If you’re on the hunt for a comforting and delicious dish, look no further than Steak & Queso Rice. This savory recipe combines tender strips of sirloin steak with fluffy basmati rice and a creamy queso topping, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and queso creates a delightful taste explosion.
- Texture Perfection: Tender steak and fluffy rice make every bite satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: Easily customizable, fits well for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Time-Efficient: Delicious meal ready in just an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the key players in our Steak & Queso Rice. These ingredients come together to create a delightful harmony, each adding their unique touch to the dish.
- Basmati Rice: Provides a fragrant, fluffy base that absorbs all the delightful flavors.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the rice with a savory depth, making each bite more intriguing.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Bring a tangy richness that balances the savory notes.
- Sirloin Steak: The star of the show, offering tender and juicy bites.
- White Queso: Adds a creamy, indulgent finish that melts over everything beautifully.
Variations
This Steak & Queso Rice is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to match your taste buds or dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian: Replace the steak with grilled vegetables or crispy tofu for a delightful vegetarian version.
- Rice Varieties: Swap basmati rice with jasmine or long-grain rice if you prefer a different texture.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, incorporate jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
How to Make Steak & Queso Rice
Step 1: Prep the Rice
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This simple step is crucial for removing excess starch, ensuring the rice cooks to a fluffy perfection without becoming sticky.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the aroma of garlic fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet, stirring for about 2 minutes. This toasting step allows the rice to soak up the scrumptious garlic and onion flavors, setting the stage for an irresistible dish.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then crumble in the chicken bouillon cube. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to blend the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Prepare the Steak
As the rice cooks, season the sirloin steak strips with Montreal steak seasoning. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare finish, or to your desired doneness.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Fluff the cooked rice, drape the steak over it, and generously drizzle with luscious white queso. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm flour tortillas if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Steak & Queso Rice
- Rinsing Rice: Always rinse rice to remove starch and achieve a fluffy texture.
- Perfect Steak: Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Queso Drizzle: Warm your queso slightly before drizzling for smooth coverage.
- Herb Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch and color contrast.
How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh cilantro not only adds a burst of color but also imparts a fresh, lively flavor that complements the rich queso wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables to balance the hearty, creamy nature of the Steak & Queso Rice. It’s all about that satisfying contrast!
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your creation in colorful bowls or on a vibrant platter to enhance the visual appeal. A fun twist? Present alongside tortilla chips for a playful, dippable experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Steak & Queso Rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, ensuring that vibrant flavors are just as delightful as freshly cooked!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Pack it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have a quick meal ready for those hectic days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to rejuvenate the rice and keep everything irresistibly moist. Alternatively, a quick session in the microwave will do the trick.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick, or any melting cheese you enjoy.
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Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can spice it up by adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the queso for an extra fiery touch.
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Can I prepare the steak in advance?
Preparing the steak ahead of time is a great idea. Cook and store it in the fridge, then simply warm and assemble when ready to serve.
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What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even beef broth for a deeper flavor profile, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Steak & Queso Rice adventure. Rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and endlessly adaptable, this dish is a testament to how comfort food should be. Gather your loved ones, fill your kitchen with scrumptious aromas, and enjoy every comforting bite. Happy cooking!
PrintSteak & Queso Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Steak & Queso Rice combines flavorful seasoned sirloin steak with fluffy basmati rice simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth base, topped with creamy white queso and fresh cilantro for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 can about 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes (or diced/tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 small Onion finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Oils and Spices
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Montreal steak seasoning to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- White Queso for topping (about 1/2 cup or as desired)
- Fresh Cilantro for garnish
For Serving
- Flour tortillas (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent stickiness, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of garlic and onion.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the mixture. Add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate grains.
- Prepare the Steak: While the rice cooks, season the sirloin steak strips generously with Montreal steak seasoning.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- Combine and Serve: Fluff the cooked rice, then top with cooked steak. Drizzle with white queso, garnish with cilantro, and serve with warm flour tortillas if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth or water to keep moist.
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
- Prepare rice and steak separately for meal prepping; reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
- Customize spice level with jalapeños or chili flakes for added heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg