Description
Sizzling Mexican-inspired “Steak & Queso Rice” brings bold flavors dancing across your plate with creamy cheese and tender beef. Spicy, melty goodness promises a quick weeknight dinner that delivers maximum satisfaction in minimal time.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup (60 grams) queso dip or prepared queso sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Initiate the rice preparation by bringing broth to a vigorous boil in a medium saucepan. Gently introduce rice, lower temperature, and cover, allowing it to simmer until tender and liquid is completely absorbed, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- While rice cooks, transform steak pieces with a robust blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame, then sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and desired internal temperature.
- Once rice reaches perfect consistency, integrate butter, milk, shredded cheese, queso dip, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir vigorously until cheese melts completely, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Artfully distribute the queso-infused rice across serving plates or bowls, strategically positioning the expertly seared steak pieces on top.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro and vibrant diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Complete the presentation with zesty lime wedges, offering a bright, citrusy accent to the rich, savory creation.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels for those watching their sodium intake.
- Select tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the most melt-in-your-mouth steak experience.
- Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version of the dish.
- Rest the steak for 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Toast spices briefly in the pan before seasoning the steak to enhance their deep, complex flavors.
- Choose brown rice for added fiber and nutty flavor if seeking a more nutritious base.
- Keep the skillet hot when searing steak to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior without overcooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance for a customized spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg