If you’re craving something vibrant, comforting, and bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Steak & Queso Rice: A Tex-Mex Fiesta at Home Recipe. This dish artfully combines tender sirloin steak with creamy white queso, all nestled on a bed of perfectly seasoned rice that simmers up layers of savory goodness. With every bite, you get the warmth of cumin and cilantro tangling with the hearty richness of steak and the smooth indulgence of queso. It’s an exciting, colorful meal that’s simple to make but feels like a true celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Steak & Queso Rice: A Tex-Mex Fiesta at Home Recipe means gathering some straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one plays a specific role, making sure your dish hits all the right notes in taste, texture, and appearance.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: The perfect base that soaks up all those wonderful flavors while staying fluffy and light.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps toast the rice and gently cooks the onion and garlic for a rich, aromatic foundation.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when softened with garlic.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings a warm, inviting flavor that wakes up the whole recipe.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Imparts savory richness that makes the rice extra tasty.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce: Gives a bright, tangy undertone and beautiful color to the rice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of bite and depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings that unmistakable Tex-Mex warmth and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro: Provides herbal brightness that lingers on the palate.
- 1 pound sirloin steak, sliced: The star protein, juicy and flavorful when cooked right.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to cook the steak, enhancing richness and helping with that beautiful sear.
- Montreal steak spice (to taste): A perfect seasoning blend that adds savory complexity to the steak.
- Pancho’s White Queso (enough for drizzling): Creamy, cheesy luxury that melts everything together.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnishing: Brightens and freshens every bite with a pop of green.
- Flour tortillas for serving: Soft, warm, and ideal for scooping up the fiesta on your plate.
How to Make Steak & Queso Rice: A Tex-Mex Fiesta at Home Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Rice and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the rice, stirring frequently, until it’s lightly browned, which adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate. Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until soft and fragrant — this creates the flavorful foundation your dish needs.
Step 2: Simmer the Rice in Broth and Tomato Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring in salt, black pepper, cumin, and dried cilantro. Bringing everything to a boil before lowering the heat ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the spices and tomato’s vibrant flavor. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and perfect.
Step 3: Cook the Sirloin Steak
While the rice finishes, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced sirloin steak generously with Montreal steak spice and sear it until it reaches your desired doneness. Cooking the steak separately allows for that gorgeous crust and juicy texture that makes this steak & queso rice truly irresistible.
Step 4: Let the Rice Rest and Fluff
Remove the rice from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This step lets the rice finish steaming, fluff up, and lock in all those delicious flavors. Afterward, fluff it gently with a fork for a light and airy texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Drizzle with Queso
Now the fun part: layer the fluffy rice onto a serving platter, top it with the sizzling sirloin steak slices, and generously drizzle Pancho’s White Queso over everything. The creamy white queso adds an indulgent creaminess that perfectly complements the spice and savory notes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a lively, fresh finish and serve with warm flour tortillas on the side to soak up all the goodness.
How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice: A Tex-Mex Fiesta at Home Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro add a fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. You can also sprinkle a little additional ground cumin or paprika on top if you want an extra pop of color and flavor flair.
Side Dishes
Serve with classic Tex-Mex sides such as refried beans, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp, zesty Mexican slaw to balance the creamy and hearty textures in the dish. Fresh lime wedges are an excellent addition for a squeeze of acidity that livens up every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the steak & queso rice in small cast iron skillets or rustic bowls for a cozy, inviting presentation. Layering the rice and steak in individual tortillas to make steak & queso rice tacos also offers a fun twist, perfect for parties or casual weeknights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover steak & queso rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the steak and rice together helps the flavors meld, but if you want the steak to retain its texture, store it separately and combine just before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep texture intact and flavors fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Cover while warming to help steam the rice and soften the steak again. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for its balance of tenderness and flavor, flank or skirt steak can also work beautifully. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is Pancho’s White Queso essential, or can I substitute?
You can substitute with any creamy white cheese sauce or even a mild queso blanco. The important part is having that creamy, melty element to balance the spices and richness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms, grilled vegetables, or seasoned tofu for a delicious vegetarian version that still carries the Tex-Mex flavors wonderfully.
How spicy is this Steak & Queso Rice recipe?
The spice level is mild and balanced, thanks to the Montreal steak spice and cumin. You can easily adjust by adding a little chili powder or jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat.
What kind of tortillas work best with this dish?
Soft flour tortillas are the classic choice here, offering great pliability for scooping and wrapping. However, corn tortillas or even crispy tortilla chips can add fun texture contrasts.
Final Thoughts
Making Steak & Queso Rice: A Tex-Mex Fiesta at Home Recipe is like inviting a party of flavors right into your kitchen. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet flavorful and impressive enough for entertaining friends and family. Give it a try soon—you’ll find yourself craving this warm, cheesy, meaty delight again and again!
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Steak & Queso Rice: A Tex-Mex Fiesta at Home Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Steak & Queso Rice is a vibrant Tex-Mex-inspired dish combining tender sirloin steak with flavorful seasoned rice, all topped with creamy Pancho’s White Queso and fresh cilantro. This quick and satisfying recipe brings a festive Southwestern flair to your home kitchen, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
Steak
- 1 pound sirloin steak, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Montreal steak spice, to taste
Toppings and Sides
- Pancho’s White Queso, enough for drizzling
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnishing
- Flour tortillas, for serving
Instructions
- Toast the rice: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir continuously until it is lightly browned, which brings out a nutty flavor. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.
- Simmer the rice: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce into the skillet with the rice mixture. Stir in salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and dried cilantro. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes until the rice is fully tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Cook the steak: While the rice cooks, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sirloin steak and season it generously with Montreal steak spice. Cook the steak pieces to your preferred doneness, then remove from heat and set aside to rest.
- Rest and fluff the rice: Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to firm up. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Assemble and serve: Spread the cooked rice on a serving platter, layer the cooked steak strips on top, and drizzle generously with Pancho’s White Queso. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside warm flour tortillas for a complete Tex-Mex meal experience.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rice during cooking.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the steak with grilled vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Pancho’s White Queso can be replaced with any creamy cheese sauce you like.
- Make sure to let the rice rest after cooking to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Adjust the Montreal steak spice amount based on your preferred seasoning level.
