Steak Queso Rice

Steak Queso Rice is a hearty and indulgent dish that combines perfectly cooked steak strips, flavorful rice, and a creamy, cheesy queso sauce. This satisfying rice bowl is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a fun meal to serve at a gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with tender steak strips seasoned to perfection, fluffy rice cooked in savory beef broth, and a rich, creamy queso sauce that brings everything together. The smoky paprika, cumin, and garlic powder add depth to the steak, while the melty cheese sauce takes the whole dish to a new level of indulgence. Plus, the optional toppings of fresh cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, and diced tomatoes give the dish extra flavor and freshness. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

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 Flavorful 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 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)

Optional Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, sliced

• 1 tablespoon sour cream

• ½ cup diced tomatoes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Rice:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil.

2. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

3. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Season and Cook the Steak:

1. In a bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.

3. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Queso Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.

2. Gradually add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor, then keep warm on low heat.

Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl:

1. Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.

2. Top with the steak strips, then drizzle generously with the warm queso sauce.

3. Add optional toppings like fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, sour cream, and diced tomatoes for added flavor and freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also warm it on the stove, adding a bit of extra beef broth or water if the rice or queso sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso sauce?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices, but you could also try pepper jack for a spicier kick, or gouda for a creamier texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The rice and steak can be prepared ahead of time, but it’s best to make the queso sauce fresh to keep it creamy. If you make the entire dish ahead of time, store the components separately and reheat before serving.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes, you can substitute chicken for the steak. Just use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F before slicing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all the ingredients you use (like the beef broth and spices) are labeled gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or another plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn to the rice for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté the veggies with the rice or add them to the skillet after cooking the steak.

Conclusion

Steak Queso Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender steak, flavorful rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into a single satisfying bowl. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and indulgent textures. Top it off with fresh garnishes for a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious!