Copycat Steak Baja Bowls

These Costa Vida copycat steak baja bowls are loaded with tender steak, fluffy cilantro lime rice, fresh toppings, and bold, zesty flavors in every bite. This easy homemade version brings restaurant-style Baja bowls to your kitchen with simple ingredients and customizable layers the whole family will love.

Steak Baja Bowls

As someone who is a big fan of Costa Vida, I have spent lots of time creating my own copycat recipes of theirs. I just love all the flavors! The other day I decided to try their protein bowls, and I was a huge fan! So of course, I had to come home and recreate this bowl so that I could have it whenever I wanted.

These steak baja bowls are one of my favorite go-to dinners because they’re fresh, filling, and so easy to throw together. You can pile them high with all the toppings or keep them simple for the kids—whatever works for your crew. I love serving everything out buffet-style and letting everyone build their own bowl with exactly what they want, whether that’s extra steak, more rice, or just a few favorite toppings. It makes dinner feel fun, keeps everyone happy, and takes the stress out of getting a wholesome meal on the table.

The Cowboys’ Rating: 10/10

Every time I make a new recipe, I have my family rate the recipe out of 10. By the time, these recipes make the blog, they’ve been tried and tested by some of my hardest tiny critics!

What Ingredients Are in Copycat Steak Baja Bowls?

• Sirloin Steak or Tenderloin Steak – We use our homegrown regeneratively raised beef so we have access to lots of delicious beef. I will use either sirloin steak or tenderloins. Both work great and are so delicious.
• Cilantro Lime Rice – Costa Vida uses a cilantro lime rice, so I created my own delicious recipe for cilantro lime rice. You can find that here.
• Black Beans
• Diced Tomatoes
• Shredded Cheese
• Guacamole
• Shredded Lettuce
• Tortilla Strips
• Fresh Limes
• Cilantro Ranch – If you are going to make these baja bowls, I’m just going to say, don’t skip out on the cilantro ranch dressing. Holy cow it’s good. It’s super easy to make, you just throw all the ingredients in the blender and it’s good to go. Get my recipe for cilantro ranch dressing here.

seasonings

• Kosher Salt
• Minced Garlic
• Onion Powder
• Taco Seasoning

Tools You’ll Need

• Frying Pan
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Colander
• Can Opener

Copycat Steak Baja Bowls Recipe

1. Remove the steak from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Slice into thin strips and place in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add the seasonings, and toss until the steak is evenly coated. Set aside.
3. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear without stirring until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
4. While the steak cooks, warm the black beans and prepare your remaining toppings.
5. To assemble the Baja bowls, spoon rice into the bottom of each bowl. Top with steak, black beans, vegetables, and any desired toppings.
6. Drizzle with cilantro ranch dressing and serve.
7. Enjoy!

Gluten Free Copycat Steak Baja Bowls

This recipe is gluten free! I do always caution however, that you check to make sure that the ingredients YOU are using are indeed gluten free. Taco seasoning generally isn’t gluten free, so I make my own taco seasoning. It’s the only taco seasoning that I use. Get my recipe here.

Storage and Reheating

The best part about this recipe, is that it makes great leftovers! I love to make meal prep this recipe for easy lunches during the week.

Storage:
Allow the steak baja bowl components to cool completely before storing. Store the steak and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep rice and toppings stored separately for best texture. If using dressing, store it in a separate container and add just before serving.

Reheating:
Reheat the steak, vegetables, and rice in the microwave in 30–45 second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can also reheat the steak and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Add fresh toppings and drizzle with dressing after reheating.