Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
This Steak & Queso Rice recipe combines aromatic basmati rice cooked with tomatoes and spices, topped with tender sirloin steak strips and creamy white queso. A flavorful and hearty one-pan meal perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, served with optional warm flour tortillas and fresh cilantro garnish.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
- Diet: Halal
Rice and Base
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
- 1 can (about 14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes (can substitute diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ 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, preventing sticky rice.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and chopped onion (if using), sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to lightly toast and absorb garlic and onion flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Crumble the bouillon cube into the mixture, then add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow rice to finish cooking and become fluffy.
- Prep Steak: Season sirloin steak strips generously with Montreal steak seasoning on both sides while rice cooks.
- Cook Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak strips and cook 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
- Combine Steak and Rice: Fluff the cooked rice, then add the cooked steak strips on top. Generously drizzle with white queso.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with warm flour tortillas on the side if desired.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice well is key to avoiding sticky rice.
- If you prefer spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder with the paprika and cumin.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure steak reaches your preferred doneness.
- White queso can be substituted with any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or queso blanco.
- Optional onions add sweetness, but recipe works well without them.
- Leftover steak can be swapped out for grilled chicken or vegetables for variation.
- Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked rice with steak and queso (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: steak rice recipe, queso rice, basmati rice with steak, easy dinner recipe, flavorful steak meal