Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Steak Queso Rice is a fantastic dish that brings together the comforting flavors of steak and creamy queso cheese. It is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare. This recipe offers a complete meal in a single pan, making clean-up a breeze. It’s an excellent way to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist the combination of tender steak, cheesy goodness, and seasoned rice?
How to Make One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 pound steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Directions:
Heat the Olive Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will help to create a nice sear on the steak and will also help cook the vegetables.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become softened and start to turn translucent. This builds the base of flavor for your dish.
Cook the Steak: Once the vegetables are softened, add the steak pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are nicely browned. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add the Rice: After the steak is browned, stir in the uncooked rice. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors.
Pour in the Beef Broth: Now, pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the broth.
Stir in the Queso Cheese: After the rice is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the queso cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes creamy. This will make your dish rich and delicious.
Season the Dish: Tweak the flavors by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This is your chance to balance the flavors according to your liking.
Serve Hot: Serve the One-Pan Steak Queso Rice hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. The cilantro adds a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
How to Serve One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
This dish can be served as a stand-alone meal, but for an extra touch, consider serving it with a side of tortilla chips. You can also offer some fresh salsa or guacamole for dipping. This can enhance the experience and bring out more flavors alongside the creamy queso. If you need a drink, try serving it with a refreshing iced tea or a cold beer to complement the hearty meal.
How to Store One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. The dish can last up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or heat it in a skillet over low heat. Make sure to add a splash of water or beef broth while reheating to keep it moist.
Tips to Make One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
Choose the Right Steak: For best results, choose a cut of steak that is tender, such as sirloin or ribeye. These cuts will yield the best flavor and texture when cooked.
Properly Dice Your Vegetables: Make sure to dice the onion and bell pepper evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate and ensures that every bite is flavorful.
Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Allow the broth to simmer gently. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you enjoy a creamier dish, feel free to add more queso cheese. Likewise, if you like it less cheesy, adjust according to your preference.
Variation
If you’re looking to change things up, consider these variations:
Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking to inject some heat into the dish.
Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can also work beautifully in this recipe.
Vegetable Additions: You can incorporate other vegetables like corn, black beans, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Substitute Protein: For a different protein option, you can swap the steak for ground beef, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover steak works great in this recipe. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it at the same point you would add the raw steak, reducing the cooking time to just warming it through.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can pre-cook the components and store them in the fridge until you are ready to assemble. When you’re ready to eat, combine the ingredients and heat them together.
3. Is One-Pan Steak Queso Rice a good meal prep option?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can portion out servings and reheat them throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Making One-Pan Steak Queso Rice at home is an easy and rewarding experience. With its vibrant flavors and straightforward method, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking a hearty meal. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready for a delicious dining experience!
Print
One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender steak, creamy queso cheese, and seasoned rice all in one pan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the steak pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover to simmer for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in the queso cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Notes
This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, salsa, or guacamole. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg