Indulge in this flavorful steak & queso rice recipe that promises to elevate your dinner game. With juicy steak, creamy queso, and perfectly cooked rice, this dish is a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and bring this culinary masterpiece to your table!
Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 cup queso cheese sauce
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
For one serving (1/4 of the total recipe), this dish contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Season the flank steak with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
3. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
5. In the same skillet, add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
6. Stir in the cooked rice, mixing well with the veggies.
7. Pour in the queso cheese sauce and stir until heated through.
8. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
9. Serve the rice mixture on plates and top with sliced steak.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute flank steak with sirloin or chicken for a different flavor. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, and swap queso for a vegan cheese if desired.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or grilled vegetables. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with a cold margarita or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the steak to prevent it from becoming tough.
– Don’t skip resting the steak; it helps retain juices.
– Ensure the rice is fully cooked; undercooked rice can ruin the dish.
– Be careful with the amount of seasoning; adjust to your taste preference.
– Keep an eye on the queso to avoid burning.
Helpful Tips
– Use a meat thermometer for perfect steak doneness.
– Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
– Experiment with different veggies in the rice for added nutrition.
– Add extra spices to the queso for more flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile. Make sure it’s meltable to achieve a creamy consistency.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the queso or rice mixture. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made in advance. Just reheat portions as needed throughout the week.
Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?
Yes, leftover steak works perfectly in this recipe. Just slice it thinly and add it to the rice and queso mixture to warm through.
What can I serve this with?
This dish goes well with a side of guacamole, chips, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the queso.
Conclusion
The steak & queso rice recipe is a delightful and satisfying meal that brings together rich flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite and share with friends and family!
Steak & Queso Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Season the flank steak with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
- Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in the cooked rice, mixing well with the veggies.
- Pour in the queso cheese sauce and stir until heated through.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve the rice mixture on plates and top with sliced steak.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
