Steak & Queso Rice

Steak & Queso Rice is a mouthwatering, comforting dish that brings together the savory richness of seared steak, the creamy decadence of queso sauce, and the satisfying texture of seasoned rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is a delightful fusion of bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re a steak lover or a queso fan (or both!), this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

The seared steak is seasoned with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, creating a flavorful, savory base that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy queso sauce. The rice, cooked with garlic and a splash of olive oil, provides a soft and slightly aromatic base for the dish. The creamy queso, made from cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, is both indulgent and satisfying. Finally, garnishing with fresh cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños adds layers of freshness, heat, and balance. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to dive right in and savor every bite!

This easy-to-make recipe is an exciting way to enjoy the classic steak and rice combination with a cheesy twist. Read on to discover how to make this hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor Explosion

The combination of tender, seasoned steak and creamy queso sauce creates a rich, satisfying dish with a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.

2. Easy to Prepare

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight but delicious enough to serve for a weekend gathering.

3. Creamy Queso Sauce

The melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in the queso sauce offer the ultimate creamy texture that complements the steak and rice perfectly.

4. Versatile Garnishes

The optional garnishes—fresh cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and lime wedges—allow you to customize the dish and add freshness, spice, and balance to each bite.

5. Comforting Yet Hearty

This dish combines steak, rice, and cheesy sauce, making it a filling, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• Flank steak or sirloin steak
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper

For the Queso Sauce:

• Butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper

For the Rice:

• Long-grain white rice
• Water or low-sodium chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

Variations

• Spicy Steak & Queso Rice: Add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the queso sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the steak with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a lighter version.
• Grilled Steak: Instead of searing the steak, you can grill it for added smoky flavor.
• Cheese Variation: Mix in other cheeses such as pepper jack or gouda for a different queso flavor.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Mix chopped cilantro and lime juice into the rice for an added burst of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Add 2 cups of water (or chicken broth) and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear the steak on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Make the Queso Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 1 ½ cups of whole milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, allowing them to melt and form a smooth, creamy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir until the sauce is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

To assemble, plate the cooked rice and top with the sliced steak. Pour the warm queso sauce generously over the steak and rice.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after searing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, juicy steak.
• Add More Cheese: If you love extra cheese, don’t hesitate to add more shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack to the queso sauce for an extra cheesy layer.
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and jalapeños according to your spice preference.
• Rice Substitutes: You can use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option if you prefer.
• Make the Queso Ahead of Time: The queso sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

How to Serve

Steak & Queso Rice can be served as a standalone dish, but it pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed vegetables, a simple green salad, or even some tortilla chips for added crunch. For an extra indulgent meal, serve with a side of guacamole or a dollop of sour cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover steak, rice, and queso in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the rice and steak in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reheat the queso sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though it’s best to freeze the steak and rice separately from the queso sauce. Freeze the steak and rice in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat through before serving. Reheat the queso sauce on the stovetop with a little milk to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat the entire dish, warm the rice, steak, and queso sauce separately. Combine them when ready to serve. You may need to add a bit of milk to the queso to achieve the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or any other steak cut that you prefer, though flank steak is ideal for its tenderness.

2. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños to increase the heat level.

3. Can I use a non-dairy alternative for the queso sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with vegan cheese and use a plant-based milk to create a dairy-free queso.

4. How can I make the rice more flavorful?

You can cook the rice with chicken broth instead of water, or add sautéed onions and garlic for more flavor.

5. Can I prepare the queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the queso sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

6. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn would be great additions to this dish.

7. Can I grill the steak instead of searing it?

Yes, grilling the steak would add a smoky flavor that would complement the queso sauce well.

8. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook than white rice.

9. Can I add beans to the rice?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition for extra texture and protein.

10. Can I serve this dish with tortillas?

Absolutely! You can serve this dish with tortillas on the side to make it feel like a Tex-Mex feast.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is a rich and satisfying dish that combines savory steak, creamy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice in every bite. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a recipe that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal for dinner or looking to impress guests with something special, this dish will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the ultimate cheesy, meaty comfort food experience with this delicious recipe!

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