Steak & Queso Rice

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that combines tender steak, creamy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice, this Steak & Queso Rice recipe is just what you need. Packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures, this dish brings together juicy steak, a melty cheese sauce, and fluffy rice into one delicious, comforting meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a show-stopping dish for a gathering, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

The combination of spices on the steak adds depth, while the creamy queso sauce brings a rich, indulgent element to the dish. The rice, cooked to perfection, acts as the perfect base, soaking up all the savory goodness from the steak and queso. Add some garnishes like fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, or creamy avocado, and you have a complete meal that balances savory, creamy, and spicy elements. With a perfect blend of ingredients and flavors, this recipe is destined to become a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tender and Flavorful Steak

Whether you choose flank steak or sirloin, the steak is seasoned with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, providing a savory depth of flavor with each bite. The searing process locks in the juices, keeping the steak tender and juicy.

2. Creamy and Savory Queso Sauce

The rich queso sauce is made with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, offering a melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture. The addition of chili powder and cumin gives it the perfect balance of heat and spice to complement the steak.

3. Fluffy, Flavorful Rice

The rice is cooked with garlic powder and either water or chicken broth, ensuring each grain is flavorful and ready to soak up the delicious queso sauce and steak juices.

4. Customizable Toppings

This recipe is easy to personalize with your favorite toppings. Add some heat with jalapeños, freshness with cilantro, or creamy avocado slices for balance. The lime wedges add a zesty kick that elevates the whole dish.

5. Quick and Easy

This dish is simple to prepare and doesn’t take long to cook. With a few simple ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

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 (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

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a veggie-packed version of this dish. You can also use plant-based cheese for the queso sauce to keep it fully vegetarian.
• Spicy Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the steak seasoning to bring extra heat to the dish.
• Rice Variations: Swap the long-grain white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to suit your dietary preferences.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for the queso sauce. Pepper Jack cheese will add a spicy kick, while cream cheese can make the sauce even creamier.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the water or chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook 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 ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and sear it for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.

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 the whole milk and bring it to a simmer. Once the milk is simmering, gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

To assemble, spoon the cooked rice onto plates, then top with the sliced steak. Pour the creamy queso sauce over the steak and rice. Add your choice of optional garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
• Thin Slices: Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender texture.
• Adjust Cheese Consistency: If the queso sauce is too thick, simply add more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
• Rice Cooking Tip: If you prefer your rice to have a slightly toasted flavor, sauté the rice for 3-4 minutes before adding the liquid.

How to Serve

Steak & Queso Rice can be served as a stand-alone dish or paired with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad. The queso sauce adds a creamy element that complements the steak and rice, making it a fulfilling, satisfying meal. If you’re serving it for a group, consider offering lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and extra cheese on the side for guests to customize their portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover steak, queso sauce, and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to the queso sauce if it thickens.

Freezing

While the steak and rice freeze well, the queso sauce may lose its creamy texture upon freezing. If you choose to freeze it, let the components cool completely, then store them in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently, adding a little milk to the queso sauce to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, place the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. Reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat, and warm the queso sauce in a saucepan, adding milk to achieve the desired texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use ribeye or New York strip steak, but they may require slightly different cooking times.

2. Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the queso sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding milk to smooth it out.

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

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, though the consistency and flavor may slightly differ.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to the queso sauce for added spice.

5. How do I prevent the queso sauce from separating?

Stir the cheese sauce constantly as the cheese melts, and avoid overheating the sauce, which can cause it to separate.

6. Can I make the rice with broth instead of water?

Yes, using broth (chicken or vegetable) instead of water will give the rice extra flavor.

7. How can I make this dish lighter?

You can make the dish lighter by using lean cuts of steak like sirloin or flank steak, using low-fat cheese, or substituting cauliflower rice for regular rice.

8. Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice to save time. Just heat it up with the other ingredients.

9. Can I add beans to this dish?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be a great addition to add more texture and flavor to the dish.

10. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables, and use vegetarian cheese in the queso sauce.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is the perfect combination of juicy, seasoned steak, creamy queso sauce, and flavorful rice. It’s an easy-to-make, customizable dish that’s packed with savory flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish checks all the boxes. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

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