Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Wraps Recipe

I absolutely love how quick and satisfying this Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Wraps Recipe comes together. It’s one of those dishes that feels fresh and vibrant, thanks to the zingy cilantro lime rice paired with tender, spiced steak strips. Whether you’re throwing together a weeknight dinner or craving something a bit more special without a ton of fuss, this recipe really hits the spot.

What makes it stand out for me is the balance of textures and flavors—melty queso mingling with juicy steak and bright pico de gallo wrapped in a warm tortilla. I remember the first time I whipped these up, my family went crazy for it, and now it’s become our go-to when we want something cheesy, zesty, and comforting all at once.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Wraps Recipe plays a big role in delivering that fresh, bold taste and creamy texture. Plus, many are pantry staples or easy to find, which means less stress when shopping.

• NY Strip Steak: I love this cut for its flavor and tenderness—thin slicing helps it cook super quickly.
• Avocado Oil: It has a high smoke point, perfect for searing the steak without burning.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the steak’s natural flavor.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the chili spices.
• Dried Cilantro: Works wonderfully with the fresh cilantro in the rice for a double citrus-herb hit.
• Chili Powder & Cayenne: Bring in heat and a subtle smokiness—adjust the cayenne if you want milder or spicier wraps.
• Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime: This pre-flavored rice saves time and guarantees freshness every time.
• Water: Helps steam the rice so it’s perfectly tender.
• Pancho’s Queso: Creamy, melty, and slightly tangy—this is the cheesy heart of the wrap.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh and vibrant, it adds a refreshing crunch and bright acidity.
• Fajita Size Flour Tortillas: Just the right size to hold all those delicious fillings without falling apart.
• Fresh Cilantro: A must for garnish—you can’t beat that fresh herbal finish.

Variations

One thing I love about this Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Wraps Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the veggies and sauces based on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in.

• Swap the cheese: I’ve tried pepper jack or even a smoky cheddar instead of queso for a slightly different vibe.
• Vegetarian twist: Use sautéed portobello mushrooms or grilled veggies instead of steak—still super tasty.
• Spice it up or down: Dial the cayenne up for heat lovers or leave it out for a milder flavor everyone can enjoy.
• Fresh additions: Avocado slices or a squeeze of lime on top take these wraps to the next level.

How to Make Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Steak Thinly

Start by slicing your NY strip steak into thin, even strips—this helps the steak cook quickly and soak up all the spices. I like to slice against the grain so the meat stays tender and easy to bite into. Set them aside while you prep the rice.

Step 2: Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice

Heat your griddle or large skillet to medium-high and add a little avocado oil. Pour in the packs of Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime along with half a cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender and heated through. It’s best not to rush this step so the rice is perfectly fluffy and infused with that lime-cilantro flavor.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Steak

While the rice is cooking, season your steak strips with salt, pepper, cumin, dried cilantro, chili powder, and cayenne. Spread the seasoned steak in a single layer on the hot griddle. Cook for just a few minutes per side until nicely seared but still juicy. Avoid overcooking here—thin strips don’t need long and can get tough otherwise.

Step 4: Combine Rice, Steak & Cheese

Once the steak is cooked, toss it gently into the warm cilantro lime rice. Then, top everything with Pancho’s queso so it begins to melt into the mix. I love stirring it just a little so you get pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.

Step 5: Warm Tortillas & Serve

Heat your flour tortillas on the stove or microwave until soft and pliable. Spoon generous amounts of the cheesy steak and rice mixture into each, then add fresh pico de gallo and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Roll them up tight and enjoy the perfect handheld fiesta!

How to Serve Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Wraps Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these wraps with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and a scoop of pico de gallo for brightness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra zesty kick. If you like heat, a few dashes of hot sauce work wonders too.

Side Dishes

We often enjoy these wraps with a simple side of black beans or a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For something heartier, sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob are fantastic alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to slice the wraps into pinwheels and serve them on a platter with toothpicks—so fun and easy to share! You could also build a DIY wrap bar, letting guests pile on their favorite toppings and sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover steak and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When keeping the components separate from the tortillas and garnishes, everything stays fresh and ready to reheat without sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the steak and rice mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove to keep flavors intact.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Covering the pan helps melt the cheese back in and warms the steak just right without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Lime Rice Wraps Recipe has become a beloved crowd-pleaser in my kitchen, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Give it a try for your next meal—you might just find yourself making it over and over again like I do!

Print