Steak Loco Rice

Name: Steak Loco Rice (One-Pan Mexican-American)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb thinly sliced steak; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp carne asada seasoning; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1/4 cup white onion, chopped; 2 cups water; 1 packet Sazon seasoning with coriander and annatto; 1 chicken bouillon cube; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup white cheese sauce (queso); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Steak Loco Rice is a one-pan Mexican-American dish combining thinly sliced carne asada-seasoned steak with flavorful Sazon rice and finished with a creamy cheese sauce. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes on a single stovetop.

🌍Mexican-American 🏷️Steak and rice 🏷️One-pan meal 🏷️Mexican rice 🏷️Carne asada Queso

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight dinner

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb thinly sliced steak
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp carne asada seasoning
1 cup long-grain white rice
1/4 cup white onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 packet Sazon seasoning with coriander and annatto
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup white cheese sauce (queso)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and thinly sliced steak.
2
Season the steak generously with carne asada seasoning and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
3
Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
4
In the same skillet, add the rice and chopped onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
5
Pour in the water, then add the Sazon packet, crumble in the chicken bouillon cube, and stir in the paprika.
6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7
Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked steak to the skillet.
8
Stir to combine the steak and rice.
9
Drizzle the warm white cheese sauce over the top.
10
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice steak very thin (1/8–1/4 inch) and cook it over high heat for only 2–3 minutes total to keep it tender and prevent overcooking.
Toast the rice in oil before adding water to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
Use warm queso sauce or add it off-heat to prevent the cheese from breaking or becoming grainy.
Let the rice rest 5 minutes covered after cooking so it absorbs remaining liquid and grains separate.

Substitutions

Carne asada seasoning → store-bought taco seasoning or homemade blend of cumin, chili powder, and lime juice
White cheese sauce (queso) → melted Oaxaca cheese, Chihuahua cheese, or evaporated milk mixed with white cheddar
Long-grain white rice → jasmine or basmati rice (adjust water ratio to 2:1 if using different grain)
Sazon with coriander and annatto → 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp garlic powder + pinch of turmeric

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled steak and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat rice gently with 1–2 tbsp water, add fresh queso sauce just before serving.