Bistec Ranchero (Ranch Style Steak)

When steak and potatoes meet Mexican flavors, something special happens. This Bistec Ranchero features thinly sliced sirloin seared to perfection, golden crispy potatoes, sautéed peppers, and a deeply savory tomato sauce laced with garlic, cumin, and just the right amount of heat. Think carne asada with a saucy, rustic twist! Each bite is bold, hearty, and full of warm, layered spices.

It all comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals, casual dinner parties, or meal prep. Serve it up with tortillas, stuff it into burritos, or pile it over rice. You can't go wrong!

Before You Get Started

Here are a few quick tips to make your Bistec Ranchero extra flavorful and fuss-free:

• Slice your steak thin: This helps it cook quickly and stay tender.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear your steak in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
• Make it your own: Like it spicy? Add a chipotle pepper or two. Want it mild? Skip the jalapeño.
• Use waxy potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and crisp up nicely.
• Finish with fresh lime: A squeeze of lime brightens the whole dish right before serving.

How to Make Bistec Ranchero

Making bistec ranchero is so easy! Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook potatoes for 8–12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and pat dry.

2. Crisp the Potatoes

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a heavy skillet. Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. Sear the Steak

Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add steak in a single layer, season well, and sear for 4–6 minutes. Brown well on one side before flipping. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Veggies

Add onions, poblano, and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.

5. Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, tomato sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until a chunky sauce forms.

6. Combine and Finish

Return the steak and potatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to coat everything in the sauce. Finish with fresh lime juice, jalapeños, or cilantro.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are my top tips and tricks to help you make a mouth-watering dish:

• Switch up the meat. While you can switch up the cut of beef you use to make this dish, you can also change the type of meat. Chicken thighs and pork tenderloin both work great as well.
• Spice things up. If the poblano and jalapeno peppers aren't spicy enough for you, try adding 1-2 chipotle peppers to the mix. You could also add serrano peppers or hot sauce. Or make extra Ranchero sauce on the side for serving.
• Add more veggies. Looking for a veggie-packed meal? Feel free to add some additional vegetables likecauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms, or kale.

How to Serve Steak Ranchero

Traditional Bistec Ranchero is served with warm, fresh tortillas and your favorite toppings. However, this Mexican beef dish works great with just about anything (or by itself). Not sure where to begin? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this dish:

• Stuffed into tortillas. This dish is traditionally served with warm tortillas like a traditional carne asada. I love stuffing Bistec Ranchero into some corn tortillas and topping them off with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro. Yum!
• Served over rice. A bowl of brown rice or quinoa is great for sopping up all the delicious juices in this dish. For a low-carb meal, try pairing this dish with my Mexican Cauliflower Rice.
• Loaded onto burrito bowls. Looking for a healthy and delicious protein to top off your favorite burrito bowls? Well, you're in luck. Serve Steak Ranchero atop a colorful bowl filled with brown rice, beans, greens, and cheese for an easy and delicious meal.
• On top of salads. Got a Mexican or Southwest-style salad in need of a little protein? Believe me when I say Bistec Ranchero is the perfect way to finish it off. Some of my top choices include this Southwest Quinoa Salad and this Black Bean and Corn Salad.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Bistec Ranchero is perfect for tacos, salads, wraps, bowls, or really anything you're in the mood for. It's also fantastic on its own for a protein-packed meal!

To store leftovers, allow them to cool before transferring them to an airtight storage container. Then, you can store them in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer for up to 3 months.