Description
This flavorful and hearty dish features tender steak paired with a creamy queso sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice. The combination of savory steak, rich cheese sauce, and zesty toppings makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Queso Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
-
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 to lightly toast it.
- Add 2 cups of water or chicken broth, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Prepare the Steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or longer for your desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
-
Make the Queso Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the milk and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook on low heat until the sauce thickens.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the cooked rice in bowls, topping each with sliced steak. Pour the warm queso sauce over the steak and rice.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheese and milk in the queso sauce.
- You can use brown rice or any other type of rice you prefer, though cooking times may vary.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños or chili powder based on your spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Steak, Queso, Rice, Comfort Food, Cheese Sauce, Flank Steak, Sirloin Steak, Mexican-American, Easy Dinner