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
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
- 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.
