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Steak Queso Rice

Steak Queso Rice

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Steak Queso Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner combining tender steak, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting medley of textures and tastes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal with bold flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Proteins

  • Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak, 8 oz
  • Smoked turkey bacon, diced, 4 slices

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • Onion, finely chopped, 1 medium
  • Bell pepper (red or green), diced, 1 medium
  • Garlic cloves, freshly minced, 3 cloves
  • Jalapeño, chopped (optional), 1 small
  • Chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons

Grains and Dairy Alternatives

  • Cooked long-grain or basmati rice, 3 cups (preferably day-old)
  • Plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced, 1 cup

Liquids and Sauces

  • Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1 tablespoon
  • Grape juice, 1/4 cup
  • Olive oil, 2 tablespoons

Others

  • Natural gelling agent, 1 teaspoon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak and Bacon: Dice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and sear them in a hot skillet until crisp. Remove from the pan. Season the sliced steak with salt, pepper, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cook the steak quickly over medium-high heat until browned but still juicy, then set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat. Add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. If using, add chopped jalapeño at this stage for a bit of heat.
  3. Combine Rice and Queso: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and stir well. Pour in the grape juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Slowly fold in the plant-based cheese along with the natural gelling agent, stirring on low heat until melted into a creamy queso sauce coating every grain of rice.
  4. Bring It All Together: Return the cooked steak and crispy turkey bacon to the pan and mix thoroughly. Allow everything to warm through for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
  5. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top and give one last gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your Steak Queso Rice warm, either straight from the skillet or plated with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use day-old rice for better texture and flavor absorption without becoming mushy.
  • Do not overcook the steak; keep it medium-rare for maximum tenderness.
  • Slowly melt the plant-based cheese into the rice on low heat to prevent clumping.
  • Deglaze the pan with grape juice to enhance flavor depth and add subtle sweetness.
  • Keep vegetables slightly undercooked for a nice crisp bite.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Steak Queso Rice, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, quick dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, savory rice dish

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/steak-queso-rice/