Steak Queso Rice Recipe
This flavorful Steak Queso Rice combines tender sirloin steak strips with aromatic basmati rice cooked in a savory tomato and chicken broth mixture, topped with creamy white queso and fresh cilantro. A perfect blend of spices and textures makes this dish a delicious and hearty meal, served best with warm flour tortillas.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican American
Rice and Seasoning
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
- 1 can (about 14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped, optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Steak
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak (cut into thin strips)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Montreal steak seasoning (to taste)
Toppings and Garnish
- White Queso (for topping)
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
- Flour tortillas (optional for serving)
- Prep the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and absorb flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the mixture. Add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow rice to settle and become fluffy.
- Prep Steak: Season sirloin steak strips generously with Montreal steak seasoning on both sides.
- Cook Steak: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting cooking time for desired doneness.
- Add Steak to Pan: Fluff the cooked rice and layer the cooked steak strips over the rice. Generously drizzle with white queso.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm flour tortillas if desired.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly helps achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Adjust the amount of white queso topping according to your preference for cheesiness.
- Use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if crushed tomatoes are unavailable, but crushed tomatoes add the best texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when cooking the rice.
- Flour tortillas are optional but add a nice balance for serving this dish like a taco or burrito bowl.
Keywords: Steak Queso Rice, Basmati Rice, Sirloin Steak, White Queso, Mexican Inspired Rice Dish, Easy Dinner Recipe