Name: Steak Cheese and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 cups chicken broth; 8 oz tomato sauce; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp dried cilantro; 1 pound sirloin steak; 2 tbsp butter; Montreal steak seasoning; Pancho’s White Queso; Fresh Cilantro; Flour tortillas

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Let me introduce you to a game-changer for your next dinner: Steak Cheese and Rice. This flavor-packed mashup brings together juicy steak, fluffy rice, and dreamy white queso in a single, swoon-worthy skillet. It’s the perfect answer for anyone craving robust, restaurant-style Tex-Mex comfort at home. Whether you serve it sizzling from the skillet or wrapped up in warm flour tortillas, you’ll want to put Steak Cheese and Rice on repeat. Rich flavors, a simple ingredient list, and a hands-off cooking process make this dish a true weeknight winner.

Steak Cheese and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This collection of ingredients is all about building layers of flavor and texture without complicated steps. Each component brings something special — from the deeply savory steak to the creamy queso and the aromatic finish from fresh cilantro, every bite is a mini celebration!

Long grain white rice: Gives the dish its tender, fluffy base and soaks up all the other flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: Helps toast the rice and adds a subtle richness right from the start.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth, softening into the rice as it cooks.
Minced garlic: Infuses an irresistible aromatic punch that ties everything together.
Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor to the rice while helping it achieve the perfect texture.
Tomato sauce: A splash of brightness and color binds everything together.
Salt and pepper: The basics, but essential for balancing and popping all the flavors.
Cumin and dried cilantro: Lend a warm, earthy backbone and hint of herbal freshness to the rice.
Sirloin steak: Tender and juicy, it’s the star of Steak Cheese and Rice, delivering big, beefy flavor.
Butter: For searing the steak, making it wonderfully caramelized and flavorful.
Montreal steak seasoning: Adds a peppery punch and just the right amount of spice.
Pancho’s White Queso: Silky, melty, and gloriously cheesy — it turns this dish into ultimate comfort food.
Fresh cilantro: Sprinkled over the top, it gifts the finished dish with a pop of green and freshness.
Flour tortillas: Perfect for scooping or wrapping, they make every bite even more satisfying.

How to Make Steak Cheese and Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Rinse your long grain white rice under cold water to remove extra starch. Add it to a skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Stir the rice for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant and ever-so-slightly golden. This step is your secret ticket to fluffy, restaurant-style rice with zero stickiness.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Broth

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sizzle just long enough to release their magic. Now, pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, and dried cilantro. The mix should look vibrant and smell heavenly! Stir well so every grain is coated, and let the mixture reach a gentle bubble.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Once the pot is bubbling, cover it with a snug lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let your rice cook for about 20 minutes. No peeking! The steam will work wonders, leaving you with rice that’s tender, flavorful, and marvelously fluffy — the perfect base for Steak Cheese and Rice.

Step 4: Sear and Season the Steak

While your rice is working its magic, melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak, then season generously with Montreal steak seasoning. Sear the steak until it’s cooked to your favorite doneness, turning as needed for a good sear. Once the steak is irresistibly browned outside and juicy inside, set the skillet aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Steak Cheese and Rice

Layer the cooked steak right over the finished rice in your first skillet. Now comes the showstopper — pour Pancho’s White Queso all over it, letting the cheese melt dreamily over every nook and cranny. A finishing sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings a fresh herbal note. You can serve it straight from the skillet or pile it into flour tortillas for crowd-pleasing wraps.

How to Serve Steak Cheese and Rice

Garnishes

A flurry of fresh cilantro is both classic and essential — it brightens up the finished dish, balancing out the richness of the steak and cheese. Consider adding a pinch of sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a dollop of guacamole for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Steak Cheese and Rice is plenty hearty on its own, but it shines even brighter with some classic partners! Serve it with a bowl of fresh salsa, homemade pico de gallo, crisp tortilla chips, or a simple side salad with avocado and lime. For an extra cozy meal, corn on the cob or black beans are perfect pairings.

Creative Ways to Present

While it’s fantastic served family-style in a skillet, you can also try rolling Steak Cheese and Rice into warm flour tortillas for cheesy steak burritos. For parties, scoop it into mini taco shells or serve on top of baked sweet potatoes. Embrace creativity — this dish loves any twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let everything cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Steak Cheese and Rice keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making for even tastier lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze the rice and steak mixture (skip the fresh cilantro and queso until reheating). Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat before adding your warm white queso and fresh garnishes.

Reheating

To reheat, add the Steak Cheese and Rice into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Microwave is also an option for a quick lunch — just heat in intervals and stir well so everything gets hot and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Steak Cheese and Rice?

Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and easy to work with, you can swap in ribeye, flank steak, or even pre-cooked steak strips. Thinner cuts may cook more quickly, so keep an eye out to avoid overcooking.

Is Pancho’s White Queso necessary?

Pancho’s White Queso has a wonderful creamy consistency, but if you can’t find it, any good-quality white queso or even a homemade cheese sauce will work. Just aim for something melty and flavorful to do justice to the Steak Cheese and Rice.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! For a vegetarian take, swap the steak for sautéed portobello mushrooms or black beans. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You’ll still get a delicious, cheese-packed skillet meal that highlights all the best parts of Steak Cheese and Rice.

How can I spice things up?

If you love a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to your rice, or drizzle the finished dish with hot sauce. Spicy salsa or pepper jack cheese can also add an extra zing to your Steak Cheese and Rice.

Can I make Steak Cheese and Rice ahead for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the rice and steak ahead of time and keep them separate. When your guests arrive, heat them together in a skillet, pour over the fresh queso, and garnish before serving. This way, everything will be hot, gooey, and show-stopping.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this dish is a go-to in my kitchen — Steak Cheese and Rice is hearty, easy, and completely satisfying. It’s a one-pan wonder that always draws people to the table. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with its bold flavors and homey charm!

Steak Cheese and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Steak Cheese and Rice recipe is a delightful combination of savory steak, cheesy queso, and flavorful rice, all brought together in a satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal.

Instructions

Rinse and Toast Rice: Rinse the rice and toast it in a skillet with olive oil. Add onion, garlic, broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Cook until bubbling.
Cook Rice: Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
Cook Steak: Sear steak with butter and seasoning until cooked to your liking.
Assemble: Top cooked rice with steak, white queso, and cilantro. Serve in tortillas.
Enjoy: Serve with salsa, Pico de Gallo, or taco sauce.