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Here is what you need to prepare Queso Rice with Steak Strips: - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin strips - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 cup queso blanco cheese, shredded - 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced - ½ cup red onion, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream (for serving) Gather these ingredients before you start. Each one plays a key role in making this dish tasty and fun. The long-grain rice gives a nice texture. Beef broth adds depth to the flavor. Flank steak brings a hearty element, while taco seasoning adds a kick. The queso blanco cheese melts beautifully, making everything creamy. Fresh veggies like bell peppers and red onion add color and crunch. Don't forget the garlic for extra flavor! Fresh cilantro and sour cream are perfect for finishing touches. If you want to see how to combine all these ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. To start, heat 2 cups of beef broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 1 cup of long-grain rice. Bring the mix to a boil. After that, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes. When ready, the rice should be tender and the broth fully absorbed. While the rice cooks, it’s time to get the steak ready. Take 1 pound of flank steak, cut it into thin strips. Season it with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes. You want them browned and cooked to your liking. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. Next, let’s add some color and flavor. In the same skillet, toss in 1 cup of mixed bell peppers, ½ cup of sliced red onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender and fragrant. Now, let’s bring it all together. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Mix in the sautéed vegetables and 1 cup of shredded queso blanco cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and combines well with the rice. Finally, return the cooked steak strips to the skillet. Mix everything together until it’s all combined. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. Using homemade taco seasoning makes this dish shine. You can mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a great taste. Adjust the spice to fit your liking. Choosing the right queso cheese is also key. Queso blanco melts well and adds creaminess. You can also try cheddar for a sharper taste. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor. Adjusting the doneness of the steak is important. For medium-rare, cook for about 3 minutes on each side. If you prefer it more cooked, extend the time. Always let the steak rest before slicing for juiciness. Adding spices to taste can elevate your dish. A pinch of cayenne or black pepper adds warmth. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. For serving suggestions, use deep bowls to showcase the rice. Layer the rice, steak, and veggies for a colorful look. For garnishing ideas, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra flair. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this dish! {{image_2}} You can make Queso Rice without steak. Use tempeh or mushrooms instead of steak. Tempeh gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Mushrooms add a savory taste that enhances the dish. Swap out beef broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. This change still adds depth to the flavor. While queso blanco is great, you can try other cheeses. Cheddar brings a sharp taste that many love. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. You can mix different cheeses for more flavor. Combining cheeses can create a creamy and rich taste that delights your palate. Want more heat? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. This gives your dish a nice kick. If you prefer a milder taste, simply skip spicy seasonings. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. You can make it as fiery or mild as you like. To store leftover queso rice with steak strips, place it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent spoilage, make sure to seal it well. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This keeps the rice moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring between each one. On the stovetop, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Heat over medium-low, stirring gently until warm. To freeze queso rice with steak strips, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently using the stovetop method for the best texture. For the full recipe, check out the Queso Rice with Steak Strips recipe! Queso Rice with Steak Strips takes about 35 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 25 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it a great weeknight meal. Yes, you can make it in advance. Cook the rice and steak, then store them separately. When ready to eat, just reheat and combine. This makes meal prep easy and saves time. You can serve it with several tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - Black beans for added protein - A fresh salad for crunch - Tortilla chips for a fun crunch These sides make your meal more complete and satisfying. Yes, this dish can be gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free beef broth and taco seasoning. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious meal. In this post, we covered a tasty recipe for Queso Rice with Steak Strips. You learned about ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and ways to enhance flavors. We talked about variations for different diets and shared storage tips for leftovers. This dish is fun to make and easy to share. You can impress friends and family with your new skills. Enjoy this recipe and make it your own with your favorite flavors!

Queso Rice with Steak Strips

Savor the delicious flavors of Queso Rice with Steak Strips! This easy recipe brings together tender steak, vibrant veggies, and creamy queso for a satisfying meal in just 35 minutes. Discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Ready to impress your family and friends?
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound flank steak, cut into thin strips

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

1 cup queso blanco cheese, shredded

1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced

½ cup red onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, heat the beef broth over medium heat. Add the rice, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

    While the rice is cooking, season the steak strips with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.

      In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

          Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the sautéed vegetables and shredded queso blanco cheese until the cheese is melted and combined.

            Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet and mix everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the queso rice in bowls, topped with additional queso, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.