Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzling sound of steak hitting a hot pan always brings a smile to my face, and when it’s combined with creamy queso and fluffy rice, magic happens. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Steak Queso Rice, a cozy dish that transforms busy weeknights into culinary adventures. Not only is this hearty rice bowl incredibly satisfying, but it also comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a perfect option for anyone looking to ditch the drive-thru for a homemade feast. Packed with juicy steak strips, rich queso sauce, and customizable toppings, it’s comfort food that leaves you feeling nourished and happy. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Stick around, because I can’t wait to guide you through this delicious journey! Why is Steak Queso Rice a Must-Try? Bold flavors unite in this vibrant dish, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy nights, requiring minimal prep time without sacrificing flavor. Customizable toppings let you tailor each serving to your liking, whether adding fresh jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream. Hearty and satisfying, it’s a complete meal that appeals to both adults and kids alike. Don’t overlook serving it alongside a refreshing salad, or check out Grilled Steak Elote Tacos for another family favorite! Steak Queso Rice Ingredients For the Steak • Steak Strips – Choose ribeye, sirloin, or flank for tenderness that melts in your mouth. • Olive Oil – Use for cooking the steak; avocado or vegetable oil can be great alternatives. • Salt – Enhances flavor; opt for kosher or sea salt for a more pronounced taste. • Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds the best flavor profile. • Garlic Powder – For a savory kick; fresh minced garlic works too if preferred. • Paprika – Infuses a smoky flavor; select smoked or sweet paprika as desired. • Cumin – Adds warmth and depth, elevating the overall seasoning. For the Rice • Jasmine/Basmati Rice – Both deliver a light and fluffy texture; choose based on your preference. • Beef Broth – Adds rich flavor to the rice; chicken broth or vegetable broth are great substitutes. • Butter – Unsalted butter is best for adding richness to the rice. For the Queso Sauce • Shredded White Cheddar Cheese – Creates a delicious queso; sharp cheddar can enhance the flavor. • Monterey Jack Cheese – Adds an extra layer of creaminess; can swap for mozzarella if desired. • Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce rich and creamy; use half-and-half for a lighter option. • Cream Cheese – Thickens the queso; consider Neufchâtel cheese as a lighter alternative. • Cayenne Pepper – Optional for some added heat; adjust to your spice preference. For Garnishing • Fresh Cilantro – Adds a fresh touch; can be omitted if you prefer. • Jalapeño – For garnish and an optional kick of freshness. • Sour Cream – A delightful topping for creaminess; entirely optional. • Diced Tomatoes – Adds color and freshness as a vibrant topping. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this Steak Queso Rice a comforting, mouthwatering dish! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Steak Queso Rice Step 1: Cook the Rice In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed, then fluff with a fork. Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak While the rice cooks, take 1 pound of steak strips and season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the skillet from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow it to heat gently, then add 4 ounces of cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Gradually mix in 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. For additional flavor, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. Keep the queso sauce warm on low heat. Step 4: Assemble the Bowl Once the rice is ready and the steak has rested, it’s time to build your Steak Queso Rice. Divide the fluffy rice evenly among serving bowls, then layer the sliced steak over the rice. Generously drizzle the warm queso sauce over the top to create that creamy goodness that brings everything together. Step 5: Garnish and Serve Last but not least, it’s time to add some colorful garnishes to your Steak Queso Rice. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Optionally, add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Serve immediately, and enjoy this comforting bowl of happiness! Variations & Substitutions for Steak Queso Rice Feel free to explore these variations to make your Steak Queso Rice even more delightful! Chicken or Shrimp: Swap out steak for grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter option while maintaining the delicious flavor. Vegetarian Delight: Use black beans or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini instead of meat for a filling vegetarian meal. Spicy Queso: Boost the queso with additional jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne for those who crave a kick of heat. It adds a delicious depth of flavor! Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheese! Gouda or pepper jack can spice up your queso sauce and create a unique twist. Wild Rice: Try wild rice in place of jasmine or basmati for an earthier flavor and nutty texture that complements the steak beautifully. Topping Extravaganza: Add toppings like avocado slices, pico de gallo, or even pickled onions to elevate your dish and provide extra freshness. Creamy Avocado: Instead of sour cream, try a dollop of creamy avocado to add richness without overpowering the flavors. Nutty Flavor Booster: Mix in some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. With these variations, you can personalize your Steak Queso Rice to your liking and keep each meal exciting! If you enjoy customizable flavors, you’ll love these Salmon Rice Bowls and Chimichurri Grilled Steak recipes as well! What to Serve with Steak Queso Rice Elevate your cozy dinner experience by pairing this rich and hearty dish with delightful sides that complement its flavors. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery potatoes add a comforting texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy queso. Fresh Garden Salad: A light and crisp salad offers a refreshing balance, enhancing the meal’s flavor without overpowering it. Guacamole: The creaminess of avocado brings a new layer of indulgence, perfectly balancing the savory steak and queso. Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy element that is perfect for scooping, making each bite fun and interactive. Pair with homemade salsa for a zesty kick! Black Beans: Their earthy flavor and protein add substance, making your meal even more satisfying and wholesome. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini introduce a nice charred flavor that pairs excellently with the rich queso. Each of these options will enhance your dining experience, ensuring that you savor every moment around the table. Expert Tips for Steak Queso Rice Choose Quality Steak: Select the best cuts like ribeye or sirloin for tender bites; tough cuts can ruin the dish. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices for a moist finish in your Steak Queso Rice. Perfect Queso Sauce: Stir the cheese slowly into the heavy cream on low heat to prevent clumping or burning; keep it warm. Avoid Overcooking: Don’t cook the steak longer than 4 minutes per side; this ensures juicy, flavorful pieces. Prep Separately: Store the rice, steak, and queso sauce separately if making ahead; this keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. How to Store and Freeze Steak Queso Rice Fridge: Store any leftover Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze components separately (cooked steak, rice, and queso sauce) in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Reheat rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Warm the queso sauce gently over low heat to avoid clumping. Tips for Freshness: Keep components separate until ready to serve for the best texture and taste when enjoying your comforting Steak Queso Rice! Make Ahead Options Preparing your Steak Queso Rice in advance is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights! You can cook the rice and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fluffy and delicious. Additionally, season and cook your steak strips ahead of time, letting them cool completely before refrigerating them for up to 24 hours; this helps maintain their tenderness. For the queso sauce, you can prepare it in advance as well, keeping it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat everything in the microwave or on the stovetop, combining the rice, steak, and queso sauce for a quick, satisfying meal that is just as tasty as if made fresh! Steak Queso Rice Recipe FAQs What type of steak is best for Steak Queso Rice? Choosing the right steak is crucial for this dish! I recommend using tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or flank. These cuts provide the best texture and flavor when cooked. If you’re in the mood for something different, feel free to experiment with grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter option. How should I store leftover Steak Queso Rice? To keep your leftovers fresh, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps your rice fluffy while keeping the steak tender. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, just reassemble and heat! Can I freeze Steak Queso Rice? Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze the cooked steak, rice, and queso sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this keeps the flavors intact and ensures your meal is still delicious. How can I prevent the queso sauce from clumping? To avoid clumps in your queso sauce, heat the heavy cream over low heat before adding the cream cheese, stirring continuously until melted. Gradually mix in the shredded cheeses while keeping it warm; this helps achieve that melty, smooth finish you’re aiming for. If you find it clumps while reheating, a splash of warm milk can help smooth it out! Is there a way to customize the spice level in my dish? Very much so! The great thing about this recipe is its adaptability. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the queso sauce or add fresh jalapeños on top. For a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne and use less paprika. You can always adjust according to your taste preferences. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can easily tailor this recipe to be vegetarian-friendly! Substitute the steak with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add some black beans for an extra protein boost, making it a hearty and satisfying meal! Steak Queso Rice Recipe FAQs Steak Queso Rice: Your New Favorite Comfort Bowl Delight Steak Queso Rice is a cozy dish combining juicy steak strips, rich queso, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 650 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Steak1 pound Steak Strips Ribeye, sirloin, or flank recommended.2 tablespoons Olive Oil For cooking the steak.1 teaspoon Salt Kosher or sea salt preferred.1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic also works.1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked or sweet paprika recommended.1 teaspoon Cumin For warmth and depth.For the Rice1 cup Jasmine/Basmati Rice Choose based on preference.2 cups Beef Broth Rich flavor for the rice.1 tablespoon Butter Unsalted for best results.For the Queso Sauce1 cup Shredded White Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar can enhance flavor.1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Can swap for mozzarella if desired.1 cup Heavy Cream For a rich and creamy sauce.4 ounces Cream Cheese For thickening the queso.1 dash Cayenne Pepper Optional, adjust to spice preference.For Garnishing1 sprig Fresh Cilantro Optional for freshness.1 piece Jalapeño For garnish.1 cup Sour Cream Optional topping.1 cup Diced Tomatoes For added color and flavor. Equipment medium saucepanLarge skilletSmall saucepan Method Cooking ProcessIn a medium saucepan, combine beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring to a boil, stir in rice, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.Meanwhile, season steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add steak, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes and slice.For the queso sauce, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan, then add cream cheese; stir until melted. Mix in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until smooth; add garlic powder and cayenne pepper if desired.To assemble, divide rice into bowls, layer steak, and drizzle with queso sauce.Garnish with cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream. Serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg NotesChoose quality steak cuts for the best texture. Let steak rest after cooking to retain juices. Store rice, steak, and queso separately if preparing ahead to keep fresh. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
