Cheesy Steak & Rice Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, look no further than Cheesy Steak & Rice! Tender strips of NY strip steak sizzle alongside zesty cilantro lime rice, all drenched in creamy queso and crowned with fresh pico and cilantro. Every bite is hearty, cheesy, and a celebration of bold, satisfying flavors—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or your next casual gathering.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Steak & Rice is that it keeps things simple but every ingredient shines. Each element—tender steak, bright-tasting rice, melty queso—brings something unique to the table. Let’s talk about what makes each part so essential!

• NY Strip Steak: This cut sears up beautifully, staying tender while offering rich beefy flavor—it’s ideal for quick-cooking on a griddle.
• Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point is perfect for griddling steak and rice without burning, plus it adds a mild, buttery touch.
• Salt & Pepper: The classic seasoning duo to bring out the steak’s natural flavors.
• Cumin and Dried Cilantro: Earthy and herby, these amplify the Tex-Mex character of your steak.
• Chili Powder & Cayenne: These introduce a subtle heat and smoky undertone—adjust to your heat preference!
• Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime (3 packs): Shortcuts like ready rice make this dish super fast while packing every bite with fresh citrusy flavor.
• Water: Just a splash on the rice keeps things fluffy and prevents any dryness on the griddle.
• Pancho’s Queso: This is your creamy, cheesy crown—use your favorite queso if you want a twist.
• Pico de Gallo: Cool, refreshing, and juicy—this adds brightness and crunch to each bite.
• Fajita Size Flour Tortillas: The perfect vehicle for scooping up Cheesy Steak & Rice or serving it burrito-style!
• Cilantro: Scattered fresh at the end for that trademark, zippy herbal finish.

Variations

Cheesy Steak & Rice is wonderfully forgiving and invites you to make it your own. Whether you like things a little spicier, are feeding vegetarians, or craving a new twist, these variations make adapting the recipe easy and fun!

• Chicken or Shrimp: Swap out steak for grilled chicken breast or quick-cooked shrimp for a lighter, equally tasty meal.
• Vegetarian Spin: Use grilled portobello mushroom strips or your favorite plant-based meat for a hearty meatless version.
• Cheese Adventures: Try smoky pepper jack, a homemade salsa con queso, or add shredded cheddar for more melty goodness.
• Load Up on Veggies: Stir in fire-roasted corn, sautéed bell peppers, or black beans for extra nutrients and bursts of color.

How to Make Cheesy Steak & Rice

Step 1: Slice & Season the Steak

With a sharp knife, thinly slice your NY strip steak against the grain—this helps it stay tender and lets the seasonings really coat every piece. Set the strips aside and bring out your salt, pepper, cumin, dried cilantro, chili powder, and cayenne. You’ll sprinkle these over the steak right before it hits the griddle for maximum flavor punch.

Step 2: Sizzle the Rice

Preheat your griddle to medium heat and drizzle over a bit of avocado oil. Add all three packs of Ben’s Original Cilantro Lime Rice right onto the hot surface, then pour in your water. A quick cover with a griddle dome lets that steam work its magic—fluffing the rice to perfection and infusing it with extra limey fragrance.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

On the other side of your hot griddle, add another slick of oil and spread out the steak strips. While the steak sears, season generously with all your spices—don’t be shy! Sauté, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned outside and juicy inside. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like things bolder.

Step 4: Combine, Cheese, and Finish

Once the steak and rice are both sizzling and ready, fold the steak into the rice in a glorious mashup. Slide everything off the griddle, then heat up your Pancho’s queso until pourable. Generously drizzle the white queso all over your Cheesy Steak & Rice creation and finish with a shower of freshly chopped cilantro. The aroma is irresistible!

Step 5: Warm Tortillas & Serve

While everything is piping hot, warm your fajita-size tortillas (a few seconds per side on the griddle is perfect). Serve piles of Cheesy Steak & Rice in tortillas, topped with fresh pico de gallo—or just enjoy as a cheesy rice bowl. Dive in while it’s melty!

How to Serve Cheesy Steak & Rice

Garnishes

This dish comes alive with fresh garnishes: a flurry of chopped cilantro adds color and zesty flavor, while an extra spoonful of pico de gallo brings cooling crunch and juiciness to each serving. For extra flair, scatter thinly sliced radishes or a sprinkle of finely crumbled cotija cheese on top.

Side Dishes

Pair Cheesy Steak & Rice with a crisp green salad, classic Mexican street corn, or smoky grilled vegetables for a gorgeous plate. Black beans or refried beans also make a satisfying, fiber-rich accompaniment. Don’t forget the chips and salsa to round things out!

Creative Ways to Present

Show off Cheesy Steak & Rice by serving it in warm tortillas as crowd-pleasing tacos or roll everything up into hearty burritos. For parties, scoop portions into mini tortilla cups for a playful appetizer. In a bowl, pile high with all your garnishes for an irresistible burrito bowl experience—let everyone customize their toppings for interactive fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a lifesaver! Transfer any Cheesy Steak & Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store garnishes, tortillas, and pico de gallo separately so everything stays fresh and appealing.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Steak & Rice! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers; it will keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without garnishes or tortillas—just add those fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture. Stir in fresh cheese or more queso as it heats for extra creaminess. Always add a sprinkle of cilantro or fresh pico right before serving for that just-made appeal!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a festive family dinner or a quick weeknight treat, Cheesy Steak & Rice is the kind of dish that always leaves smiles around the table. It’s delicious, endlessly customizable, and ready to become a new staple in your home. Grab your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and get ready to savor cheesy, steak-packed joy with every bite!

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