Steak & Queso Rice 

This Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious Tex‑Mex one‑skillet meal that combines fluffy, seasoned rice, tender sirloin steak, and a creamy white queso drizzle. Inspired by family recipes and restaurant favorites, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or Taco Tuesday. It brings together the rich flavors of cumin, garlic, tomato, and beef with gooey cheese, finishing with fresh cilantro and optional tortillas. Ready in about 35–40 minutes, it tastes indulgent while being easy and satisfying—comfort food with a fiesta twist! 

Ingredients

• For the Rice:
  
  

  • 1 cup long‑grain white or basmati rice
    
    

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
    
    

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    
    

  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
    
    

  • 2 cups chicken broth
    
    

  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
    
    

  • ½ tsp salt
    
    

  • ½ tsp black pepper
    
    

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
    
    

  • 1 tsp dried cilantro (optional)
    
    

• For the Steak:
  
  

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
    
    

  • 2 Tbsp butter
    
    

  • Montreal steak seasoning (to taste) 

• For Assembly:
  
  

  • White queso (e.g., Pancho’s) for drizzling
    
    

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
    
    

  • Flour tortillas (optional)
    
    

Directions

1. Toast the Rice: Heat oil over medium in a large skillet. Add rice and stir until lightly golden. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
   
   

2. Simmer: Stir in broth, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, cumin, and cilantro. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
   
   

3. Rest Rice: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes to finish absorbing moisture.
   
   

4. Cook Steak: While rice simmers, melt butter in another skillet on medium‑high. Add steak, season with Montreal seasoning, and cook 4–5 minutes per side (or to preferred doneness).
   
   

5. Assemble: Fluff rice and transfer to a serving dish. Layer steak on top, drizzle with warm queso, and sprinkle cilantro. Serve with tortillas if desired.
   
   

Nutrients (per serving, serves ~4–5)

• Calories: ~630 kcal
  
  

• Protein: ~40 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~60 g
  
  

• Fat: ~28 g
  
  

• Sodium: moderate (depends on broth, queso, seasoning)