This Steak Cheese and Rice recipe combines seasoned Spanish-style rice with seared sirloin steak and melted white queso for a Tex-Mex inspired one-pan meal. The recipe builds flavor through toasting the rice before adding liquid, creating a more complex base than plain steamed rice. The technique involves cooking components separately then combining them, which ensures proper texture for both the rice and steak while allowing the cheese to melt over everything.
The dish functions as either a complete meal served from the skillet or as filling for flour tortillas, making it versatile for different serving preferences. The combination creates a hearty meal that delivers familiar comfort food satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick 30-Minute Timeline – Complete meal ready in half an hour with simple preparation steps.
One-Pan Convenience – Uses two skillets but combines into one for serving, minimizing cleanup.
Versatile Serving Options – Works as standalone meal or wrapped in tortillas for handheld eating.
Budget-Friendly Protein – Uses affordable sirloin steak that’s enhanced by proper seasoning and cooking.
Taco Tuesday Alternative – Provides variation on Mexican-inspired meals while maintaining familiar flavors.
Customizable Heat Level – Easy to adjust spicing and add hot sauces based on individual preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Spanish Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice – provides substantial starch base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – helps toast rice and adds flavor
- 1 small onion, chopped – contributes aromatic foundation
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic – adds savory depth
- 2 cups chicken broth – creates flavorful cooking liquid
- 8 oz tomato sauce – provides color and tomato flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper – essential seasoning
- 1 teaspoon each cumin and dried cilantro – adds Mexican-inspired flavoring
For the Steak Component:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut up – provides protein element
- 2 tablespoons butter – adds richness for cooking steak
- Montreal steak seasoning – enhances beef flavor
For Assembly and Serving:
- Pancho’s White Queso (or similar white cheese sauce) – creates creamy topping
- Fresh cilantro – adds bright finish
- Flour tortillas – optional for wrapping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Create the Rice Foundation
Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice. Add to skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil, stirring to toast the rice lightly for enhanced flavor.
Build the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the toasted rice, stirring well to combine and cook until fragrant.
Add Liquid and Seasonings
Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and all seasonings. Stir well and bring to a bubble.
Cook the Rice
Once bubbling, cover with lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Prepare the Steak
While rice cooks, add butter to a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add cut-up steak and season with Montreal steak seasoning. Cook to desired doneness.
Combine and Finish
Top the cooked rice with the cooked steak. Pour white queso over the combined steak and rice, then garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve as Desired
Serve directly from skillet or use as filling for flour tortillas. Accompany with salsa, pico de gallo, or taco sauce as preferred.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Rice Toasting – Don’t skip the toasting step; it adds significant flavor depth to the final dish.
Steak Doneness – Cook steak to personal preference; medium to medium-well works well for this application.
Liquid Absorption – Adjust cooking time if rice needs more time to become tender.
Cheese Application – Add queso while components are hot to ensure proper melting.
Serving Temperature – Best served immediately while cheese is melty and components are hot.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Substantial meal combining protein and starch
Perfect Pairings
Fresh Elements – Pico de gallo, fresh salsa, or diced avocado provide cooling contrast.
Acidic Balance – Lime wedges or pickled jalapeños cut through the richness effectively.
Additional Sides – Refried beans or Mexican street corn extend the meal for larger appetites.
Beverage Options – Beer, agua fresca, or iced tea complement the Tex-Mex flavors.
Ideal Occasions
Weeknight Family Dinners – Quick preparation makes it practical for busy schedules.
Taco Tuesday Variation – Provides different format while maintaining Mexican-inspired theme.
Casual Entertaining – Interactive serving style works well for informal gatherings.
Comfort Food Cravings – Delivers satisfying combination of meat, starch, and cheese.
Storage & Serving Tips
Immediate Consumption – Best served hot while cheese is melted and flavors are at peak.
Leftover Management – Refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent rice from drying out.
Reheating Method – Add splash of broth when reheating to restore moisture.
Tortilla Warming – Warm tortillas in dry skillet or microwave if using for wrapping.
Creative Variations to Try
Protein Alternatives – Use chicken, ground beef, or shrimp for different flavor profiles.
Rice Modifications – Add diced tomatoes or peppers to the rice for extra vegetables.
Spice Adjustments – Include jalapeños or hot sauce for those preferring more heat.
Cheese Options – Try different Mexican cheese varieties or combinations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Undercooked Rice – Add more liquid and continue cooking until tender.
Dry Results – Ensure adequate liquid during rice cooking and add more if needed.
Bland Flavor – Taste and adjust seasonings, particularly salt and cumin.
Overcooked Steak – Monitor carefully and remove from heat when desired doneness is reached.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish succeeds because it uses proper technique for Spanish-style rice while keeping the steak preparation simple but effective. The toasting step creates flavor depth in the rice while the separate cooking ensures both components achieve optimal texture before combining.
The cheese and fresh cilantro tie everything together while the tortilla option provides serving flexibility.
Final Thoughts
This recipe represents practical weeknight cooking that delivers satisfying flavors without requiring complex techniques or exotic ingredients. The combination of familiar elements in a slightly different format provides enough novelty to feel interesting while remaining approachable for regular meal rotation.
Whether served as a skillet meal or wrapped in tortillas, it provides the kind of hearty satisfaction that makes ordinary dinners feel more special and complete.
