Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos Recipe
If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and delivers big on taste, this Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender strips of seasoned NY Strip steak mingling with zesty cilantro lime rice, all wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla and smothered in creamy queso. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors, bursting with freshness and a mild kick that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these burritos bring comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to balancing the bold flavors and textures in this recipe. Each component, from the perfectly seasoned steak to the vibrant Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime, plays an essential role in creating a dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
- 1 lb NY Strip Steak: Rich and tender, this cut offers the perfect beefy base with great texture.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: Ideal for a high-heat sear, adding subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances and balances the steak’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 1 tsp cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that complement the beef beautifully.
- 1 tsp dried cilantro: Infuses a subtle herbal brightness to echo the lime rice.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Gives just the right smoky heat to awaken your palate.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne: A dash of bold spice to spark excitement in every bite.
- 3 packs Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime: Convenient and flavorful, this rice is fluffy and perfectly seasoned.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps to steam and soften the rice while retaining flavor.
- Pancho’s queso: Creamy, cheesy goodness that melds the steak and rice with indulgence.
- Pico de gallo: Fresh and tangy garnish that adds brightness and texture contrast.
- Fajita size flour tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that hold all the delicioso fillings together.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: A burst of fresh green color and herbal zing to finish the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Steak
Start by slicing your NY Strip steak into thin, even strips. This ensures quick, uniform cooking and maximizes the tender, juicy texture of every bite. Having nicely sliced steak ready sets the pace for a smooth cooking process ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice
Heat a griddle over medium heat and drizzle in a little avocado oil. Pour in the three packs of Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime along with half a cup of water. Stir occasionally while heating until the rice is tender and piping hot. This rice forms the zesty, aromatic base of our burritos, with fresh lime and cilantro flavoring that’s second to none.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Steak
Combine salt, pepper, cumin, dried cilantro, chili powder, and cayenne in a bowl, then toss the steak strips in this spice blend to coat every piece. Place the steak on the hot griddle and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness. The spices will build a smoky, earthy crust that seals in the juicy flavors.
Step 4: Mix Steak and Rice Together
Once your steak and rice are ready, combine them right on the griddle to let the flavors marry wonderfully. As they mingle, spread a generous layer of Pancho’s queso on top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. The warm queso melts perfectly over the mixture creating a luscious, cheesy coating that makes this recipe incredibly comforting.
Step 5: Warm and Prepare the Tortillas
Warm your fajita-sized flour tortillas on the griddle or another pan until soft and pliable. The warming step is key: it makes wrapping the burritos easier and ensures that each bite is perfectly tender, without cracking or tearing.
How to Serve Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a delightful way to elevate your burritos. A handful of fresh cilantro leaves gives a vibrant herbal lift, while a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo adds juicy brightness and a slight tang, cutting through the richness of the cheese and steak for perfect balance.
Side Dishes
Burritos always love company! Serve these alongside some crunchy tortilla chips, a fresh garden salad, or even a warm bowl of black beans for a heartier meal. Each side can complement or contrast with the burrito to keep each bite exciting and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy breakfast? Wrap these burritos in foil and cut them in half diagonally to showcase the colorful filling. For a party twist, turn them into burrito bowls by layering the steak, rice, queso, and toppings over a bed of greens. No matter how you serve it, this Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos Recipe is sure to make an impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any burrito filling left, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day. Just keep your tortillas separate to avoid them getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak and rice mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. This makes meal prep simple and keeps you covered on those busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Warm your tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a hot pan. Then assemble your burrito and enjoy all the cheesy, zesty goodness as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While NY Strip steak is fantastic for its tenderness and flavor, flank or skirt steak also work great because they cook quickly and slice well into strips.
What if I don’t have Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime?
No worries! You can make your own cilantro lime rice by cooking regular white rice and tossing it with fresh lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro once it’s cooked and fluffy.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick thanks to chili powder and a touch of cayenne, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or leaving out the cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the steak for grilled veggies like peppers and mushrooms or seasoned tofu, and keep all the other delicious elements as is for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
How do I prevent tortillas from tearing when wrapping?
Warming them briefly before filling makes them more flexible and easier to roll up without cracking. You can use a dry skillet or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them soft.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos Recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy a home-cooked meal packed with fresh flavors, creamy cheese, and tender steak all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress friends and family. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it might just become one of your new favorite go-to meals!
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Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Burritos recipe features tender NY strip steak strips seasoned with a blend of spices, cooked on a griddle and combined with flavorful cilantro lime rice. Topped with creamy queso and fresh cilantro, it’s all wrapped in warm fajita-sized flour tortillas and served with zesty pico de gallo for a satisfying and quick 30-minute meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasonings
- 1 lb NY Strip Steak
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Rice and Additional Components
- 3 packs Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime
- 1/2 cup water
- Pancho’s queso (amount as desired)
- Pico de gallo (to serve)
- Fajita-sized flour tortillas (to serve)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut steak: Slice the NY Strip steak into thin, even strips and set aside. This ensures even cooking and helps the steak absorb the seasoning flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare rice: Heat a griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of avocado oil. Add the 3 packs of Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime along with 1/2 cup water. Stir occasionally and cook until the rice is heated through and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook steak: Season the sliced steak strips evenly with salt, pepper, cumin, dried cilantro, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Place the steak strips on the hot griddle and cook until browned and cooked to your desired doneness, approximately 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Combine: Mix the cooked steak strips directly with the cooked rice on the griddle to let the flavors meld together. Then, generously top the mixture with Pancho’s queso and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to add brightness and creaminess.
- Serve: Warm the fajita-sized flour tortillas on the griddle or in a separate pan until soft and pliable. Serve the cheesy steak and cilantro lime rice mixture alongside the tortillas with a side of pico de gallo for added zest and freshness. Assemble into burritos as desired.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced steak strips to ensure quick and even cooking on the griddle.
- Adjust seasoning to your heat preference by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Ready rice simplifies meal prep and enhances flavor with cilantro lime seasoning.
- The recipe can be customized with additional toppings like sour cream or sliced avocado.
- Make sure to warm the tortillas well to prevent tearing when rolling burritos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
