Steak Queso Rice Recipe

If there’s one dish guaranteed to make friends and family break into huge smiles at the dinner table, it’s Steak Queso Rice. Imagine perfectly seasoned steak strips, a bed of aromatic, buttery rice, and an ultra-creamy homemade queso sauce that oozes down into every bite. This flavor-packed meal turns a few simple ingredients into a Tex-Mex bowl dream come true. With lots of flexibility for toppings and an irresistible combination of textures, you’ll want to tuck this recipe into your regular rotation, whether for a weeknight treat or weekend celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Steak Queso Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Steak Queso Rice comes from keeping things uncomplicated yet full of flavor. Each element works its magic to bring out savory, creamy, and delightfully fresh notes, so don’t skip or skimp—these ingredients are tried-and-true for good reason!

  • Steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye): Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bites that soak up the spices beautifully.
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to sear the steak and create that lovely outer crust.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for proper seasoning and highlighting the savoriness of both steak and rice.
  • Garlic powder, Paprika, Cumin: This trio brings depth and a gentle warmth to the steak strips, making each bite anything but bland.
  • Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Fragrant, fluffy rice bases the bowl and catches all that delicious queso.
  • Beef broth: Kick up the flavor of your rice by using broth instead of water—it makes every grain sing!
  • Butter: Makes the rice wonderfully rich and adds a subtle creamy finish.
  • White Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: The heroes behind that melty, dreamy queso sauce.
  • Heavy cream & Cream cheese: Make your queso luscious and silky—never grainy or gummy.
  • Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch, if you want to turn up the heat!
  • Fresh cilantro, jalapeño, sour cream, diced tomatoes (optional toppings): Sprinkle these on to add brightness, creaminess, and crunch with every bowlful.

How to Make Steak Queso Rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start with the rice, since it needs a bit of time to turn fluffy and flavorful. Pour the beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, stir in your rinsed rice, turn the heat down to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer away for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is soaked up and your rice is tender but not mushy. Fluff it with a fork and set aside—you’ll love how the beefy butter aroma fills your kitchen!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak

While the rice bubbles away, focus on the steak. Drop your strips into a bowl, sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin, then toss until every piece is coated in those colorful, aromatic spices. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add your steak in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side to give them a golden-brown crust while keeping the centers juicy. Let the steak rest for a few minutes off the heat so all the flavorful juices stay locked in!

Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce

This queso sauce is smooth, speedy, and absolutely dreamy—no need for store-bought! In a small saucepan over low heat, warm up the heavy cream and stir in the cream cheese until it melts into a creamy base. Gradually whisk in the white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, allowing each handful to melt before adding the next. Once it’s smooth, stir in garlic powder (and a pinch of cayenne, if you like a little kick). Keep the sauce warm on the lowest heat so it’s ready for drizzling.

Step 4: Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl

You’re just a few scoops away from Steak Queso Rice bliss! Spoon a generous mound of your buttery, fragrant rice into bowls, then top each with those juicy steak strips. Drizzle on the warm queso sauce—I find it’s impossible to use too much here, so go all in! The moment when the hot queso hits the rice and steak is pure magic.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take your bowls over the top with optional toppings: bright, chopped cilantro, a shower of diced tomatoes, spicy jalapeño slices, or a cooling dollop of sour cream. These finishing touches not only look gorgeous but add extra bursts of freshness and flavor in every forkful. Serve right away while everything is steamy and melty!

How to Serve Steak Queso Rice

Steak Queso Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

When it comes to Steak Queso Rice, garnishes truly make each bowl shine. Try a sprinkle of bright green cilantro for freshness or add gentle heat with sliced jalapeños. Chopped tomatoes or a quick pico de gallo not only make it picturesque but balance the richness with their natural tang. And don’t forget a cold, creamy dollop of sour cream to bring it all together.

Side Dishes

Complete your Steak Queso Rice feast with vibrant side dishes. A light, crispy salad with lime vinaigrette can cut through the richness, while warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy rice. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve alongside Mexican street corn or smoky black beans for a veggie boost that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with the presentation! Serve Steak Queso Rice in colorful bowls for a party-ready look, or, for a wow factor, use hollowed-out bell peppers or mini cast-iron skillets. Let guests build their own bowls with a toppings bar, or try it as a hearty filling stuffed into burritos or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter take. The options are as endless as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Steak Queso Rice keeps beautifully for a couple of days. Simply transfer each part—steak, rice, and queso—to separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This separation keeps everything tasting fresh, prevents soggy rice, and makes for easy reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for future cravings, stick to the steak and rice—place them in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The queso sauce doesn’t freeze as smoothly due to its creamy texture, but if you must, reheat it slowly and be sure to whisk it vigorously with a splash of milk to restore its silkiness.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat rice and steak gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Warm the queso sauce in a small saucepan over low heat (add extra cream if it’s too thick), stirring often until it’s smooth, and then assemble your Steak Queso Rice as usual. Each bowl will taste just as fresh as the first day!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Steak Queso Rice?

Absolutely! While sirloin, flank, or ribeye are classic, you can use any tender cut you love. Just be sure to slice it thinly across the grain for the most tender bites; even leftover grilled steak works wonders in this recipe.

What should I do if my queso sauce gets too thick?

Don’t worry—simply stir in a splash more heavy cream or even a bit of milk while gently reheating. This will loosen the sauce and bring back that ultra-silky texture you want draping over your Steak Queso Rice.

Is Steak Queso Rice spicy?

Only if you want it to be! By itself, the dish is mild and savory; the heat comes from the optional cayenne in the queso and from garnishes like jalapeño. Feel free to adjust or skip the spicy touches to match your taste.

Can I make Steak Queso Rice ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! Prep all the components in advance, keep them separate, and reheat when you’re ready to assemble. The queso can sit on low in a slow cooker, while the steak and rice reheat gently, making serving a total breeze for gatherings.

What’s the best way to make Steak Queso Rice gluten free?

Simply ensure your beef broth and all spice blends are certified gluten free—otherwise, every other ingredient in Steak Queso Rice is naturally friendly to a gluten free table. No swaps needed!

Final Thoughts

This Steak Queso Rice is everything you want in a comforting meal: hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor that’s impossible to resist. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Go ahead, treat yourself to this bowl of deliciousness—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Print

Steak Queso Rice Recipe

Indulge in a delicious fusion dish with this Steak Queso Rice recipe. Tender steak strips, flavorful rice, and creamy queso sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Season and Cook the Steak: In a bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. 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. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Keep warm on low heat.
  4. Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Steak Queso Rice, Steak Bowl, Queso Sauce, Mexican-American, Gluten Free

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