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Beef and Quinoa Power Bowl with Chimichurri Sauce

Beef and Quinoa Power Bowl with Chimichurri Sauce

Lunch
Prep Time
25min
Cook Time
35min
Servings
4
Calories
520
Chef's Note

This beef and quinoa bowl can be prepped ahead for busy weekdays. Store the chimichurri sauce separately and add it just before serving for maximum flavor. For a leaner option, you can substitute the sirloin with flank steak or even ground beef. The chimichurri sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator - the flavors actually improve with time!

Tags
high-protein
beef
meal-prep
healthy
quinoa
gluten-free
power-bowl
chimichurri
Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds sirloin steak

  • 1.5 cups quinoa

  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 5 cloves garlic

  • 1 medium red onion

  • 2 medium bell peppers (mixed colors)

  • 1 large sweet potato

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes

  • 4 cups baby spinach

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1.5 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 cup fresh parsley

  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 0.25 cup roasted pepitas

  • 0.5 cup feta cheese

  • 1 large avocado

Instructions
  • 1

    Rinse 1.5 cups of quinoa under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 3 cups of beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 15-20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.

  • 2

    While quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Mince 3 cloves of garlic, dice 1 medium red onion, slice 2 bell peppers into strips, cube 1 large sweet potato into 1/2-inch pieces, halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, and set aside 4 cups of baby spinach.

  • 3

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

  • 4

    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced red onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.

  • 5

    Add the bell peppers to the skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, stirring to coat the vegetables.

  • 6

    Add the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

  • 7

    Season 1.5 pounds of sirloin steak with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time based on thickness and desired doneness). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

  • 8

    While the steak is resting, make the chimichurri sauce. In a food processor, combine 1 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky.

  • 9

    Toast 1/4 cup of pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

  • 10

    To assemble the bowls, divide the quinoa among 4 bowls. Arrange the sautéed vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, and sliced steak on top. Add sliced avocado and sprinkle with feta cheese and toasted pepitas. Drizzle generously with chimichurri sauce.

Nutrition Information (per serving)
520
Calories
35g
Protein
42g
Carbs
24g
Fat

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