Burrito Bowls

Carne Asada Burrito Bowl

Name: Carne Asada Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) flank steak; 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 can (15 oz/425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 large onion, diced; 2 large tomatoes, diced; 2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Marisol Vega · June 18, 2026 · Burrito Bowls

Prep30 min

Cook25 min

Total55 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time my abuela made me a Carne Asada Burrito Bowl. The smell of sizzling steak and toasted chiles filled the kitchen, and the sound of sizzling onions and garlic on the comal was like music to my ears. It was love at first bite, and I knew right then that I wanted to share this delicious tradition with my own family and friends.

As a second-generation cook from a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I've had the privilege of learning the secrets of authentic Mexican home cooking from my abuela and mother. They taught me that the key to great Mexican food is in the details: the way you toast the chiles, the patience you have when cooking the beans, and the love you put into every dish.

That's why I'm excited to share my recipe for Carne Asada Burrito Bowl with you. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender steak, flavorful beans, and fresh salsa is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it's easy to make and customize to your taste.

In this recipe, we'll start with the basics: a flavorful steak marinade, creamy beans, and a fresh salsa made with toasted chiles and onions. We'll then assemble the burrito bowls with all the fixings, including diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and crumbled queso fresco. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So let's get started, and remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. So put on your favorite music, gather your family and friends, and let's cook up some delicious Carne Asada Burrito Bowls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of tender steak, flavorful beans, and fresh salsa is a match made in heaven.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite toppings or substitutions.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
The leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving, and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Carne Asada Burrito Bowl is in the layers of flavor. We start by marinating the steak in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices, which helps to tenderize the meat and add depth of flavor. Then, we toast the chiles and onions on a comal or under the broiler, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

Next, we cook the beans with some onion, garlic, and spices, which helps to break down the starches and create a creamy texture. We also add some diced tomatoes to the beans, which adds a burst of freshness and flavor. Finally, we assemble the burrito bowls with all the fixings, including the steak, beans, salsa, and cheese, which creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

The cooking science behind this recipe is all about balance and harmony. We want to balance the richness of the steak and beans with the brightness of the salsa and the freshness of the lettuce and tomatoes. We also want to create a harmony of textures, with the tender steak, creamy beans, and crunchy lettuce and tomatoes all working together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

By following this recipe and using the right techniques, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Carne Asada Burrito Bowl that's sure to impress your family and friends. So let's get cooking, and remember, the most important ingredient is love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a delicious Carne Asada Burrito Bowl, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. That's why I've carefully selected each ingredient to ensure that it's fresh, flavorful, and authentic. From the tender steak to the creamy beans, and from the toasted chiles to the fresh salsa, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a dish that's both delicious and satisfying.

So let's take a look at the ingredients we'll need for this recipe. We'll start with the basics: steak, beans, onions, garlic, and chiles. We'll also need some lime juice, olive oil, and spices to add flavor and depth to the dish. And of course, no Carne Asada Burrito Bowl would be complete without some fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, and crumbled queso fresco.

1.5 lbs (680g) flank steakLook for a high-quality flank steak with a good balance of marbling and tenderness. You can also use skirt steak or ribeye if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lime juiceFreshly squeezed lime juice is essential for adding brightness and flavor to the dish. You can also use bottled lime juice if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in Mexican cooking, and adds depth and flavor to the dish. You can also use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you prefer.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoDried oregano is a classic Mexican herb that adds a pungent and earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use fresh oregano if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon ground cuminGround cumin is a warm and earthy spice that adds depth and complexity to the dish. You can also use 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperCayenne pepper adds a touch of heat and spice to the dish. You can also use 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder if you prefer.
1 can (15 oz/425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsedPinto beans are a classic Mexican ingredient that adds creaminess and texture to the dish. You can also use black beans or kidney beans if you prefer.
1 large onion, dicedOnions are a fundamental ingredient in Mexican cooking, and add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use 1 large shallot if you prefer.
2 large tomatoes, dicedFresh tomatoes are essential for adding brightness and flavor to the dish. You can also use 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) of diced tomatoes if you prefer.
2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seededDried arbol chiles are a classic Mexican ingredient that adds heat and flavor to the dish. You can also use 1-2 dried ancho chiles if you prefer.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantroFresh cilantro is a classic Mexican herb that adds freshness and flavor to the dish. You can also use 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley if you prefer.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful oil that adds richness and depth to the dish. You can also use 1 tablespoon of avocado oil if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for adding flavor and balance to the dish. You can also use 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper if you prefer.

