Description
If you’re craving a meal that hits all the right comfort‑food notes — creamy, cheesy, juicy, and hearty — then this Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips is your new best friend. Think fluffy rice soaked in savory spices, topped with tender steak and bathed in warm queso. It’s simple, satisfying — and perfect for a cozy dinner or a make‑ahead meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 2.5 cups chicken broth + 1 bouillon cube (or veggie broth)
- 1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Montreal steak seasoning (or your favorite blend)
- White queso, for topping (store‑bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: warm flour tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Rinse basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add rinsed rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Add bouillon cube, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let rice rest for 5 minutes with lid on, then fluff with a fork.
- In another skillet, heat butter (and a bit of oil if needed) over medium-high. Season steak strips with steak seasoning.
- Once hot, sear steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your liking. Let rest before serving.
- To assemble, spread rice on plates or bowls. Layer steak strips on top and drizzle with warm white queso.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with warm tortillas, if desired.
Notes
To meal prep, cook rice and steak separately and store in airtight containers. Reheat in skillet or microwave with splash of broth. Add more queso if needed. For variations, try grilled veggies or tofu instead of steak, or spice it up with jalapeños or chili flakes. Swap cheese types or rice varieties to change up the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: queso rice, steak and rice, cheesy rice bowl, Tex-Mex dinner, easy skillet meal