If you are craving a flavorful, comforting, and satisfying meal that truly hits the spot, this Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe is just what you need. Combining tender, juicy sirloin steak with aromatic basmati rice cooked in a rich tomato and chicken broth base, and topped off with creamy white queso and fresh cilantro, this dish is a celebration of textures and tastes. It’s a wonderful way to elevate simple ingredients into a dish that feels both hearty and special, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the fragrant basmati rice to the vibrant tomato base and perfectly seasoned steak, every component brings something delicious to the table.
- Basmati Rice: Known for its long, fluffy grains and distinctive aroma, it is the perfect base for this bowl.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the rice, making it more flavorful than cooking with water.
- Chicken Bouillon Cube: Enhances the savory profile of the rice without overpowering the dish.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Gives the rice a lovely tang and vibrant color, balancing the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with onions and spices.
- Onion (optional): Adds sweetness and texture, softening as it cooks with garlic and rice.
- Paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness that complements the steak beautifully.
- Cumin: Brings a warm earthiness that layers well with the other spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and cooking, imparting a light richness.
- Sirloin Steak: The star protein, tender and juicy, cut into strips for quick, even cooking.
- Butter: Adds silkiness and richness to the steak as it cooks.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: A vibrant seasoning blend that makes the steak irresistible.
- White Queso: Creamy and cheesy topping that ties the whole bowl together.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Flour Tortillas (optional): Great for wrapping or scooping up bites.
How to Make Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Rice
Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This simple step removes excess starch and ensures your rice cooks up fluffy and separate, not sticky or clumpy. Taking the time here pays off in perfect rice texture.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion if using, sautéing just until the onion is translucent and the garlic fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This builds a savory foundation to flavor the rice.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the drained basmati rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. Toasting lightly enhances its nutty aroma and allows it to soak up the garlic and onion flavors before adding liquids.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Crumble in the chicken bouillon cube and stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This blend simmers gently to infuse the rice with wonderful color and a balance of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the rice simmer covered for 18 to 20 minutes until tender and all the liquid is absorbed. This slow simmer makes the rice tender and infused with all those beautiful flavors.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. Resting allows the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy. Then, fluff gently with a fork before serving.
Step 7: Prep the Steak
While the rice is cooking, pat your sirloin steak strips dry and season them generously with Montreal steak seasoning on both sides. This seasoning profile adds a bright, herbaceous, and slightly peppery crust that enhances the steak beautifully.
Step 8: Cook the Steak
Heat olive oil and butter together in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak strips. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until cooked to your preferred doneness. The butter adds richness and helps the steak caramelize to perfection.
Step 9: Combine Steak and Rice
Fluff the cooked basmati rice once more, then layer the beautifully seared steak strips on top. Generously drizzle creamy white queso over everything, letting its luscious texture melt into the warm rice and steak.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Finish the bowl by sprinkling fresh cilantro for a pop of color and brightness. If you like, serve alongside warm flour tortillas—perfect for wrapping bites or soaking up any extra queso sauce.
How to Serve Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic, but you can also add chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños for heat, or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. These toppings add freshness and complexity, making every bite vibrant and exciting.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a side salad of crisp lettuce, avocado slices, or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness. For extra veggies, consider roasted corn or grilled peppers alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this bowl in a rustic, deep dish or even in warm tortilla bowls for edible containers that add texture and a fun twist. You can also layer ingredients in mason jars for meal prep or potluck gatherings, keeping the queso separate until serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the queso separate if possible to prevent it from thickening too much in the fridge.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Freeze the rice and cooked steak in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, keeping any cheese topping aside until ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet or microwave to retain moisture. Add a little splash of broth or water while reheating the rice to revive its fluffy texture. Add fresh queso or reheat cheese separately if desired for the best creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for the Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is preferred for its balance of tenderness and flavor, flank steak or ribeye also make great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is basmati rice necessary, or can I use another type?
Basmati is ideal for its long grains and fluffy texture after cooking, but jasmine rice or even long-grain white rice can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand, though the texture might differ slightly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your bouillon cube and seasonings do not contain gluten. Skip the tortillas or use gluten-free tortillas for a fully gluten-free meal.
How spicy is this Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add heat with jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier seasoning blend on the steak if preferred. It’s very versatile when it comes to spice level.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To veganize, substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or seitan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap white queso for a vegan cheese sauce. The rice remains delicious and flavorful with these tweaks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. It’s a perfect mix of hearty steak, fluffy tomato-infused rice, and creamy queso that makes every bite comforting yet exciting. If you’re looking to impress yourself or others with a dish that’s as flavorful as it is simple, give this recipe a try. Trust me, it’s a winner every time!
Print
Steak & Queso Basmati Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Steak & Queso Rice is a flavorful one-pan dish combining tender sirloin steak strips with savory basmati rice cooked in a tomato and chicken broth mixture, topped with creamy white queso and fresh cilantro. This meal offers a comforting balance of juicy steak, aromatic spices, and cheesy goodness, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
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
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Steak and Toppings
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Montreal steak seasoning to taste
- White Queso for topping
- Fresh Cilantro for garnish
- Flour tortillas (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy rice.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion 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 it and absorb the garlic and onion flavors.
- 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, then stir everything together.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove skillet from heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes to allow the rice to settle and become fluffy.
- Prep the Steak: While the rice cooks, season sirloin steak strips generously on both sides with Montreal steak seasoning.
- Cook the Steak: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak strips and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until done to your liking.
- Add Steak to Pan: Fluff the cooked rice and spread it on a serving dish or keep in skillet. Top with the cooked steak strips and drizzle generously with white queso.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm flour tortillas on the side if desired.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly ensures non-sticky, fluffy grains.
- You can substitute crushed tomatoes with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce based on preference.
- Adjust Montreal steak seasoning amount according to taste.
- Cooking times for steak can be modified depending on preferred doneness.
- Flour tortillas make a great accompaniment but are optional.
- Letting cooked rice rest covered improves texture and fluffiness.
