Description
Succulent steak & queso rice brings Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables. Crispy beef and melted cheese blend perfectly with seasoned rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup (60g) queso dip or prepared queso sauce
- ½ cup (120ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Bring broth to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid is fully absorbed and rice reaches tender perfection, about 15-20 minutes.
- Steak Seasoning and Searing: Generously coat steak pieces with a dynamic spice blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust while maintaining desired doneness.
- Queso Rice Transformation: Once rice is cooked, metamorphose it into a creamy queso delight by incorporating butter, milk, shredded cheese, queso dip, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Continuously stir until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, indulgent texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plating and Garnishing: Artfully arrange the seared steak atop the luscious queso rice. Enhance the dish’s visual and flavor complexity by sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro and vibrant diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Serve with zesty lime wedges to allow personalized citrusy brightness.
Notes
- Choose the Right Steak Cut: Select tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin for optimal texture and quick cooking, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.
- Master Steak Searing Technique: Pat steak dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, using high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan for ideal caramelization.
- Control Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping, maintaining a smooth and creamy queso rice consistency.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper and chili powder to personal heat preference, balancing flavors without overwhelming the dish’s delicate taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg