Steak Queso Rice Skillet

$Here’s what you need to make a tasty steak queso rice skillet: - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced - 1 cup uncooked white rice - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup medium salsa - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin powder - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Avocado slices, for serving These ingredients come together to create a rich and savory dish. Flank steak is great for its flavor and tenderness. The white rice acts as a base, soaking up all the delicious juices. Beef broth adds depth, while salsa brings a nice kick. The cheese melts beautifully, giving a creamy texture. Bell peppers and onions add color and sweetness, while garlic boosts the flavor. Cumin and chili powder give that warm spice flavor. Olive oil helps everything cook nicely, and don’t forget the salt and pepper for seasoning. Garnishing with cilantro and avocado makes the dish pop with freshness. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your tastes. Enjoy cooking with these simple yet vibrant ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the flank steak with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. This blend gives it a bold flavor. Let the steak marinate for about 15 minutes. This short time helps the spices soak in. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want it browned and cooked to your liking. If you prefer medium-rare, aim for a nice pink center. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. This step brings out the flavors. Next, add the uncooked rice and stir often for about 2 minutes to toast it lightly. This toasting adds a nutty taste. Now, pour in the beef broth and medium salsa. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This gives the rice time to cook and absorb the liquid. To ensure perfect rice texture, avoid lifting the lid too often. After the rice is cooked, remove the lid and fold in the seared steak. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. For a fresh touch, garnish with cilantro and serve hot with avocado slices on the side. When making steak queso rice skillet, the best cut is flank steak. It is tender and cooks quickly. You can also use sirloin or ribeye. They work well too. For marination, season the steak with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This step adds great depth of flavor to your meat. To boost the taste, consider adding more spices. Paprika can add a nice smokiness. You may also try garlic powder or onion powder. For fresh salsa, mix diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This adds brightness and freshness to your dish. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. For that gooey, melty texture, cheddar cheese is the best choice. It melts nicely and adds great flavor. If you want to switch it up, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese. These options will give you a different taste and nice creaminess. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the flank steak to marinate longer than 15 minutes if possible; even 30 minutes to an hour will enhance the flavor even more. Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice before adding liquids will give it a nutty flavor and improve the overall taste of your dish. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on flavor and spice. Leftover Makeover: This dish makes for great leftovers! Just reheat and add a splash of beef broth to keep the rice moist. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, you have many tasty options. Ground beef works well and cooks quickly. You can also use chicken, which adds a lighter twist. For a plant-based choice, try black beans or lentils. These options fit right into the flavors of this dish. Want to kick it up a notch? Add jalapeños for a spicy touch. You can also drizzle hot sauce over your serving. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. This flexibility makes the dish fun to customize! Looking for a lower-carb option? Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice. This change keeps it light while still being filling. If you need a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cheese. These small tweaks can cater to various diets while keeping the dish flavorful. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge. The shelf life is about three to four days. Always check for any off smells before eating. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. Enjoy your flavorful meal! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook. It usually needs about 40-45 minutes. You should also add more liquid, about 2.5 cups of beef broth for 1 cup of brown rice. This will help keep the rice moist and tender. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. On the stove, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often and add a splash of beef broth to avoid drying out. In the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Yes, this dish works well for meal prep. You can cook it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store, place it in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This recipe is a tasty way to enjoy steak and rice in one dish. We covered everything from ingredients to cooking tips and even variations. You can customize it to fit your taste, whether you want more spice or a different type of protein. Store your leftovers safely and reheat with care for great flavor. I hope you try this dish soon. Enjoy cooking and creating your perfect steak queso rice skillet!$

A delicious and hearty skillet dish featuring seared flank steak, rice, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup medium salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro
for serving avocado slices

Instructions

Start by seasoning the thinly sliced flank steak with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
Pour in the beef broth and salsa, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and fold in the seared steak and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the skillet.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with avocado slices on the side.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Keyword easy dinner, queso, rice, skillet, steak