There’s just something about a juicy, smoky marinated steak that gets your mouth watering before it even hits the pan. This Chipotle Steak is my homage to bold, smoky flavor — the kind that lingers in the best way and makes you wonder why you ever settled for bland.
It’s inspired by the flavors you love from your favorite burrito bowl, but elevated just enough to make it feel like something special you’d cook for friends — or just because you’re craving something seriously satisfying.
Watch my reel on Instagram here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just a splash-and-go situation. The marinade brings deep, slow-building flavor — a perfect combo of heat, acid, and umami. You’ll want to let the steak sit in it for at least 1 hour, though overnight makes it even better.
The bonus? It’s blender-friendly. Toss everything in, blitz, pour over your steak, and you’re done.
Here are few reasons why this will become your new favorite steak recipe:
Bold flavor with zero fuss – The marinade does all the work, and the results taste like you ordered out.
Budget-friendly – Uses top round steak, which is affordable but transforms beautifully when treated right.
Meal prep friendly – Make once, eat all week in bowls, tacos, or salads.
Restaurant vibes at home – That smoky sear and chipotle punch? Chef’s kiss.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Top Round Steak – Lean but flavorful. When sliced against the grain, it’s surprisingly tender — and ideal for that chewy Chipotle-style texture.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – Smoky, spicy, and complex. This is the heart of the marinade.
- Garlic + Oregano + Cumin – Classic, earthy aromatics that round things out.
- Lime Juice – For brightness and balance.
- A Touch of Oil – To help the marinade cling and give you a beautiful sear.
How to make Chipotle-style Steak at home
Blend: Chipotle peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, lime, red wine vinegar, oil, salt.
Marinate: Pour over top round steak, chill at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
Sear: High heat, 3–4 min per side, or until internal temp hits ~130–135°F.
Rest & Slice: Let it sit 5–10 min, then slice thin against the grain.
Serve: In bowls, tacos, salads, or straight from the pan.
How to Serve It
You can go classic burrito bowl with this steak — over rice, with black beans, grilled veggies, guac, the works. Or slice it thin for steak tacos, steak salads, or even sandwiches with chipotle mayo and caramelized onions.
And if you’re just eating it straight from the cutting board with a squeeze of lime? No judgment here.
If you liked this Chipotle recipe, check out some other Chipotle recipes on the blog!
Chipotle Steak (Copycat)
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 2 lbs top, eye or bottom round
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth & add it to the steaks.
- Marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.
- In a pan on high heat, quickly sear on both sides and remove from the pan oncesit reaches 130F.
- Rest for 5 minutes for a perfect medium temp of 135 – 140F.
- Dice and toss in it own juices.
- Serve with your favorite chipotle-style toppings.
