Steak and Queso Rice Delight (Print version)

Juicy sirloin strips over fluffy tomato rice with warm white queso, cilantro, and lime for a hearty Tex-Mex dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the steak

01 - 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the rice

09 - 1 1/2 cups (285 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
12 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
14 - 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
15 - 1 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled
16 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

For serving

19 - 1 1/2 cups (360 g) prepared white queso dip, warmed
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - Sliced jalapenos or pico de gallo, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Pat the steak strips dry. Toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and 1 tablespoon olive oil, then set aside while you start the rice.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes, then add garlic and rice and stir for 2 minutes until the rice smells lightly toasted.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, bouillon, paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove the rice from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Heat a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter, then cook the steak strips in a single layer for 3-5 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Work in batches if needed.
06 - Spoon the tomato rice into bowls. Top with steak, drizzle with warm white queso, and finish with cilantro, lime wedges, and any optional toppings.

# Good to know:

01 - Serve immediately while the queso is warm and pourable.
02 - For meal prep, store rice, steak, and queso separately for best texture.
03 - Use gluten-free broth, bouillon, and queso if cooking for a gluten-free diet.

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