water should be absorbed and the rice fluffy. (Do not overcook or the rice will be sticky.)
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro. Mix until everything is well combined.
Assemble Chipotle Bowls-
- Prepare and chop all the toppings for the bowls.
- To assemble, layer the rice, steak, toppings, and sauces in each bowl. This recipe will make about four Chipotle steak bowls. (You can also set out all the ingredients and let everyone build their own buffet-style bowls!)
- Serve immediately while warm.





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