Name: Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 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 (for steak); to taste Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder; 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced; 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced; 1 Medium Yellow Onion, sliced; 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for veggies); 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (for veggies); to taste Salt & Black Pepper (for veggies); 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream; 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for sauce); 1/2 tsp Cajun Seasoning (for sauce); 1/4 tsp Salt (for sauce); 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (for sauce); 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning (for sauce); 1 large Baked Potato per serving (optional; baked, cut open and slightly mashed)

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Creamy, juicy, and packed with bold, savory flavors, this Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl is comfort food turned gourmet in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes: sizzling steak, tender shrimp, charred peppers and onions, and a velvety Parmesan sauce that ties everything together. Fun fact: pairing steak and shrimp is an old surf-and-turf idea that brings land and sea together on your plate — and it’s easier than you think to make at home.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick, and perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests without fuss. If you love hearty, saucy skillet meals like our Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet, you’ll find this dish has a similarly comforting vibe but with a steak-and-seafood twist. Ready to dig in? Let’s cook something delicious.

What is Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl?

Ever wondered why it’s called a Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl? Is it the cheese shouting “eat me” or the steak and shrimp high-fiving each other in a hot pan? Maybe both. This name spells out the promise: cheesy, steak, shrimp, skillet — in a bowl. And yes, there’s a dash of old-fashioned charm here; after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who can argue when a bubbling cheese sauce and perfectly seared proteins are involved? Try it and see for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This:

Main highlight: Succulent seared steak and perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a creamy Parmesan sauce create a luxurious texture contrast — juicy meat, tender seafood, and silky sauce.
Cost-saving benefits: Making this at home is far cheaper than ordering surf-and-turf at a restaurant. Stretch a little steak with shrimp and veggies to feed more people for less.
Flavorful toppings: Charred bell peppers, sweet onions, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of Cajun kick make each bite delicious and complex.

If you enjoy the cozy, saucy feel of our Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet, this dish offers a similarly comforting experience with a surf-and-turf upgrade. Make this tonight and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and satisfying. You’ll sear steak quickly for a caramelized crust, cook shrimp until just opaque, sauté peppers and onions until charred, and finish with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cook time is roughly 20 minutes, so you’re looking at about 35 minutes total for a show-stopping meal. The standout is the creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together.

Ingredients

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 (for steak)
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil (for veggies)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (for veggies)
Salt & black pepper, to taste (for veggies)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
1/4 tsp salt (for sauce)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for sauce)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (for sauce)
1 large baked potato per serving (optional; baked, cut open and slightly mashed)

Directions

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 still juicy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Toss shrimp in 2 tsp 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 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté bell peppers and onions for about 6–7 minutes until slightly tender and charred. Season with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to bubble slightly. Add 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and seasonings (1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble: In a serving tray or bowl, layer the sautéed veggies, then steak and shrimp on top. Generously drizzle the cheese sauce over everything.
Optional Potato Base: Bake large russet potatoes at 450°F for 1 hour 15 minutes, seasoned with oil, salt, and pepper. Cut open and slightly mash the insides with a fork. Layer all toppings directly on top for a hearty bowl.

Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl

What to Serve With:

Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Garlic butter toast or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Roasted asparagus or broccoli for a bright, crisp contrast
A chilled white wine or a light lager beer to balance the creaminess
Pickled jalapeños or a squeeze of lime for an extra tangy kick

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use high heat to get a good sear on the steak but don’t overcook — aim for medium-rare to medium for juiciness.
Shrimp cook very quickly; remove them as soon as they curl into a C shape to avoid rubberiness.
If you want a thicker sauce, simmer the cream a little longer before adding the cheese or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a slightly lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing steak — do it in batches so you get a nice crust.
For added smoky flavor, finish the veggies under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes to char the edges.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate if possible to preserve texture.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked steak and shrimp separately for up to 2 months, but the cream sauce will change texture when frozen — freeze only if necessary.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent toughening the proteins. For baked potato bowls, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak?
Yes. Sirloin or flank steak work well. Ribeye is great for richness, but choose a cut you like and slice across the grain for tenderness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ from the original creamy sauce.

How long do I cook frozen shrimp?
Thaw shrimp fully before cooking for even results. If using frozen, thaw under cold running water for 10–15 minutes, pat dry, then cook as directed.

Can I prep components ahead of time?
Absolutely. Slice veggies and steak and store them in the fridge. Cooked steak and shrimp can be chilled and reheated gently, but fresh-cooked yields the best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from chili powder and Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the heat up or down to suit your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but check labels on seasonings and Parmesan if you need strict gluten-free compliance.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easier and more economical than dining out. With quick prep, bold flavors, and a decadent cheese sauce, it’s perfect for weeknights or a weekend dinner that feels special. Try serving it over a baked potato for a hearty twist or keep it light with a crisp salad — either way, you’ll be rewarded with delicious comfort food that’s sure to please. For inspiration on similar skillet-style meals check out Steak and Shrimp Skillet – The Best Keto Recipes and explore a cheesy fajita-style take at Cheesy Steak Fajita Skillet – Daddio’s Kitchen.