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Steak Queso Rice Recipe

4.8 from 85 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Rest and Fluff: Remove skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow rice to settle and become fluffy.
  7. Prep Steak: Season sirloin steak strips generously with Montreal steak seasoning on both sides.
  8. 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.
  9. Add Steak to Pan: Fluff the cooked rice and layer the cooked steak strips over the rice. Generously drizzle with white queso.
  10. 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