There’s something about this cheesy steak and shrimp skillet bowl that just hits the spot. It’s one of those meals that comes together easier than you expect, but it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. You’ve got tender pieces of steak, juicy shrimp, peppers, onions, and a creamy sauce that pulls it all together. It’s warm, it’s filling, and honestly, it’s the kind of dinner that makes people hover around the kitchen waiting for a taste.
I first came across a version of this online and thought it looked interesting enough to try. I’ve seen steak bowls, shrimp bowls, potato bowls… all kinds of bowls. So I figured, why not make my own version with everything I like in one place? And like always, I changed a few things to make it match what my family enjoys. I kept the main idea the same, though, because it really works.
The first time I made this, my family absolutely loved it. They were quiet for the first few bites, and I always take that as a good sign. Then the compliments started rolling in. I knew right away that this recipe wasn’t going to be a one-time thing. It had that “comfort meal” feeling without being heavy or complicated.
I hope you try it, because I really think you’ll enjoy it just as much as we did.
Table of Contents
Why This Skillet Meal Works So Well
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but uses really basic ingredients. Steak and shrimp sound special, I know, but once you start cooking, you realize it’s all super simple. Everything goes into the same skillet, and that makes the clean-up so much easier.
I also like how flexible this meal is. Sometimes I have steak and shrimp on hand. Other times I only have one of them. It’s never a problem. The vegetables are simple too. Peppers, onions—nothing out of the ordinary. And that cheese sauce? It takes just a few minutes and makes the whole dish feel like something you worked on for way longer than you actually did.
It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a weeknight without stressing about it. It’s also nice enough to serve when you have people over. And honestly, I love meals like that. No fuss, but everyone acts like you cooked something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this cheesy skillet bowl. Nothing complicated. Just simple ingredients you’ve probably used before.
Protein
- Steak, cut into strips
- Shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Vegetables
- Green bell pepper
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow onion
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
Optional Base
- Baked potatoes if you want it more filling
Each part of this recipe is simple on its own, but when you put everything together, it turns into a really satisfying meal. That’s the part I like the most.
How to Make This Skillet Bowl
The steps are straightforward, and once you start cooking, it comes together pretty fast.
Sear the Steak
Season the steak with chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet with a little bit of oil and sear the steak until it browns. It doesn’t take long. A minute per side is usually enough. Take it out and set it aside.
Cook the Shrimp
Use the same skillet. Add a little more oil if you need it. Season the shrimp lightly and cook them until they curl and turn golden. It happens fast, so keep an eye on them. Remove them and set them aside too.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the peppers and onions to the skillet. Season them and cook until they soften. They should still have a little crunch but be mostly tender. They give the bowl a nice bite.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small pot, warm the heavy cream. Once it’s hot, add the Parmesan and seasonings. Stir until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce. It’s simple but adds so much flavor.
Assemble Everything
Layer the vegetables first, then the steak, then the shrimp. Pour the cheese sauce over the top. It all melts together in the best way.
Optional Baked Potato Base
If you want the potato version, bake a potato, fluff the inside, and put everything right on top. It makes the bowl a bit heartier.

Simple Tips to Make It Even Better
I’ve made this a few times now, and there are little things I’ve learned along the way.
- Slice the steak thin. It cooks fast and stays tender.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a couple of minutes.
- Use fresh Parmesan if you can. It melts better than the bagged kind.
- Taste the sauce before pouring. You can always adjust the seasoning.
- Make it spicy if you like. A pinch of extra Cajun seasoning works great.
Nothing complicated—just small things that make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use both steak and shrimp?
No, you don’t. You can make this with only steak or only shrimp. It still turns out great.
Can I change the vegetables?
Yes, you can. If you don’t like peppers or onions, mushrooms or zucchini would also work.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Parmesan melts well, but cheddar or Monterey Jack would work too.
Does this reheat well?
It does. Warm it slowly and add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Is the potato base required?
Not at all. It just makes the bowl heavier. The dish is still good without it.
A Simple Bowl That Feels Special
This cheesy steak and shrimp skillet bowl is one of those meals that doesn’t take much effort but tastes like you put a lot of thought into it. The steak, the shrimp, the vegetables, and that creamy sauce just work so well together. My family really enjoyed this one, and I think yours will too.
I hope you give it a try. It’s warm, simple, comforting, and easy enough to make any day of the week. And honestly, those are my favorite kinds of meals.
Print
Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl
- Total Time: 50–60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and indulgent surf-and-turf skillet bowl loaded with juicy steak, tender shrimp, sautéed peppers and onions, and smothered in a creamy Cajun-Parmesan cheese sauce — perfect served over a baked potato base.
Ingredients
- Protein:
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized strips
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp olive oil (for shrimp)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)
- Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cheese Sauce:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Base (Optional):
- 1 large baked potato per serving (optional base)
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Season steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of oil. Sear steak pieces for 1 minute per side, until browned but juicy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Toss shrimp in olive oil and a little chili powder or Cajun seasoning. In the same skillet, cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they curl into a C shape and turn golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté bell peppers and onions for about 6–7 minutes until slightly tender and charred. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Once bubbling slightly, add Parmesan cheese and seasonings (garlic powder, Cajun, salt, pepper, Italian herbs). Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: In a serving tray or bowl, layer the sautéed veggies first, then top with steak and shrimp. Generously drizzle the cheese sauce over everything.
- Optional Potato Base: Bake large russet potatoes at 450°F (230°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, seasoned with oil, salt, and pepper. Cut open and gently mash the insides with a fork. Layer the steak, shrimp, veggies, and cheese sauce directly on top.
Notes
Serve hot and fresh for the ultimate comfort meal. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: cheesy steak, shrimp skillet, surf and turf, cajun cheese sauce, steak and shrimp bowl



