Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines juicy steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a special celebration. This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to make, ensuring that you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
• 1 cup (240ml) queso dip (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups (480ml) cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Preparation

Preparing the Steak:

1. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Preparing the Queso:

1. If using homemade queso, prepare it according to your favorite recipe.
2. If using store-bought queso, heat it in a saucepan over low heat until warm and creamy.

Cooking the Rice:

1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
2. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Combining Ingredients

Mixing the Steak and Queso with Rice:

1. In the skillet used to cook the steak, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
2. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
3. Pour the warm queso over the rice and mix until the rice is evenly coated.
4. Add the sliced steak to the skillet and gently fold it into the rice and queso mixture.

Cooking Instructions

Final Cooking Steps:

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Grilling: Grill the steak instead of cooking it in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
• Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours for a more hands-off approach.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Sides:

• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or tortilla chips.
• For a heartier meal, pair with refried beans or Mexican street corn.

Garnishing Tips:

• Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeño slices.
• Serve with lime wedges for a fresh citrusy touch.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
2. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Variations

Different Meats to Try:

• Substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Use ground beef or turkey for a quicker and more budget-friendly option.

Vegetarian Options:

• Replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to make it more filling.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Tender Steak:

1. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your preferred doneness.
2. Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

Perfect Queso Consistency:

1. If the queso is too thick, thin it out with a little milk or cream.
2. If the queso is too thin, simmer it longer until it reaches the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I Use a Different Cheese?
   • Yes, you can use your favorite cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
2. How Can I Make It Spicier?
   • Add more jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the queso.
3. What Can I Substitute for Steak?
   • Chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu can be used as substitutes for steak.
4. Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
5. How Do I Make It Gluten-Free?
   • Ensure that all ingredients, especially the queso dip, are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is a delightful and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a gourmet meal that is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Yield: 4

Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

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Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines juicy steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. It's a perfect meal for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a special celebration. This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to make, ensuring that you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati Rice
• 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
• 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
• 1 can, about 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes, you can used diced instead or tomato sauce instead
• 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
• 1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into thin strips
• 2 tbsp 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. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
• Sauté Garlic and Onion: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
• Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors of garlic and onion.
• 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. Stir everything together.
• Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Rest and Fluff: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to settle and become fluffy.
• Prep Steak: While the rice is cooking, season the sirloin steak strips generously on both sides with Montreal steak seasoning.
• Cook Steak: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned steak. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it’s done to your liking.
• Add Steak to Pan: Fluff the cooked rice and add the cooked steak over top of the rice and generously drizzle with white queso.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with warm flour tortillas on the side if desired.