Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

If you crave a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and drenched in cheesy goodness, look no further than Steak & Queso Rice. This dish brings together juicy, spice-rubbed steak strips, pillowy rice, and a silky, molten queso sauce in one glorious bowl. It’s the kind of dinner that makes a regular weeknight feel like a treat, impresses guests, and satisfies even the biggest appetites. If you’re ready to experience comfort food on a whole new level, get ready to fall head over heels for Steak & Queso Rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but uses every ingredient to maximize taste, color, and texture. Each component brings something special, from deliciously spiced steak to creamy cheese sauce, creating layers of bold flavor in every bite.

• Flank or sirloin steak (450g/1 lb): These cuts stay tender and juicy when sliced against the grain, making every bite irresistible.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a hint of smoke and a gorgeous red hue to the steak.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors in both steak and sauce—season to your taste.
• Ground cumin (2 tsp for steak, ½ tsp for queso): Brings warmth and depth, uniting the steak, rice, and cheese sauce beautifully.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp for steak, 1 tbsp for rice): Helps the spices stick and gives a golden finish to both the meat and rice.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp for steak, 1 tsp for rice): Lends serious flavor with zero fuss.
• Whole milk (1½ cups): The foundation for a super creamy queso sauce.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Sharp and melty, it creates that classic queso tang.
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds stretch and smoothness to the sauce.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Gives your queso that luscious, velvety mouthfeel.
• Chili powder (1 tsp): For just the right kick and complexity in the cheese sauce.
• Garlic cloves, chopped (2): Fresh garlic brings out bold, punchy notes in the queso.
• Broth or water (2 cups): Cooking rice in broth infuses every grain with savory flavor. Choose low-sodium chicken broth for even more depth.
• Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Stays fluffy and doesn’t clump—perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Optional garnishes: cilantro, lime, avocado, jalapeños: Fresh toppings add color, zest, and a tailored touch to your Steak & Queso Rice.

How to Make Steak & Queso Rice

Step 1: Sear and Rest the Steak

Start by patting your steak dry, then rubbing it with olive oil and the seasoning blend of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over high heat until it’s almost smoking, then sear the steak for four to five minutes per side, depending on how thick it is and your preferred doneness. Once cooked, rest the steak on a board for five to ten minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps every slice juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Cook Perfect Fluffy Rice

While the steak rests, rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for perfectly separate grains. Warm olive oil in a pot, add the rice and garlic powder, and toast the grains briefly. Pour in your broth or water, bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until soft and fluffy, then fluff with a fork. Cooking rice in broth instead of plain water is a small upgrade that pays off big in flavor.

Step 3: Slice the Steak

Slice the rested steak into thin strips, always cutting against the grain. This guarantees each bite will be meltingly tender—a detail you’ll notice with every forkful of Steak & Queso Rice.

Step 4: Make the Queso Sauce

In the same skillet you used for steak (hello, fewer dishes and extra flavor!), melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant. Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Finish with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste—you want a silky smooth, rich sauce that’s perfect for drizzling.

Step 5: Assemble the Steak & Queso Rice

To serve, heap a portion of fluffy rice onto each plate, top with those tender steak strips, and pour the warm, molten queso sauce generously over everything. Every bite brings you steak, cheese, and perfect rice—a combination that’s swoon-worthy and guaranteed to please anyone at your table.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime add layers of flavor and color that make Steak & Queso Rice even more irresistible. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the steak is warm.

How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice

Garnishes

This dish shines with a fresh garnish. Chopped cilantro adds herbaceous lift, jalapeños give a little bite, avocado slices bring cool creaminess, and lime wedges deliver a punch of brightness. Finish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or green onions if you’re feeling fancy—customize it to your craving!

Side Dishes

Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious meal in itself, but you can round it out with simple extras. Try a crisp green salad, sautéed vegetables, street corn, or warm tortillas to scoop up every bit of cheesy sauce. For a fiesta feel, offer chips and salsa or roasted black beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Make Steak & Queso Rice fun and memorable! Serve it in bowls with generous ladles of queso, layer it inside burritos or tacos, or arrange it on a big platter for a family-style dinner. You can even use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers—just add a little extra cheese on top and bake until bubbly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Let everything cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store steak, queso, and rice separately if possible—this keeps the textures just right and makes reheating a breeze. Leftovers will hold up well in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, pack the rice and steak slices together and store the queso sauce in a separate freezer-safe container. The rice and steak should freeze for up to two months, but the queso sauce may need a quick whisk when reheating to regain its creamy texture. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For best flavor, reheat steak and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep rice moist. Warm the queso sauce separately over low heat, stirring constantly; add a little extra milk if it’s thickened up. Combine everything just before serving to enjoy Steak & Queso Rice as if it were freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Steak & Queso Rice?

Absolutely! Flank and sirloin are ideal because they cook quickly and slice beautifully, but you can also use ribeye or even skirt steak if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on thickness.

Is it possible to make Steak & Queso Rice with brown rice instead?

Yes, brown rice adds fiber and a slightly nutty flavor. Cook it according to package directions, which usually takes longer than white rice, but the result is just as tasty with all that cheesy sauce and steak.

How spicy is the queso sauce?

The queso has gentle warmth from the chili powder and cumin, but it’s not overly hot. If you love extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or stir in chopped jalapeños while melting the cheese. You’re fully in charge of the heat level.

Can I make Steak & Queso Rice ahead of time for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare the steak, rice, and queso sauce separately, then cool and package up in containers. When ready to eat, quickly reheat and assemble—it’s a great option for satisfying lunches or easy dinners.

What’s the best way to keep steak juicy?

Letting the cooked steak rest before slicing is crucial, as it locks in all the juices. Always cut against the grain, and avoid overcooking—aim for medium-rare to medium for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bold, comforting, and sure to please a crowd, Steak & Queso Rice deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, so gather your favorite people and treat them to this cheesy, steak-filled delight—trust me, every bite is worth it!

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