Ingredients for Carne Asada Burrito Bowl

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or griddleSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsComal or broilerBlender or food processorLarge bowl

How to Make Carne Asada Burrito Bowl

1
In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the flank steak to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3
Preheat a large heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the preheated skillet and cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
5
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
6
While the steak is resting, toast the arbol chiles on a comal or under the broiler until fragrant and slightly puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7
In a blender or food processor, blend the toasted chiles, onion, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until smooth.
8
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beans, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and blended chile mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
To assemble the burrito bowls, slice the rested steak into thin strips and place it on top of the bean and tomato mixture.
10
Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, and crumbled queso fresco.
11
Serve immediately and enjoy!
12
For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a slice of fresh lime juice over the top of each burrito bowl.
13
Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to toast the chiles on a comal or under the broiler until fragrant and slightly puffed, as this will add depth and flavor to the dish.
Use a sharp chef's knife to slice the steak against the grain, as this will help to create tender and juicy strips.
Don't overcook the steak, as this will make it tough and dry. Instead, cook it to the recommended internal temperature and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Add your favorite toppings to the burrito bowls, such as shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, and crumbled queso fresco.
For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a slice of fresh lime juice over the top of each burrito bowl.
Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired.
Experiment with different types of chiles, such as ancho or guajillo, to add unique flavors to the dish.
Use leftover steak and beans to make tacos or salads for a quick and easy meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles on a comal or under the broiler until fragrant and slightly puffed, which will result in a lack of depth and flavor in the dish.
Overcooking the steak, which will make it tough and dry.
Not letting the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing, which will result in a loss of juices and flavor.
Not using a sharp chef's knife to slice the steak against the grain, which will result in tough and chewy strips.
Not adding enough salt and pepper to the dish, which will result in a lack of flavor and balance.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which will result in a lack of flavor and texture in the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of chiles, such as ancho or guajillo, to add unique flavors to the dish.
Add diced bell peppers or zucchini to the bean and tomato mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use leftover steak and beans to make tacos or salads for a quick and easy meal.
Add a sprinkle of queso fresco or feta cheese to the top of each burrito bowl for extra flavor and creaminess.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or pork, to create a unique and delicious variation of the dish.
Add a drizzle of salsa or hot sauce to the top of each burrito bowl for extra heat and flavor.
Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to add unique flavors and textures to the dish.

What to Serve With Carne Asada Burrito Bowl

Serve the Carne Asada Burrito Bowls with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, and crumbled queso fresco. You can also serve it with a side of Mexican rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a burrito bar with all the fixings, including the steak, beans, salsa, cheese, and toppings. Let everyone create their own unique burrito bowl and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this authentic Mexican dish.

Serve with Mexican rice and roasted vegetablesAdd diced avocado and sour cream for extra creaminessTop with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for extra flavor and textureServe with a side of salsa or hot sauce for extra heat and flavorAdd crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for extra flavor and creaminessServe with a simple green salad or a side of black beans for a well-rounded meal

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Carne Asada Burrito Bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the bowls until the steak is warmed through and the beans are hot and bubbly.

To freeze, place the cooked steak and beans in airtight containers or freezer bags and store in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the containers or bags overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

To make ahead, cook the steak and beans up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the burrito bowls. You can also prepare the salsa and toppings up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

When reheating, make sure to heat the steak and beans to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the beans if they become too thick or dry during reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of steak is best for Carne Asada?

Flank steak or skirt steak is best for Carne Asada, as they are tender and flavorful and can be cooked to a perfect medium-rare.

How do I toast the chiles?

To toast the chiles, simply place them on a comal or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side, or until fragrant and slightly puffed.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to add unique flavors and textures to the dish.

How do I store the burrito bowls?

The burrito bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the bowls until the steak is warmed through and the beans are hot and bubbly.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salsa up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What are some good toppings for the burrito bowls?

Some good toppings for the burrito bowls include shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, and crumbled queso fresco. You can also add diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use leftover steak and beans to make tacos or salads?

Yes, you can use leftover steak and beans to make tacos or salads for a quick and easy meal. Simply slice the steak against the grain and add it to your favorite taco or salad recipe.

How do I reheat the burrito bowls?

To reheat the burrito bowls, simply microwave or oven-heat the bowls until the steak is warmed through and the beans are hot and bubbly. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the beans if they become too thick or dry during reheating.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card