Cheesy Steak & Rice Recipe

If you want a dinner that tastes like a cozy night at home, but with all the excitement of your favorite Tex-Mex spot, look no further than Cheesy Steak & Rice. This dish is warming, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor—from juicy, spice-rubbed steak to perfectly fluffy rice and a velvety queso sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just treating yourself, Cheesy Steak & Rice is the kind of crowd-pleaser that always gets recipe requests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Cheesy Steak & Rice recipe is that every ingredient does its part: from the richly spiced steak and creamy cheeses down to the fragrant garlic and fresh garnishes. Keep things simple, but don’t be shy—each part brings its own burst of character and color!

• Flank or Sirloin Steak (450g/1 lb): Go for a cut that’s tender and quick-cooking—these both soak up flavor and slice beautifully.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Adds deep color and a gentle smokiness to the steak rub.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out every layer of flavor—season until it tastes just right.
• Ground Cumin (2 tsp for steak, ½ tsp for queso): Warm, earthy notes that define classic Tex-Mex style.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp for steak, 1 tbsp for rice): Helps everything sear, toast, and taste richer.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp for steak, 1 tsp for rice): Boosts the savoriness in both steak and rice without overpowering.
• Whole Milk (1½ cups): The key to a lusciously smooth queso sauce that pours like a dream.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Pays the starring, sharp-tasting role in queso.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly smooth, adding stretch and creaminess.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Enriches your queso to ultra-luxurious levels—don’t skip it.
• Chili Powder (1 tsp): Rounds out the queso with a gentle kick of spice.
• Garlic Cloves, Finely Chopped (2): For that unmistakable pop of real, savory garlic in your sauce.
• Broth (2 cups): Gives the rice subtle flavor—a must for banishing blandness.
• Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup): Fluffy, classic, and the ideal bed for rich sauces and tender steak.
• Optional Garnishes: Cilantro, Lime, Avocado, Jalapeños: Fresh toppings that cool, brighten, and finish each plate beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Steak & Rice

Step 1: Season and Prep the Steak

Start by patting your steak dry and rubbing it all over with a touch of olive oil. Generously season both sides with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—really press those spices in so every bite will be well-flavored later on.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Get your skillet smoking hot, then lay down the steak. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting for the cut’s thickness and your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 4 minutes each side; for medium, a minute more. Once it’s done, transfer to a board and let it rest—this keeps the juices right where they belong!

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

While your steak is sizzling, rinse the rice with cold water to remove excess surface starch. In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil, then add rice and garlic powder, gently toasting until the grains smell nutty. Pour in the broth (or water), add a bit of salt, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 18-20 minutes until fully tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Queso Sauce

Using the same skillet you used for your steak (wipe off if needed), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until just fragrant. Stir in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Slowly sprinkle in your shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. Continue stirring until the sauce is fully smooth. Finish by seasoning with a hint more cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, tasting as you go to balance the flavors just right.

Step 6: Slice and Assemble

After the steak has rested, slice it into thin strips against the grain for tenderness. To build your Cheesy Steak & Rice plates, start with a scoop of rice, fan your steak strips on top, and pour over a generous drizzle of warm queso sauce. Trust me—the combination is unreal!

Step 7: Finish with Garnishes

Add a handful of fresh cilantro, slices of jalapeño for a little zing, creamy avocado, and a good squeeze of lime if you have it. Serve immediately while everything is hot, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Cheesy Steak & Rice

Garnishes

Garnishes do more than just look great—they add layers of flavor and freshness that cut through the richness of the Cheesy Steak & Rice. Scatter chopped cilantro for herbal lift, slices of jalapeño for heat, creamy avocado for coolness, and a squeeze of lime for acidity. Each garnish lets everyone customize their plate to their own perfect bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want a full spread, serve Cheesy Steak & Rice alongside a bright tomato salad, grilled corn, or a bowl of black beans. Want to keep things classic? Crunchy tortilla chips or a tangy cabbage slaw make fantastic partners for scooping up any leftover queso.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Cheesy Steak & Rice to the next level by serving it taco-style in soft tortillas, packed into burrito bowls, or even stuffed inside bell peppers. For fun, try layering everything in a casserole dish and broiling for a bubbly, cheesy finish—everyone will love this for game day or casual parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Cheesy Steak & Rice, store the steak, rice, and queso in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate prevents the rice from soaking up all the sauce and helps everything reheat more evenly without losing texture.

Freezing

While the rice and steak portions freeze well for up to 2 months, the queso sauce is best made fresh if possible. However, if you do want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. When reheated, you may need to whisk in a little extra milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

Reheating

For best results, reheat rice and steak gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep things moist. Warm the queso separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of milk if needed until smooth and silky. Then assemble just before serving so your Cheesy Steak & Rice is as dreamy as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While flank and sirloin are particularly tender and soak up flavor well, ribeye or even thinly sliced skirt steak will work just fine. The key is to cook hot and fast, then slice against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth results in your Cheesy Steak & Rice.

What if I don’t eat beef?

No problem—swap the steak for sliced chicken breast or portobello mushrooms. Just marinate and cook as described for the steak. The taste of Cheesy Steak & Rice will still be incredible, and the queso ties everything together no matter what protein you pick.

Which cheeses melt best for the queso sauce?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are a winning duo for creamy melt and bold taste in this Cheesy Steak & Rice dish. Feel free to swap in a little pepper jack for extra heat or use Colby for a milder, ultra-smooth finish.

Can I make the rice in a rice cooker?

Definitely! Just toast the rice and garlic powder briefly with olive oil on the stovetop, then transfer everything into your rice cooker with the broth and let it do its thing. Fluffy rice every time, perfect for serving with your Cheesy Steak & Rice!

How spicy is the queso sauce?

It has a gentle warmth from chili powder and cumin, but isn’t overly spicy. Amp up the heat with extra chili powder or toss in fresh jalapeños. If you prefer mild, just keep the garnishes simple—or go wild if you love things hot!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something satisfying and sure to impress, make Cheesy Steak & Rice your next kitchen adventure. With juicy steak, creamy queso, and fluffy seasoned rice, every bite feels extra special. Give it a try—your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you!

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