One-Pan Steak & Queso Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Rice

01 - 2 cups Basmati Rice
02 - 2½ cups Chicken Broth
03 - 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
04 - 1 can (about 14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
05 - 2 cloves Garlic, minced
06 - 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
07 - 1 teaspoon Paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon Cumin
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
10 - 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

→ Steak

11 - 1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into thin strips
12 - 2 tablespoons Butter
13 - Montreal steak seasoning to taste
14 - 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

→ Toppings

15 - White Queso for drizzling
16 - Fresh Cilantro for garnish
17 - Flour tortillas (optional) for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
02 - In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion becomes translucent and garlic is fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, crumbled bouillon cube, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Let rice sit covered for 5 minutes to settle and become fluffy.
06 - While rice cooks, season sirloin strips with Montreal steak seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your preferred doneness.
07 - Fluff the cooked rice, place steak over the rice, and drizzle generously with white queso. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm flour tortillas if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
02 - Can be frozen for up to 2 months in airtight containers
03 - Make ahead by preparing rice and steak separately and assembling when ready to serve