Steak Queso Rice

Steak Queso Rice is a delightful fusion dish that brings together succulent steak, creamy cheese, and fragrant rice in one satisfying bowl. Picture a weeknight dinner that both excites the palate and is quick enough to whip up even on the busiest of evenings. This dish escapes the ordinary by delivering layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whenever I make it, my family gathers around the table, lured by the rich aroma wafting from the kitchen—it’s comfort food at its finest.

Why you’ll love this dish

You’ll want to make this recipe for a multitude of reasons. First, it’s a one-bowl meal that’s not only hearty but also incredibly tasty. The combination of seasoned steak strips and a decadent queso sauce elevates the simple rice into something extraordinary. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

“This dish was a game-changer for our weeknight meals! Absolutely loved the flavors and how easy it was to make!”

The cooking process explained

Ready to dive in? This recipe is straightforward yet rewarding, with each step building on the last to create a delicious masterpiece. You start by cooking the rice in a flavorful beef broth, which lays the groundwork for the taste profile. Next, the steak is seasoned, seared, and brought to life with a creamy queso sauce. Finally, everything comes together in a beautifully assembled bowl that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

What you’ll need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward crafting this delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• ½ cup diced tomatoes

Feel free to swap out the proteins or cheese based on your preference or what you have on hand!

Step-by-step instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, add the rice, and reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Season and Cook the Steak: In a large bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Add cream cheese, stirring until melted, then gradually mix in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth. Incorporate garlic powder and cayenne pepper (if using) for an extra kick, then keep warm on low heat.

4. Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the seasoned steak strips and drizzle generously with the queso sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, or a dollop of sour cream for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving Steak Queso Rice is a delight in itself. You can dish it out in vibrant bowls to capture everyone’s attention. Pair it with a side of tortilla chips for some crunch, or a fresh salad that balances the richness of the queso. For drinks, consider serving it alongside a refreshing margarita or iced tea to round out the meal.

Storage and reheating tips

Storing leftovers is simple! Place any uneaten Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave until heated through, or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the queso sauce. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Pro chef tips

• Sear your steak perfectly: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak for that ideal crust.
• Queso sauce secrets: Stir the cheese in gradually to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
• Spice it up: Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat tolerance for added zing in the queso.

Creative twists

This dish is versatile! Try using ground turkey or chicken in place of steak for lighter fare, or experiment with different cheese combinations. If you’re feeling adventurous, add black beans or corn to amp up the texture and flavors. You can also throw in some sautéed peppers or onions for an extra pop of color and taste.

Common questions

What is the preparation time for Steak Queso Rice?

Prep time is around 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to switch it up with your favorite cheese. Just ensure it melts well, like Gouda or Pepper Jack for a bit of heat.

How do I make it less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the queso sauce and go easy on the jalapeños.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the components can be prepared ahead, it’s best to assemble everything fresh for optimal flavor and texture. You can, however, store individual components separately in the fridge and combine them before serving.

With its satisfying flavors and straightforward preparation, Steak Queso Rice is bound to become a favorite in your home. Try it tonight!

Steak Queso Rice

A delightful fusion of succulent steak, creamy cheese, and fragrant rice, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Rice

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Steak

• 1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin

For the Queso Sauce

• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

For the Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• ½ cup diced tomatoes

Method

 

Cooking the Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, combine beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, add the rice, and reduce heat to low.
2. Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Seasoning and Cooking the Steak

1. In a large bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
3. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Preparing the Queso Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat.
2. Add cream cheese, stirring until melted, then gradually mix in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth.
3. Incorporate garlic powder and cayenne pepper (if using) for an extra kick, then keep warm on low heat.

Assembling the Dish

1. Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
2. Top with the seasoned steak strips and drizzle generously with the queso sauce.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, or a dollop of sour cream for an added burst of flavor.
2. Serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to swap out the proteins or cheese based on your preference or what you have on hand. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.